A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Milwaukee vs. Glacier National Park for Backpackers, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Glacier National Park 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.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Milwaukee and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Milwaukee and Glacier National Park are popular destinations, Glacier National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glacier National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also well known for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier National Park and Milwaukee. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Milwaukee is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Milwaukee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


Is the Food Better in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Milwaukee and Glacier National Park.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Milwaukee. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Glacier National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Milwaukee is a popular place for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Milwaukee. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a park with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Milwaukee is a popular place for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Milwaukee is a great destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Both Milwaukee and Glacier National Park are nice to visit with kids.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Glacier National Park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.


Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Glacier National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Milwaukee is a popular place for students. However, Glacier National Park is not popular with students.

Milwaukee is a good city to visit for students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Glacier National Park is not popular with students.


Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Milwaukee and Glacier National Park.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Milwaukee or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Glacier National Park

Milwaukee is a popular place for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

Milwaukee is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable city. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milwaukee and Glacier National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Glacier National Park than in Milwaukee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Milwaukee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Glacier National Park than Milwaukee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Glacier National Park that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

In Milwaukee, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find around the park of Glacier National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Glacier National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

Milwaukee is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking park of Glacier National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Glacier National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier National Park or Milwaukee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $176, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $127. 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 Milwaukee and Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Glacier National Park? 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 Milwaukee


Hotels in Glacier National Park


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Glacier National Park $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park and Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $52
    Glacier National Park $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Local Food Tour: $97
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glacier National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Glacier National Park.

  • Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milwaukee $26
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • The Grand Milwaukee Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $12
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $220
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $220
  • Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure - With Lunch!: $152
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $157
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Half Day Bike and Hike Tour in around Whitefish: $175
  • Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure: $87
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Glacier National Park $8.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milwaukee and Glacier National Park, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Milwaukee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milwaukee than you might in Glacier National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Milwaukee Expensive? and Is Glacier National Park Expensive?.


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