A two-day winter trip to Boulder Junction
November 4, 2025
Boulder Junction is a great place to get out and play in the snow in northern Wisconsin. Not only are we home to great trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and some of the most exciting snowmobiling trails in the Northwoods, we’re also home of the first ice-skating ribbon in Wisconsin: The Glide at Boulder Junction Winter Park!
Before you go, be sure to check out Boulder Junction’s winter trail report for the latest conditions on our winter trails and download the free Map It Vilas County trails app, which will help you navigate your route even if you don’t have a cell signal.
Here are a couple ideas for a fun winter weekend (or mid-week) getaway to Boulder Junction.
For skiers and snowshoers
Day 1
Arrive in Boulder Junction and check in to a friendly hotel, cabin, or resort—whether you’re looking for a secluded lakeside stay or a hotel with easy access to the snowmobile trails, you’re sure to find a lodging property that’s ready to welcome you. Want to hit the trails right away? Head to the Escanaba Trail, an intermediate cross-country skiing trail groomed for classic skiing. A state trail pass is required for skiing. Pets are not allowed when there is snow on the ground.
Day 2
The nearby WinMan Trails (which take their name from their location between the communities of Winchester and Manitowish Waters) span 1,300 acres of rolling hills a short drive west of Boulder Junction. Classic and skate skiers will find plenty to love here, with more than 13 miles of trails to explore. There are also seven miles of trail loops for snowshoers to explore.
Learn more about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Boulder Junction.
For snowmobilers
Day 1
Boulder Junction is home to more than 125 miles of expertly groomed snowmobile trails, so there’s always somewhere to go on your sled. (Need to rent a snowmobile in the area? Check out Boulder Marine Center.) There are also lots of trailside lodging properties with plenty of parking so you can get up and ride first thing in the morning.
On your first day exploring the Northwoods, take a roughly 40-mile day trip to explore the stunning winter scenery and some of the lakes south and east of Boulder Junction. Head south on Trail #15 until you hit Trail #11, then head east, past Star Lake, Lone Tree Lake, and Little Star Lake. Once you reach the community of Star Lake, head north along Trail #8, which passes alongside the north shore of White Sand Lake on your way back into downtown Boulder Junction.
Day 2
If you’re up for a little longer ride on your second day in the Northwoods, you can take a roughly 50-mile loop through the communities of Presque Isle and Winchester. Again, follow Trail #15—but north this time—out of downtown Boulder Junction until you hit trail sign 881, which will lead you to Trail #6, which takes you past Lynx Lake and Presque Isle Lake heading into the town of Presque Isle. Continue along the trail as it passes Winchester, then follow Trail #2 back east into downtown Boulder Junction.
Read more about these trail rides here. Learn more about snowmobiling in Boulder Junction.
Full snowmobile trail maps are available at restaurants, bars, hotels, gas stations, and other retailers in the area, as well as at the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce.
For Ice Skaters
Day 1
The Glide at Boulder Junction Winter Park is one of the newest recreational offerings in Boulder Junction, courtesy of the Boulder Junction Parks Board. Featuring a .8 mile loop through a snow-covered forest, The Glide offers a new and invigorating way to explore. Whether you take the loop once or ten times, it’s great way to spend an afternoon. In addition to The Glide, Boulder Junction’s Winter Park has a full-sized ice skating rink, sledding hill, warming hut, fire pit, and pavilion.
Need ice skates? Some are available at Winter Park for visitors to borrow but sizing and availability is not guaranteed. Coontail in downtown Boulder Junction offers skates available to rent, just pick them up on your way to Winter Park!
After a day on the ice you’ll need to warm up with a hearty meal, check out these restaurants for the perfect choice. And of course, you’ll find the perfect place to stay here.
Day 2
Grab your coffee and breakfast pastries and get back outside! Head back to The Glide or visit an area lake for even more ice skating.
Before you leave, don’t forget to grab some souvenirs from our downtown shops!