Must-see scenic drives in Boulder Junction

October 16, 2023

Enjoy the Northwoods’ fall beauty from behind the wheel (or on your motorcycle). Here are two scenic drives you can take this fall using Boulder Junction as your starting point.

Rustic Road 60

Wisconsin is home to more than 100 Rustic Roads—lightly traveled local roads throughout the state designed by the Department of Transportation for their natural features and scenic beauty—and one of the prettiest ones is located just outside Boulder Junction. For a roughly 35-mile driving loop that takes you on Rustic Road 60 (Vilas County’s only Rustic Road), follow Highway M south from downtown Boulder Junction to Highway K (you should see the brown-and-yellow Rustic Road sign). Take Highway K east toward Star Lake, and you’ll pass scenic sights including White Sand Lake, White Birch Lake, and even an old sawmill. Once you reach Star Lake, head south on Highway N and follow the road through Sayner until you hit Highway M. Head north back into Boulder Junction, enjoying the scenery along the way.

Into the U.P.

Up for a longer drive? A fall auto tour into the northern reaches of Vilas County and even the Upper Peninsula is another good way to take in astonishing autumn sights. One good route for a morning or afternoon drive (about 85 miles total) is a loop from Boulder Junction to Land O’ Lakes and then into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, before coming back to Boulder Junction through Presque Isle. From downtown Boulder Junction, head north on Highway M to Highway B. Head east into Land O’ Lakes until you hit U.S. Highway 45 (if you want to see the source of the Wisconsin River, head a little farther east to Lac Vieux Desert). Head north on Highway 45 into the U.P. and then west on U.S. Highway 2 to Marinesco. From there, it’s a relatively quick and scenic drive south on M-64/County Highway B and County M back to Boulder.

Find a place to stay

If you’re looking for a place to recharge during your fall adventures or just want to stay closer to town and enjoy fall activities and amenities, check out Boulder Junction’s welcoming lodging properties.