A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Hiking, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Wisconsin Dells can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a relaxing, secluded, and natural island. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and beaches.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Jekyll Island and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Jekyll Island have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums, beaches, and hiking, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its food, nightlife, and resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Jekyll Island is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wisconsin Dells and Jekyll Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Jekyll Island is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Jekyll Island offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


Is the Food Better in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.


Is Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Jekyll Island is a great destination for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Jekyll Island is considered a top beach destination. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Jekyll Island is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Shoppers can find a variety of decent stores in both Jekyll Island and Wisconsin Dells.

Jekyll Island has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.


Is Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an extremely popular city to visit for families. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Jekyll Island is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

Is Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Both Jekyll Island and Wisconsin Dells are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

Wisconsin Dells is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Neither Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.


Is Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Jekyll Island Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells. In our opinion, Wisconsin Dells has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Wisconsin Dells than Jekyll Island. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Jekyll Island. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Wisconsin Dells, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Wisconsin Dells that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

The natural destination of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted destination of Wisconsin Dells. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

The island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and nightlife around the city of Wisconsin Dells. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Jekyll Island?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $156, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $142. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jekyll Island and Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Jekyll Island


Hotels in Wisconsin Dells


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells and Jekyll Island change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jekyll Island $45
    Wisconsin Dells $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
  • Haunted Downtown Tour of Baraboo: $16
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14


When comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Jekyll Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jekyll Island Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Jekyll Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Wisconsin Dells. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Wisconsin Dells. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Wisconsin Dells can be very cold. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)


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