Where to Cool Off in Boulder Junction

January 21, 2024

Summer is in full swing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, and Boulder Junction is home to wonderful beaches, tasty ice cream shops, and plenty of other places where you can beat the heat—here’s a closer look at where to go.

Beautiful beaches

Northern Wisconsin’s tree-lined lakes are renowned for their stunning beauty, but they’re also home to some great beaches, too. In Boulder Junction, you can find family-friendly beaches on Nichols Lake, North Trout Lake, and Crystal Lake (at the Crystal Lake Campground).

Learn more about Boulder Junction’s beaches.

Ice cream hotspots

Boulder Junction is home to two popular spots for ice cream, shakes, smoothies, and other frozen treats. The Ice Shanty, which has been satisfying customers for more than 40 years, is located just north of downtown Boulder Junction and serves up everything from gyros and Chicago dogs to soft serve. (It’s also home to Boulder Junction’s only mini golf course.) In the heart of downtown, Mad Dog Jake’s offers 32 flavors of Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, as well as hot dogs, burgers, and appetizers. Enjoy outdoor seating or sit inside at the coffee bar.

Lakes & waterways to explore

There are nearly 200 lakes within a 10-mile radius of downtown Boulder Junction, so that means ample opportunities to get out on the water, whether you’re canoeing, kayaking, boating, or launching a fishing trip to catch the elusive musky.

Check out these helpful articles for more information:

• Why Boulder Junction is a great fishing destination
• Learn about boating in Boulder Junction
• A guide to canoeing & kayaking in Boulder Junction
• What to see and do along the Manitowish River

Cool drinks

Boulder Junction is home to some great bars and restaurants (including some with outdoor dining) where you can find cold beer on tap and other Northwoods favorites. See a sortable list of Boulder Junction’s restaurants and bars here.