3 scenic fall drives in Boulder Junction

September 3, 2024

Hit the road this fall to discover some of northern Wisconsin’s most outstanding seasonal scenery. Here’s a look at three fall color drives that will take you through stunning sections of the Northwoods—plus a bonus route for folks looking to explore the area on their bikes.

Rustic Road 60

For more than 50 years, Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads program has promoted some of the very best drives in the state, highlighting scenic, lightly traveled back roads from the banks of the Mississippi River to the heart of the Northwoods. Rustic Road 60 (known locally as County Highway K) is Vilas County’s only official Rustic Road, and the 12-mile route runs from County Highway M south of Boulder Junction east toward the community of Star Lake. Drivers and motorcyclists will enjoy the views amid a canopy of coniferous and hardwood trees along the route as they pass several lakes, including White Sand Lake, White Birch Lake, and Ballard Lake.

Learn more about Rustic Road 60 here.

Ben Bendrick Drive

Don’t let this route’s short length fool you—even though it’s less than 2 miles long, this fall drive boasts some of the area’s best fall color viewing opportunities. Ben Bendrick Drive is located on the east side of Trout Lake and runs roughly parallel to County Highway M on a winding route through Vilas County forests.

Passing through the U.P.

If you’re up for a longer drive through fall color country, check out this roughly 85-mile route that starts in Boulder Junction and goes through Land O’ Lakes and Presque Isle in Vilas County and Watersmeet and Marinesco in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Starting in downtown Boulder Junction, head north on County Highway M then east on County Highway B to U.S. Highway 45 in Land O’ Lakes. Take 45 north into the U.P to Watersmeet, then head west on U.S. Highway 2 to Marinesco. Take M-64 south back into Wisconsin, where it turns into County Highway B in Vilas County. Follow B south and east through Presque Isle and back to M, where you can head south and return to Boulder Junction.

A two-wheel alternative: The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail

There are lots of other ways to take in Boulder Junction’s fall colors, too, from hiking to boating to fishing. But bikers can enjoy one of the best routes through the Northwoods: the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail, which spans more than 50 miles through beautiful northern Wisconsin scenery. In Boulder Junction, the trail passes by North and South Trout Lake, through downtown, and along County Highway K before connecting with the Manitowish Waters section to the west. To the south of Trout Lake, the trail follows County Highway N and heads east into the communities of Sayner and St. Germain.

Learn more about the Heart of Vila County Bike Trail here.