Wisconsin Dells is a high energy city known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Wisconsin Dells?
You should plan to spend around $174 per day on your vacation in Wisconsin Dells. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $74 on meals
- $35 on local transportation
- $141 on hotels
A one week trip to Wisconsin Dells for two people costs, on average, $2,436. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,218
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,436
-
One Month
Per person
$5,220
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,436
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,872
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,440
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Wisconsin Dells cost?
A one week trip to Wisconsin Dells usually costs around $1,218 for one person and $2,436 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Wisconsin Dells on average costs around $2,436 for one person and $4,872 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Wisconsin Dells will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Wisconsin Dells on average costs around $5,220 for one person and $10,440 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Wisconsin Dells expensive to visit?
Wisconsin Dells is a popular city among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Wisconsin Dells to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $75 per day, mid-range travelers spend $174 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $343 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Wisconsin Dells.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Wisconsin Dells is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to New Bern or Round Pond.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Wisconsin Dells?
The average Wisconsin Dells trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Wisconsin Dells travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Wisconsin Dells cost?
Wisconsin Dells on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$30
|
$70
|
$148
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$15
|
$35
|
$67
|
|
Food 2
|
$33
|
$74
|
$140
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$20
|
$46
|
$88
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
|
$5-14
|
$9-26
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Wisconsin Dells. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $75 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Wisconsin Dells will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $174 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $343 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Professional Photoshoot in Wisconsin Dells - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Wisconsin Dells
The hotel prices in Wisconsin Dells might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $135, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $252. Prices vary from $75 to $511, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Wisconsin Dells for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $141. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $70 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Wisconsin Dells include:
- Wyndham Vacation Resorts At Glacier Canyon starting at $142
- Tamarack Wisconsin Dells a Ramada by Wyndham starting at $134
- Bluegreen Vacations Christmas Mountain Village an Ascend Resort starting at $152
- Black Hawk Motel starting at $72
- All Star Inn & Suites starting at $59
Wisconsin Dells is known as a family-friendly city, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Wisconsin Dells
In Wisconsin Dells, the public transit system is not very good. There's no real public transportation in the area.
Unfortunately, many areas of the city do not support walking. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $35 per person, per day, on local transportation in Wisconsin Dells. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Wisconsin Dells is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$35
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Wisconsin Dells? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Wisconsin Dells will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Wisconsin Dells
The cuisine in Wisconsin Dells is nice, but it's not the main attraction for tourists. There are still some delightful finds around the city that are worth exploring. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Wisconsin Dells can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Wisconsin Dells is $74 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$74
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Wisconsin Dells is around $74 ($74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $33 to $140. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Wisconsin Dells are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
The area has no shortage of family friendly chain and local restaurants to choose from. There's a Cheesecake Factory, a handful of Mexican options, pizza, subs, and more. There are also a few pubs and bars where you can grab a drink, and a few higher end restaurants, some with views, if you're interested in a more fine dining experience.
When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Wisconsin Dells
Tourists are naturally attracted to Wisconsin Dells due to its family-friendly activities, nightlife, food, and resorts.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Wisconsin Dells typically cost an average of $46 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$46
In addition to the many amusement and water parks in the area, Wisconsin Dells also has some fun museums. The Circus World Museum, Ripley's Believe it or Not!, and the Mid-Continent Railway Museum are all favorites of visitors. There are also a couple of theaters in the area where you can catch a show. For a unique experience, check out the Tommy Bartlett Show which features a water skier. For something a little more traditional, head to the Rick Wilcox Theater.
Amusement parks in the area are popular and there are a number that you can choose from. Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park is a favorite, as is Noah's Ark Waterpark. There are also many resorts in the area that have their own water parks. The most recognizable one is Great Wolf Lodge, but there is also Kalahari Resort, Wilderness Resort, Chula Vista Resort, and more.
If you plan to visit the area in the winter, expect snow. It's possible to go cross-country skiing in some places, as well as other winter activities. If you're looking for a place to stay, check out these cozy winter cabins in Wisconsin.
There are also a number of boat tours in the area. Upper & Lower Dells Boat Tours runs services between April and October. Wisconsin Ducks also operates boat and land tours in the area.
A nice way to explore destinations in Wisconsin Dells is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells for $24 details
Nightlife Budget in Wisconsin Dells
The nightlife experience in Wisconsin Dells is both fun and vibrant, with visitors enjoying nights out at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.14 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Wisconsin Dells per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.14
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Traveling in Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells
Located in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells offers natural beauty, fun rivers, and some of the area's most famous theme parks. Wisconsin Dells is one of the two towns that make up "The Dells." The other town, Lake Delton, is another popular Midwestern tourist spot.
Wisconsin Dells is about an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It's famous for its striking rock formations and scenic bluffs. The town's name comes from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, which is an impressive gorge that was originally formed by a glacier.
Neighborhoods & Around
The Dells is actually made up of two separate towns - Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton. The area is made up of a downtown area and outer regions that include lakes, rivers, and forested areas. The Wisconsin River is also divided into an "Upper" and "Lower" Dells which refers to areas above and below the Hydro-Electric Dam. Each area has a different landscape and the geography is different. You can take boat tours of either the Upper Dells or the Lower Dells.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.