A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. Salt Lake City for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City? 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.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a architectural, notable, and religious city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Wisconsin Dells and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salt Lake City. Although Wisconsin Dells and Salt Lake City are both popular with visitors, Salt Lake City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salt Lake City is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its nightlife and resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Salt Lake City is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also home to Temple Square.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Salt Lake City both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Salt Lake City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Wisconsin Dells is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Wisconsin Dells and Salt Lake City both have good trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Salt Lake City. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Salt Lake City offers some nice shopping areas. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

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

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Salt Lake City make for a good place to visit.

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.

Salt Lake City is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

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

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Salt Lake City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells and Salt Lake City both are decent 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.

Salt Lake City is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City?

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find food and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The architectural destination of Salt Lake City offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Salt Lake City?

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

The city of Salt Lake City offers scuba diving and snorkeling 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.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Salt Lake City 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.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Wisconsin Dells. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Salt Lake City. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wisconsin Dells and Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City 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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Salt Lake City, 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.