Grab your phone and visit Vilas County’s scenic and historic photo hotspots—here’s a look at some of the Northwoods of Wisconsin’s most Instagrammable destinations.
Arbor Vitae
Arbor Vitae in southern Vilas County is beautiful land of lakes and woods, so aspiring photographers can snap some stunning photos on the Madeline Trail, which is part of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Other Instagrammable opportunities include Brandy Park and Rock Falls Riding Stable, Mini Golf & Go-Karts.
Boulder Junction
In Boulder Junction, head to Cathedral Point (a peninsula that separates the north and south ends of Trout Lake) to marvel at 100-foot pines.
Stroll through charming downtown Boulder Junction to find several more photo ops, including the downtown mural on the side of Badger Heating and Air Conditioning, the giant rocking chair outside Peeplelures, and the benches outside Sauter Builders.
Head to the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce office on Hwy. M (Park Street) to see the much-larger-than-life statue of Marty the Musky. And don’t miss the giant musky painted on a propane tank on County Highway K West, which welcomes visitors to the Musky Capital of the World. Head to Northern Highland Sports to snap a pic with the “What Fish Are You?” sign.
Conover
If you’re headed to Vilas County in the summer months, get your cameras ready for the Chain Skimmers Water Ski Show, who perform every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Lake Pleasant (located on U.S. Highway 45 between Eagle River and Land O’ Lakes).
Eagle River
In Eagle River, you’ll find lots of historic spots for a selfie, including the 1920s-era Eagle River Depot Museum (fittingly located on Railroad Street) and the Eagle River Sports Arena (affectionately known as just “The Dome”), which was built in 1933 and still hosts hockey games. Roadside stops for photo ops include the stone arch in Riverview Park, the massive eagle sculptures at the entrances to the city and the blue cow outside the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce. Head to Pirates Hideaway to get a selfie on a pirate ship (you can even take a ride!), or explore Eagle River’s amazing chain of 28 connected lakes (the largest freshwater chain in the world) for an on-the-water selfie experience.
Lac du Flambeau
Immerse yourself in Native American culture in this engaging community in southwestern Vilas County. The George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum & Culture Center houses impressive exhibits and artifacts, including a 24-foot-long Ojibwe dugout canoe, Ojibwe clothing, and Ojibwe arts and crafts. The Powell Marsh Wildlife Area north of Lac du Flambeau is a nice spot for Northwoods scenery and a big draw for birdwatchers.
Land O’ Lakes
Land O’ Lakes, located on the border of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan in far northern Vilas County, is home to several downtown murals that provide a good background for your Northwoods selfies. Murals can be found throughout downtown Land O’ Lakes, including on the wall of the Land O’ Lakes Public Library.
Manitowish Waters
The small town of Manitowish Waters in western Vilas County has lots of great photo opportunities, too. The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System—which covers more than 50 miles throughout the Northwoods—runs through Manitowish Waters, and there are several scenic bridges along the trail that are the perfect place to stop for a photo. Koller Park is home to a giant bass sculpture and that’s a great selfie partner. If you’re an early riser, start your day with a fresh-brewed cup of coffee and an outstanding view of Vance Lake on the outdoor patio at Dixie’s Coffee House.
Phelps
See where the Wisconsin River gets its start at Lac Vieux Desert, about 7 miles northwest of Phelps—there’s a historical marker noting the headwaters of the Wisconsin River (along with some great scenic views) at Lac Vieux Desert Reservoir Park. Lakefront Pines Park at the intersection of County Highway E and Highway 17 is also a good place to stop for a photo. If you’re on a bike, stop and take in the scenery along the Vista Lake Bike Trails or the Conover-Phelps Bike Trail.
Presque Isle
Visit the Van Vliet Hemlocks State Natural Area, a 400-acre site near Presque Isle in northwestern Vilas County that’s home to nearly 5 miles of trails and more than a mile of scenic shoreline on Van Vliet Lake. It’s home to one of the largest remaining old-growth hemlock-hardwood forests in northern Wisconsin, as well as sugar maple and yellow birch, making it a sight to see during northern Wisconsin’s fall color season.
Sayner-Star Lake-Cloverland
You can snap a pic with a slightly smaller version of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox outside the Vilas Historical Museum in Sayner-Star Lake-Cloverland. Visit the historic Frederickson’s Bait Shop (The Minnow Shop), which sold bait on the shores of Star Lake for more than 75 years. There are also numerous hiking trails in the area worthy of a photo op—don’t miss the scenic Trampers Trails and the boardwalk to the Black Lagoon on the Star Lake Trail.
St. Germain
At the intersection of State Highway 70 and State Highway 155, next to the St. Germain Area Chamber of Commerce, stands a 15-foot-tall statue of Chief St. Germain. It’s a good place to stop for a roadside photo and to pick up some travel information about the community
Winchester
The WinMan Trails, located between Winchester and Manitowish Waters in northwestern Vilas County, are a popular destination for mountain bikers, hikers, and cross-country skiing and are home to some stunning natural scenery, especially in the fall and winter.
