Boulder Junction carries a title it has earned: the Musky Capital of the World. With nearly 200 lakes within a 10-mile radius and the sprawling Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest as its backyard, this small Vilas County town pulls in anglers, paddlers, hikers, and anyone who just wants a few days away from a screen. Here's how to spend a full day -- or a long weekend -- doing it right.
Start the Morning Right
Boulder Junction Coffee Company
10356 Main Street, Boulder Junction | boulderjunctioncoffeecompany.com | Open Friday--Sunday, 6 AM--3 PM
This is the move if you're here on a weekend. The Coffee Company serves Colectivo coffee, espresso drinks, scratch-made baked goods, and breakfast burritos -- all on Main Street, walkable from most of downtown. Free WiFi if you need to wrap something up before going off-grid for the day. Note the hours: it's only open Friday through Sunday, so plan around that.
Aqualand Bakery
10450 Main Street, Boulder Junction | aqualandbakery.com | Thursday--Saturday, 7 AM--12 PM
If you're here Thursday through Saturday, Aqualand is worth stopping in before you head out. This family-owned artisan bakery turns out fresh croissants, danishes, cookies, and hearth breads daily. Their bread is distributed to grocery stores across the Northwoods, so getting it at the source while it's still warm is the better call. They close at noon, so don't sleep in.
Wild's Granary Restaurant
5367 Park Street, Boulder Junction | wildsgranary.godaddysites.com | $
Open Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM. Wild's is a local breakfast and lunch spot run by Michael and Brian Wild, known for creative breakfast dishes and a welcoming family atmosphere. It also does pizza and desserts. The single-dollar price range signal makes it a practical anchor for a morning meal before a full day outside.
Get on the Water
This is why most people come to Boulder Junction. The fishing here, especially for musky, draws people from across the Midwest. Fall is widely considered the best season for chasing musky, but walleye, pike, and panfish are active year-round.
Last Resort Guide Service
8772 Kurtzweil Road, Sayner | lastresortguideservice.com | Daily, 7 AM--8 PM
A perfect 5.0 rating across 26 reviews says something. If you want a guided fishing trip and haven't been on these lakes before, booking with an outfit like Last Resort takes the guesswork out of where to go and what to throw. Check their website for current booking details and what species they're running trips for.
Northwoods Pontoon Rentals
4519 U.S. 51, Boulder Junction | northwoodspontoonrentals.com | Daily, 8 AM--5 PM
For families or groups who want time on the water without the structure of a guided fishing trip, Northwoods Pontoon Rentals delivers luxury boats directly to area lake launches -- serving Boulder Junction and the surrounding communities. Family-owned and well-reviewed. Book ahead in summer; delivery-to-launch logistics go smoother with a reservation.
Nichols Beach at Boulder Lake
A public beach on Boulder Lake with sandy shoreline, 2.5 miles from downtown. Straightforward and free -- good for a post-paddle swim or a slower afternoon with kids in the water.
Trails and Land-Based Adventure
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
4125 County Highway M, Boulder Junction | dnr.wisconsin.gov | Open daily 6 AM--11 PM
Over 232,000 acres of public forest -- some briefs put the figure at 236,000 -- with camping, fishing, hiking, and more. This is the frame that holds everything else in Boulder Junction together. The forest has 90 miles of trails, 18 campgrounds, and 131 remote campsites. Dog-friendly and genuinely large. Check the DNR website for trail pass requirements and current conditions.
Fallison Lake Nature Trail
10001--10025 County Road North, Boulder Junction | Open daily 5 AM--10 PM
A 2.5-mile moderate loop around Fallison Lake through mixed forest, with lake views and a picnic area. No pets or bikes allowed on this one -- it's a quieter walk that rewards the effort. Good for families with older kids who can handle a moderate pace. The picnic area is a solid lunch stop if you pack in food.
Star Lake Nature Trail
7999 State House Road, Star Lake
A trail on a peninsula jutting into Star Lake, with two loop options: a 1-mile interpretive loop or a 2-mile shoreline loop through ferns and wildflowers. Dogs welcome. The shoreline loop gives you the better views and is still accessible enough for most hikers.
North Trout Nature Trail
4663 County Highway M, Boulder Junction
Near the North Trout Lake campground in the Northern Highland State Forest. A lower-key option if you want a shorter hike without committing to a full loop. Dog-friendly. Check the DNR website for current conditions before heading out.
Northern Highland American Legion State Forest - Lumberjack Trails
A trail system in the forest near Boulder Junction offering hiking and biking through Northwoods terrain. Worth checking if you're after something with more mileage or variety.
Biking
Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail
biketheheart.org
Over 52 miles of paved trail winding through the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, connecting Boulder Junction with Sayner, St. Germain, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. No trail pass required. The trail passes scenic rest areas and swimming spots along the way -- you can make a full day of it or just ride a section. Dogs are welcome on leash. If you need a rental, Coontail on Park Street rents e-bikes and has the gear to outfit you.
Coontail
5466 Park Street, Boulder Junction | coontail.com | Daily, 9 AM--5 PM
Family-owned outfitter in business since 1991. They sell and rent kayaks, paddle boards, and e-bikes, and carry brands like Patagonia and The North Face. Easily the best gear shop in town -- whether you need to rent for the day or replace something you forgot to pack. With nearly 750 Google reviews at 4.9 stars, their reputation is solid.
Something Different: Horses and History
Grassy Creek Ranch
6350 County Highway M, Boulder Junction | grassycreekranch.com | Reservations required
A family-owned horseback riding stable offering guided trail rides through the Northern Highland State Forest -- including rides that go into the waters of a Northwoods glacial lake. That's not a detail you find at most stables. Five stars across 72 reviews. Reservations are required, so book ahead rather than showing up and hoping for a slot.
Vilas County Historical Museum
2889 Wisconsin 155, Sayner | vilasmuseum.com | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10 AM--2 PM
7,500 square feet of exhibits covering Vilas County history, including the original 1924 Carl Eliason snowmobile and a Paul Bunyan statue out front. Open only three days a week, so check the schedule before building your day around it. Good context for the region if you're curious about where all this Northwoods culture actually came from.
Afternoon: Eat, Drink, Browse
McGann's Pub & Wine Bar
5461 Park Street, Boulder Junction | mcgannspub.com | Wednesday--Thursday 5--9 PM, Friday--Saturday 5--10 PM, Sunday 2--6 PM
An Irish pub with a cozy fireplace and a large outdoor patio. Six microbrews on tap, a solid bottle selection, wine, and seasonal homemade pizza and appetizers. Not open for lunch, so come back in the evening after a day on the trail or water. Good for groups.
Boulder Junction Brewing Co.
10351 Main Street, Boulder Junction | boulderjctbrewingco.com | Monday and Thursday 3--9 PM, Friday--Saturday 12--9 PM, Sunday 12--6 PM
A nano-brewery on Main Street brewing small-batch beers on a 5-barrel system -- red ale, cream ale, IPA, porter, and Grisette. Family-friendly beer garden in summer. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. If you're in town on a summer Friday or Saturday, the beer garden is the right call. Pair this with a visit to the Northwoods Craft Beer Guide to find more options across the region.
Boulder Beer Bar
5509 County Highway M, Boulder Junction | boulderbeerbar.com | Tuesday--Saturday 11 AM--9 PM | $
In operation since 1948 and now under Aberdeen Kitchens ownership. Scratch-made burgers, sandwiches, pizza, wings, homemade soups, and a Friday fish fry. Full bar, games for all ages. A strong choice for a casual lunch or post-hike meal -- the kind of place that has fed anglers and trail users for generations.
Bushwood Tavern
4456 Jolin Lane, Boulder Junction | facebook.com/bushwoodtavern | Daily 3--9 PM
A John Candy "Great Outdoors" themed Northwoods tavern -- yes, really. Handmade burgers, cheese curds, pulled pork, and fish fry. Outdoor seating available. Opens at 3 PM daily, so this is an evening spot. Good for groups and very much in the spirit of the area.
Gooch's 2 Bar & Grill
6215 County Highway M, Boulder Junction | goochsaone.com | Monday, Thursday--Saturday 11 AM--9 PM, Sunday 11 AM--8 PM | $$
Over 600 Google reviews at 4.5 stars -- that kind of volume means this place is genuinely drawing people. Lunch and dinner with a full bar. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. A reliable option when other spots are off schedule.
The Outdoorsman
10383 Main Street, Boulder Junction | outdoorsmanwi.com
Restaurant and extended-stay lodging in a downtown building dating to the late 1950s. Serves breakfast, lunch, and Friday--Saturday dinners steps from Little Rice Lake. If you're staying in town for multiple nights, it's worth checking whether they have rooms available -- the combination of dining and lodging in one place simplifies logistics.
Art and Shopping
Moondeer & Friends Gallery
10354 Main Street, Boulder Junction | moondeergallery.com | Saturday 11 AM--4 PM (open mid-May through early January)
An art gallery featuring owner Sara Muender's work alongside pieces from over 150 local and regional artists, plus antiques, books, custom framing, and gift items. The listed hours show Saturday only, but the gallery operates daily from mid-May through early January -- check their site for current hours. Worth a walk-through if you're hunting for something more considered than a tourist shop magnet.
Winter in Boulder Junction
Boulder Junction doesn't slow down in winter. The town has a legitimate winter recreation scene.
The Glide at Boulder Junction Winter Park
boulderjct.org | Season: December--March
A mile-long ice skating ribbon circling Boulder Junction Winter Park. That format -- a ribbon rather than a rink -- makes it a genuinely different experience. Check the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information website for conditions and seasonal hours. The Nichols Beach Park and Beach also offers winter ice skating when conditions allow.
For snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more ideas, see our Winter Northwoods Bucket List.
Golf
Plum Lake Golf Club
3160 Club House Road, Sayner | plumlakegolf.com
A 9-hole public course on the shores of Plum Lake, opened in 1912 and voted Best Nine Hole Course in Wisconsin. There's a screened-in porch overlooking the lake -- which is the right way to finish a round in the Northwoods. Hours vary by day, so check before heading over.
Before You Go
Stop by the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information at 5358 Park Street -- open Monday through Friday 9 AM--5 PM and Saturday 9 AM--3 PM. They can point you to current fishing regulations, trail conditions, and anything happening that weekend. The Boulder Junction Sports & Recreation Park on Park Street nearby is dog-friendly and a good place to let kids or dogs burn energy between stops.
Practical Tips
- Hours are tight. Several spots -- Aqualand Bakery, Boulder Junction Coffee Company, Wild's Granary -- are closed mid-week. Plan your food stops around which days you're actually there.
- Book guided fishing and horseback rides in advance. Last Resort Guide Service and Grassy Creek Ranch both work by reservation. Don't assume walk-ins are available in summer.
- Fallison Lake Nature Trail does not allow dogs or bikes. If you're traveling with a dog, go to Star Lake Nature Trail or North Trout Nature Trail instead.
- The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail requires no pass. Rent e-bikes or standard bikes from Coontail on Park Street.
- Fall fishing is peak musky season. If the musky is the whole point of the trip, time it for fall.
- Lodging fills up. For cabin and resort options, check the Boulder Junction Chamber website or read through The Cabin Renter's Guide to the Northwoods before you book.
If you're building out a longer Northwoods trip, A Day in Manitowish Waters covers the neighboring community to the west, and our First-Timer's Guide to Fishing the Northwoods has everything you need to know before getting on the water for the first time.
Know a spot we missed? Let us know.
