Boulder Junction

Boulder Junction brings together cycling, outdoor activities, and local events. The paved Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System runs along Highway M by North Trout Lake and South Trout Lake, heads into downtown, and then continues west on Highway K toward Manitowish Waters. There are also activities at Winter Park and Nichols Lake, as well as a nearby state forest.

Cycling Through Boulder Junction

The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System follows several clearly identified sections: along Highway M, the route passes North Trout Lake and South Trout Lake, then continues into downtown Boulder Junction. From there, it runs west on Highway K toward Manitowish Waters. If you enjoy riding on a bike trail, you can choose a route that takes in both lakes and the town center. The continuation west also offers a route beyond Boulder Junction.

This sequence of trail sections provides a practical reference when planning a vacation that includes cycling. It differs from a stay focused more on individual activities in the park or by the lake. When choosing your accommodation, consider which focus matters most to you.

Winter Park and Lake Activities

Winter Park is not limited to winter activities. In winter, it offers ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. In spring, summer, and fall, visitors can hike, walk their dogs, and enjoy picnics there. Its range of seasonal activities makes it an option for different times of year: the activities available vary by season. If you’re planning a trip outside winter, Winter Park also offers ways to spend time outdoors.

Nichols Lake Beach & Picnic Area offers a small swimming beach, full access to the lake, a volleyball court, and a picnic area. This gives visitors several different ways to enjoy the lake: spend time at the beach, use the lake access, play volleyball, or have a picnic. This is a different focus from cycling or the seasonal activities at Winter Park.

Nearby Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest also offers a combination of campgrounds, beaches, boat landings, and hiking trails. It adds a destination in the surrounding area to the individual attractions in Boulder Junction. If you’d like to include both hiking trails and water activities in your vacation plans, you can consider this forest alongside activities in town.

Events Throughout the Year

Music on Main Street brings live music to downtown Boulder Junction every Wednesday from June 3 to August 19. The Boulder Junction Block Party is a weekly event from June through August. Both events therefore offer recurring dates during the summer, with Music on Main Street specifically featuring live music in the town center. The Colorama Festival takes place annually in Boulder Junction in September, providing another recurring event during the year.

Choose the right travel dates for your vacation rental based on the experience you’re interested in.

Which Accommodation Fits Your Travel Plans?

For a cycling-focused stay, the paved trail’s route provides a practical guide; if you’d rather combine different outdoor activities, you can include Winter Park, Nichols Lake Beach & Picnic Area, and the nearby state forest in your selection. Events can also make certain dates appealing. First decide whether your trip will center more on a cycling route, seasonal activities, lake activities, or an event date. This will help you search more specifically for a vacation rental in Boulder Junction without combining the different experiences into a single outing.

Explore more destinations in Eagle River, St Germain, and Phelps.

For the broader travel overview: Vilas County.