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

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee?

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

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

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a serene, beautiful, and scenic national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Shenandoah National Park and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Skyline Drive
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
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


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Shenandoah National Park and Milwaukee are both popular with visitors, Shenandoah National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also home to Skyline Drive. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Shenandoah National Park is a national park with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Shenandoah National Park is a great destination to visit. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.


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

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

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

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Shenandoah National Park is a national park with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Shenandoah National Park has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Shenandoah National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Around Shenandoah National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Milwaukee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Shenandoah National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Shenandoah National Park is very family-friendly. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee. 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.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

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

Shenandoah National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Shenandoah National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

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

Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.


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

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Shenandoah National Park
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable national park. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

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

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Shenandoah National Park than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Milwaukee 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 Shenandoah National Park.


  • How many days in Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shenandoah National Park 3-5 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee?

You'll find skiing and food around the national park of Shenandoah 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.

With shopping and museums around the friendly city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and skiing around the serene destination of Shenandoah National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee?

You'll find skiing and food around the beautiful national park of Shenandoah National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the undiscovered city of Milwaukee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee?

Shenandoah 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.

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Shenandoah National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenandoah National Park is $125, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $176. 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 Shenandoah National Park and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenandoah National Park $53
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenandoah National Park $106
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Milwaukee

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


Hotels in Milwaukee


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.
    Shenandoah National Park $70
    Milwaukee $38

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

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

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

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

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • 2 Hour Sailing Adventure in Lake Michigan (up to 6 people): $128
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $246
  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $53
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $67
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • 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: $11
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $650
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $483
  • Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14
    Milwaukee $33

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 Shenandoah National Park and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee?

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 Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Milwaukee. The summer months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

In July, Shenandoah National Park is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 77°F (25°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In July, Shenandoah National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milwaukee. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Milwaukee. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene.

Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milwaukee can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenandoah National Park. In the winter, Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in January average around 32°F (-0°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In January, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Shenandoah National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Shenandoah National Park is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 54°F (12°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)