A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Nightlife, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Winston-Salem and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Winston-Salem and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Wisconsin Dells has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Winston-Salem is known for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

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

Winston-Salem offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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 Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Wisconsin Dells.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wisconsin Dells. 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 Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

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

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its old town. However, Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Winston-Salem to see the old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Winston-Salem offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

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

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Winston-Salem is a popular place for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is popular with students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.


Is Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Winston-Salem is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Wisconsin Dells

Winston-Salem and Wisconsin Dells both are decent when exploring on foot.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem 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, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Winston-Salem 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 Wisconsin Dells.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

The under-rated destination of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Winston-Salem 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.

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 Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. This city 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 Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Winston-Salem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, 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 Winston-Salem and Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem


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: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices and Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $42
    Wisconsin Dells $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14


When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Wisconsin Dells. The summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

Winston-Salem gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Wisconsin Dells. The shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wisconsin Dells can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Winston-Salem during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the spring, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)