A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Wisconsin Dells for Attractions, Families, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Wisconsin Dells. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Saint Louis and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Saint Louis and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Wisconsin Dells has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wisconsin Dells is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also well known for Noah's Ark Water Park. Saint Louis is famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Saint Louis different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Wisconsin Dells can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Wisconsin Dells has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

Saint Louis is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is very family-friendly. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Louis is very family-friendly. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Is Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Saint Louis and Wisconsin Dells both nice destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

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

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Saint Louis can get you to some places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Saint Louis is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis than Wisconsin Dells. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Louis that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Wisconsin Dells if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Louis.

One day in Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

The under rated destination of Saint Louis offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Wisconsin Dells. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Saint Louis offers food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The lighthearted city of Wisconsin Dells offers nightlife and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Saint Louis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Louis than you might in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Wisconsin Dells, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Wisconsin Dells. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. Saint Louis is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Wisconsin Dells.

In the spring, Saint Louis is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Saint Louis