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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Durango? 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Wisconsin Dells and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Durango. Although Wisconsin Dells and Durango are popular destinations, Durango has more sights and attractions for tourists. Durango is very popular for its skiing, museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Durango is famous for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. It is also well known for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a skiing destination.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Wisconsin Dells is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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 Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Durango to see the old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Durango and Wisconsin Dells.

If you're looking to go shopping, Wisconsin Dells has some nice offerings. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Durango has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango offers some nice Christmas activities. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Durango is a very kid-friendly city. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Neither Wisconsin Dells or Durango offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Durango a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells and Durango both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

Durango is generally not a very walkable city. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wisconsin Dells and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than in Durango. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango 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 Durango.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wisconsin Dells has to offer.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This small town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Durango, 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.