Campfire on lake in Boulder Junction Wisconsin

Wonderful Reasons to Visit Boulder Junction in the Fall

November 21, 2023

Find a new view, enjoy the outdoors or explore some of the Northwoods’ haunted past in Boulder Junction. Smaller seasonal crowds, abundant fresh air and wide-open spaces make this Vilas County destination a perfect place for your stress-free autumn adventure in northern Wisconsin.

A place to get away

If you’re feeling cooped up, there’s no better place to go than Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Boulder Junction offers a welcome respite to big-city life, as you’ll find more than 1,000 lakes within 10 miles of town, as well as trails, forests and natural areas where it’s easy to get away from the crowds. Hop in the car, head north and enjoy beautiful Boulder Junction this fall.

Cozy cabins, cottages & more

Imagine yourself curling up next to a crackling fire with a cup of coffee as you look out on a tree-lined northern Wisconsin lake. You’ll find that experience at lots of Boulder Junction’s welcoming cabins, cottages and resorts. Looking for a home base to launch your fall exploration? Book a stay at one of the area’s friendly hotels or motels.

Spooky sights abound

It’s almost the time of year for ghosts and goblins to appear, but did you know that the Boulder Junction area is home to some spooky spots of its own? Head by foot or bike on Stevenson Creek (east of Highway M across from Trout Lake) to find the remnants of a former 1920s resort. As the story goes, all the bed & breakfast’s guests (and even the owners) mysteriously abandoned the property one day—all that’s left now is the 40-foot-tall stone “Stevenson Chimney” marking the site. Another Boulder Junction ghost story says Headwaters, the town’s oldest tavern, is haunted by the specter of a mysterious red lady.

Head north into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to find the spectral Paulding Light—about a 45-minute drive from Boulder Junction on Old U.S. Hwy. 45—said to be either the ghost of a railroad brakeman or a Native American.

Of course, Boulder Junction is also home to a herd of “ghost deer”—but don’t be scared, it’s just a group of albino deer that you might see roaming the woods.

Get out and play

Fall is a wonderful time to explore the trails in and around Boulder Junction, whether you’re hiking through splendid fall color or biking between charming Northwoods communities.

Launch your boat and land a trophy fish on Boulder Junction’s great fishing lakes. And remember—fall is prime musky season in the Northwoods.

Headed to Boulder Junction for hunting season? Gear up for your outdoor adventure at Northern Highland Sports and pick up your license at Coontail.