Scenic drive on a highway in Boulder Junction WI

4 reasons fall is a great time to visit Boulder Junction

August 16, 2023

  • 1. Outstanding scenery

    This one was obvious, right? Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Boulder Junction is one of the most scenic destinations in the state for fall color, as it’s surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of public land in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (NHAL). Here are a few great ways to take in the fall color in northern Wisconsin:

    • Fall color drives: Boulder Junction is home to one of Wisconsin’s scenic Rustic Roads: Rustic Road 60, also known as County Highway K, which runs from just south of downtown to the nearby community of Star Lake. Other spots for scenic drives include Ben Bendrick Drive and County Highway B.
    • Hiking and biking: Get out of the car and stretch your legs as you walk or bike along Boulder Junction’s great recreational trails. The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail passes through Boulder Junction and connects to several other Northwoods communities. The North Trout Lake Nature Trail is located in the NHAL and offers beautiful views of Trout Lake.

  • 2. Fabulous fishing

    Fall is also the perfect time to cast for musky, trout, walleye, bass, panfish, and more in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. There are nearly 200 lakes located within 10 miles of downtown Boulder Junction, including 50 Class-A musky lakes (there’s a reason we’re known as the Musky Capital of the World®, after all). Whether you’re fishing from shore or headed out with one of the area’s experienced, knowledgeable guides, you’re sure to have a great day on the lake. (Plus, the fall color’s bound to be impressive, no matter how many fish you catch.)

  • 3. Fun, festive events

    Boulder Junction’s event calendar is filled with exciting community events all year long, from live music to fishing seminars to everything in between. The fun doesn’t stop when fall comes to northern Wisconsin, either, when visitors show up for the annual Colorama Arts & Crafts Festival (which has been highlighting artists and crafters from around the region for more than 30 years), the Boulder Junction Lions Club’s annual walleye fishing tournament, and more.

    Find more Boulder Junction events here.

  • 4. Great places to stay

    Fall is a great time for a quick getaway to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, as the summer crowds are gone and it’s generally quieter on the trails, in the restaurants, and at Boulder Junction’s lodges, resorts, hotels, and vacation homes. We’ve got everything you need, whether you’re looking for a classic log cabin or a hotel with all the amenities.