I Am Boulder Junction
Boulder Junction is not just any vacation destination—mention Boulder Junction to someone who’s spent time here and you’ll find a shared connection. This place, with its lakes and forests and quaint downtown, is simply like no other. It’s easy to fall in love with Boulder Junction.
And at the heart of Boulder Junction is its people. The chef who visits your table and is happy to share a cooking secret. The resort owner who remembers you (and your parents, too!) from the last time you stayed here. The shopkeeper who offers you a wine sampling and a funny story from the day before. Like the towering pines, fresh air, and glacial lakes, these people help make this place Boulder Junction.
Learn more about the unique residents who help make our community what it is.
Purchase I Am Boulder Junction merchandise here.
Sara Smith
Manager, Acorn Lodge & Hotel
I started visiting Boulder Junction when I was 8 years old. My Grandpa had house on Wildcat Lake and we spent every summer up here. I enjoy being part of Boulder Junction and upholding the longtime legacy we have here.
Erv Keller
Fishing Guide, Erv Keller Guide Service
Because my first love is fishing, I came to Boulder Junction with my business over 15 years ago. I’ve developed a greater appreciated for the people, wildlife and changing seasons. When I am not on the water fishing and exploring new lakes, I enjoy dining with friends and helping promote Boulder Junction by participating in sport and travel shows along with local events like Music on Main Street, Musky Days, Fishing Seminars and Harvest Fest.
View Business John and Sue Altschwager
Owners, White Birch Village Resort
Boulder Junction is the place we have called home since 2006. Together, we own and operate White Birch Village Resort which has been in our family since 1982. John has been in the hospitality industry for over 40 years and enjoys all outdoor activities, especially hunting and fishing. Sue finds relaxation in cooking, working with kids at church and spending time with the grandchildren. We are grateful for the friendly, supportive and inviting people in Boulder Junction. Our community has a progressive business attitude and you are sure to feel welcomed and embraced when you visit.
View Business Ron and Linda Reinowski
Owners, The Ice Shanty
We have owned a home in Boulder Junction since 2016. Ron has been going up since he was a kid. We began running the Ice Shanty in 2022 and have loved every minute of it. Sharing time with familiar faces and making new friends is the highlight of owning a business. We see the same people coming back every day when they are up here on vacation. It’s been really great getting to know them.
Bill Sherer
Fly Fishing Guide, Bill Sherer’s We Tie It Fly Shop
Since the 1970s, I have enjoyed fishing and biking when I get the chance, but just sitting on my patio, listening to the wind in the trees, the birds at my feeders and the solitude of the forest pleases me as much as almost anything else. We are a tight knit community centered on fishing - Boulder Junction is first and foremost a fishing village, that is our claim to fame! All other enterprises within our town are supportive of that concept, they are all welcomed and fit very nicely with our image, all the businesses within Boulder Junction support each other and could not exist to the same extent without that support. Enhancements like the silent sports trails and recreational opportunities are also a huge benefit to our town we are making a difference in the region and other towns are following our lead - it's nice to be recognized as a leader in outdoor recreation in our region. Um, I really don't have much free time.
View Business Kevin Mantz
Owner, Lakewood Market
I spent a lot of time in the area as a kid, and in 2016 built a house on the Manitowish Chain. We wanted to try and enjoy life before it passed us by and made the career change to owning the store. The customers are great, the people are great, and the community really does work together. There's so much to do here; we fish all year long, go biking, go snowshoeing. I'm always telling people to "just get outside!"
Bob Bertch
Fishing Guide, Bob’s Manitowish Guide Service
We love the Northwoods period! The nature, the scenery, the lakes, the people, and the lifestyle! Most of my days throughout the open water season are spent fishing but I also enjoy bowling and walks in the woods. My wife, Laura and I enjoy volunteering for a variety of local events, the Chamber and the Lions Club. During the winter, vacation cruises with friends and family are a nice break. We really enjoy time spent with family (all of whom live in the Northwoods) during the holidays and birthdays and anytime we can get together. We also love to play cards.
Sonny Wuestenhagen
Owner, Grassy Creek Ranch
Living in Boulder Junction for over 20 years and owning and operating Grassy Creek Ranch for over 15 years has allowed me to interact with so many walks of life. I really enjoy my time riding horses, teaching all ages to ride and the conversations we have when out on the trails.
The Cabin and Home Owners
Owners, Wildcat Cabins & Homes
We are a group of individuals who own vacation homes at Wildcat Cabins, formally Wildcat Inn and Lodge which began operating in 1926. Many of us first came to Wildcat as guests, but loved the Boulder Junction town and surrounding area so much we stayed as owners. We were drawn by the quiet Northwoods feel of the Wildcat chain, with proximity to the quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants of Boulder Junction, and the area’s amazing variety of outdoor activities ranging from fishing to biking to paddling to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. We all find Boulder Junction to be a destination for all seasons and are delighted to share our little piece of paradise with vacationers who choose to rent our homes.
View Business Lois Smith
Owner, Violets & Lace Antiques
The best part of owning a business in Boulder Junction is adding to the appeal and variety of the town as well as personal contact and making friends. If you are doing what you love, you never have a day of going to work. My favorite activities include fishing, deer hunting with a crossbow, and biking 12-20 miles on my e-bike with my husband, Al.
The Mastalski Family
Owners, Lake View Lodge
We love Boulder Junction because it is such a beautiful, small town. We look forward to our trips up here every year to relax and enjoy the quiet. Our kids especially enjoy all the festivals and flea markets the area has throughout the year. There is nothing better than coming home to our house in the woods, looking out at the lake, and knowing all you need to do is relax! In our free time, we love to spend some quality family time. Whether playing games, having a fire and cooking s’mores, taking our kids on a nature walk through the woods, or relaxing on the lake, we always find something to do together.
View Business Janny Thomas
Owner, Boulder Junction Trading Company
I go way back … owned a restaurant & worked at Coontail for 15 years prior to opening Boulder Junction Trading Company. Boulder Junction is very community minded and the feeling of being part of this community brings me warmth. Our number one priority at Boulder Junction Trading Company is our customers. They can expect to find unique items they would not find at home, with plenty of samples and hands on opportunities to test products.
Brian and Jennifer Avery
Owners, Camp Holiday Campground
We bought Camp Holiday in June of 2020. Since running our business in Boulder Junction, we have made so many friends and have found that Boulder Junction is such a welcoming and cute little town with a wide variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Camp Holiday is open from May to October, and we are seasonal residents, but Brian always comes back when the snow flies to hit the impeccably groomed and scenic snowmobile trails
June Gregorek
Owner, Junebug’s Oswego Lake Resort
Being a resort owner is a lot of fun for me. My husband Jerry and I enjoy interacting with our guests, sharing snowmobiling stories and fishing tales. The peace and quiet of the area is, to me, our greatest asset.
View Business Haley Hiller and Dylan Schutt
Owners, Boulder Junction Coffee Company
I (Haley) was born and raised in Boulder Junction. Dylan and I opened Boulder Junction Coffee Co. in 2020 and have found a sense of community in our business. Our customers have become family, we trust our neighbors, and count on them for suggestions. Autumn is my favorite season … the perfect weather, fall colors … the best.
Phil Lewandowski
President, Boulder Junction Lions Club
We are the Boulder Junction Lions Club and we are Boulder Junction. We truly enjoy coordinating and participating in events which help us to better serve our community. We provide a Chicken Pork Dinner in May to raise funds, participate in the 4th of July parade, help with the BJVFD Chicken BBQ, raise funds with the Cash Raffle, participate with the Musky Jamboree Food Tent, run a summer long flea market which raises 1/2 of our budget, raising funds for our youth with the Colorama Dinner in September, sponsoring the Walleye Classic in October, the children's Christmas Party & our own Lions/Lioness Christmas party in December. We enjoy our convention in April and Zone Dinner in February. We collect eyeglasses and ink cartridges, perform vision screening at North Lakeland School during the school year and tree planting with the first grade in May. The Food for Kidz program became a Lions district-wide program for our district in October 2020 which provides 180,000 packaged meals to local food pantries and around the world.
View Business Angie and Tim Murphy
Owners, Murphy’s High Lake Cabins
We are proud to be business owners in the Boulder Junction area for 25 years. We love the small town friendly atmosphere which is rich in history and tradition. The wildlife and beautiful scenery are like none other. Surrounded by lakes is a blessing. Autumn leaves are gorgeous against the bluest of skies. This town will capture your heart and soul. In our spare time we enjoy reading, cooking, going out to eat, shopping at flea markets and little shops. Leisurely walking, exploring and establishing the traditions of Boulder with our grandchildren and extended family are extremely important to us.
View Business Sara Muender
Owner - Artist - Designer, Moondeer & Friends Gallery
As an artist and the owner of my own gallery, most of my time is spent in the gallery itself, keeping everything in order and "takin' care of business". Any free time I have is spent relaxing at home or dining out with friends at one of the fine restaurants in Boulder Junction. Since the gallery is closed in February/March/April, I am able to get away to the Caribbean island of St. Martin for two months a year, where I also sell my art work, spend a lot of time on the beach and hang with friends. I live in the neighboring town of Manitowish Waters, but opened my gallery in Boulder Junction in 2001. Since I moved to this area in 1976, Boulder Junction has always been the most upscale town in the area: Fine shops, galleries and restaurants; everything conveniently located in a roughly 2-block area. People can park easily on Main Street and walk around for an entire day. I love that Boulder Junction continues to attract a more upscale clientele whom I know will enjoy the gallery.
Fran Theil
Owner, Sweet Emma’s
Moving to Boulder Junction from Illinois over 30 years ago was definitely the right decision. The people who live here will always come to your aid if needed and we respect each other as a whole. I opened Sweet Emma’s vacation rental 15 years ago and the setting matches my personal interests perfectly. The lovely gardens allow me to take a break from other tasks throughout my busy days and being that this rental home is located on the Manitowish River is fantastic because I love to canoe the river.
View Business Jim Tait
Owner, Jim Tait Real Estate
My Boulder Junction roots go back to 1953 when visiting my grandparents. Jim Tait Real Estate is a family owned business that started in 1974 and I moved to Boulder Junction in 1989. I have enjoyed many outdoor activities including but not limited to hunting, canoeing, sailing, fishing, hiking, motor biking and gathering around the campfire enjoying conversations with family, friends and my two Labradors (Sly and Q). Outdoor recreation is top of this list in Boulder Junction and so are the residents and visitors. I have enjoyed traveling the world, but Boulder Junction has the most friendly and sincere town people you could ever find. Between fine people you can count on and living in such a beautiful area full of recreational opportunities, why would you choose any other place to call home?
View Business Jeff Long
Agent, Century 21 Pierce Realty LLC
I was born and raised in Boulder Junction and hold this community very near and dear to my heart. My family owned businesses in Boulder Junction as I was growing up and I also was a small business owner for many years. I had the honor of serving the community while Town Chairman of Boulder Junction for 25 years. AND I was crowned the one and only “Musky King” as a child. Boulder Junction is a small friendly, town. It is a great place to live and raise a family. And very easy to get involved in community. When I am not working on community projects and selling real estate, I am enjoy walking my dog, fishing and hunting.
Stephen Coon
General Manager, Coontail Adventures
I grew up in the Northwoods and with my parents having businesses in Boulder Junction, I started working in the store at a young age. I moved back to the area after being away for a while and am now running multiple Coontail locations. Boulder Junction is filled with charming businesses and friendly residents. In my off time you will likely find me on the water. I love all watersports and one of my favorites is kite boarding.
Our Team
Camp Staff, Camp Manito-wish YMCA
For over a hundred years we’ve called Boulder Junction our home. The lakes, tall pines, northern lights and welcoming community provide the perfect backdrop to transform the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow. Watch for our orange canoes on the waterways! We couldn’t imagine being anywhere else! We are Boulder Junction!
View Business Stephen Coon
General Manager, Coontail
I grew up in the Northwoods and with my parents having businesses in Boulder Junction, I started working in the store at a young age. I moved back to the area after being away for a while and am now running multiple Coontail locations. Boulder Junction is filled with charming businesses and friendly residents. In my off time you will likely find me on the water. I love all watersports and one of my favorites is kite boarding.
View Business Michelle Mauzer
Branch Manager, Associated Bank
Proud to say that I have been living and working in Boulder Junction for over 30 years! I love the involvement of our community's citizens and their desire to make it an even better place. When I am not banking, I am participating in outdoor activities from camping and kayaking to snowmobiling, ATVing and hunting.
View Business Liz Unkefer
Owner, Headwaters Restaurant & Tavern
We bought Headwaters in January of 2023 and have restaurants in Door County as well. Growing up in Boulder Junction and working at places around the world, it is completing the full circle to bring all we have learned back to where we were as kids. It also is important to show the kids people used to know are making a positive impact in the community. Boulder Junction sets itself apart by the residents. The people and the beauty of the Northwoods have always had a place in our hearts.
Dawn and Greg Shaw
Owners, Shaw Building & Design, Inc
We love the community spirit, we love all the people we've met and interact with, we love the weather and the scenery, and the way things are different from the bigger cities. We love running into friends who have also chosen Boulder Junction for the landing spot. The music in this town is awesome! Fishing, boating, biking, hiking, paddle boarding, time with friends and family are the best. Cool nights - the stars are amazing. Reading and just sitting on the pier looking at the lake and the birds – that’s what I love about Boulder Junction!
View Business Cherie Sanderson
Library Director, Boulder Junction Public Library
I fell in love with Boulder Junction many, many years ago while visiting with my boyfriend's (now husband) family. We came to town to eat breakfast at the Outdoorsman. My first impression was that it was just like the fictional small Alaska town in the TV series Northern Exposure - which was my favorite show at the time. Little did I know I would live here someday! Now that I've lived here for 20 years, I still love the small-town vibe mixed with the big outdoors vibe. You would think my favorite pastime is reading books since I'm a Library Director, but I rarely find the time to read! My spare time is spent biking, hiking, traveling, camping or hanging out with family and friends. And we're fortunate to have so many cool places to hangout here!
View Business Kim and Ed Weide
Owners, Millennium Transportation & Logistics, LLC
We have lived in the Northwoods since 1993. Our business began in Presque Isle in 1999 and we moved to Boulder Junction in 2008. We are lucky to have a hard working staff that all currently live in Boulder Junction. Our two favorite spots for a drink or bite to eat are McGann's Pub & Wine Bar and Aqualand Ale House. This area has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts! We both enjoy motorcycling and traveling together. Ed is an avid hunter and angler, while Kim spends time taking in the sites while photographing and relaxing while reading.
View Business Peter Burditt
President, Friends of Mann Lake, Inc.
What do I love most about Boulder Junction? The friendly and happy people of course! And fishing!
View Business Craig Mason
Owner, Peeplelures
My wife Jane and I are co-owners of Peeplelures, a jewelry store on Main Street in Boulder Junction for over 20 years. I became acquainted with Boulder Junction on family vacations from the Milwaukee area beginning in the early 1960’s. We relocated to Boulder Junction from Madison in 1995 and Peeplelures was established in 1997. I am an active community member, serving on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Boulder Junction Community Foundation and am a member of the Lion’s Club.
View Business