A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park? 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 high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Wisconsin Dells and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Wisconsin Dells and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular with visitors, Wisconsin Dells has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park?

Plenty of people visit the decent sights and museums in both Wisconsin Dells and Joshua Tree National Park.

Wisconsin Dells offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wisconsin Dells is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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 Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Wisconsin Dells is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park. In our opinion, Wisconsin Dells has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Joshua Tree National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Joshua Tree National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Wisconsin Dells. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wisconsin Dells. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

The national park of Joshua Tree National Park offers . 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Joshua Tree National Park?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.