There are places in Wisconsin where the trees outnumber the people, where the lakes stretch wide and deep, and where the nearest traffic light is a rumor. The Northern Highland Forest is one of those places—a vast green sprawl where the silence is broken only by loons on the water and the occasional crack of an axe splitting firewood.
Some come here for the fishing, the trails, the kind of quiet that makes city life feel like a bad dream. Others never leave. The towns scattered through this part of the state aren’t just secluded—they’re wrapped in miles of wilderness, hidden behind walls of pine and birch, tucked between lakes so clear you can see straight to the bottom. You won’t find strip malls or freeways out here. Just winding roads, mom-and-pop diners, and a way of life that moves at its own, unhurried pace.
So if you’re looking to disappear for a while—or maybe forever—these 10 secluded towns in Wisconsin’s Northern Highland Forest might just be what you’re after.
10. Conover: Gateway to Serenity
Conover is a quaint town with a population of just over 1,200 residents, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude. Surrounded by pristine lakes and lush forests, it’s an ideal spot for fishing, kayaking, and hiking along trails like the Conover-Phelps Trail.
The local economy is primarily driven by outdoor recreation and small family-owned businesses that cater to visitors and locals alike. One of the town’s hidden gems is the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System, offering miles of scenic routes through the forest.
What makes Conover truly secluded is its vast natural barriers, including extensive woodlands and water bodies that limit urban development. This serene environment allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature, far from the noise and distractions of city life.
Where is Conover?
Located in the heart of Vilas County in northern Wisconsin, Conover sits just north of Eagle River and is bordered by Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the east. Its seclusion stems from its position within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, which provides a natural buffer from larger towns and cities.
Accessing Conover typically involves a scenic drive along State Highway 45, winding through forests and around lakes. The town’s remote location and limited transportation routes contribute to its quiet charm, making it a perfect gateway to serenity.
9. Arbor Vitae: Nature’s Quiet Corner
With a population of approximately 3,300, Arbor Vitae is a small community that offers a peaceful atmosphere amid vast greenery. Known for its large lot sizes and abundant natural surroundings, it provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring the nearby Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.
The local economy revolves around tourism, outdoor recreation, and small businesses that serve visitors seeking a nature escape. A hidden gem in Arbor Vitae is the Northwoods Wildlife Center, where guests can learn about local wildlife conservation efforts.
The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its low housing density and the enveloping forests that create a quiet environment away from bustling urban centers.
Where is Arbor Vitae?
Arbor Vitae is nestled in Vilas County, adjacent to the towns of Woodruff and Minocqua, yet maintains its own distinct sense of tranquility. Its location within the expansive Northern Highland region contributes to its secluded feel, surrounded by miles of forests and interconnected lakes.
Visitors can reach Arbor Vitae via Highway 51, but the journey itself winds through serene landscapes that underscore the town’s remote nature. The limited commercial development and the vast natural settings make Arbor Vitae a true retreat into nature’s quiet corner.
8. Winchester: Northern Seclusion
Winchester is a sparsely populated town with around 400 residents, offering a true escape into Wisconsin’s northern wilderness. The town is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with access to more than a dozen lakes teeming with musky, walleye, and bass.
While there are few industries, local businesses focus on outdoor recreation and hospitality, catering to visitors drawn by the pristine natural environment. One of Winchester’s hidden treasures is the Turtle Lake chain, providing kayaking routes through interconnected waters.
The seclusion here is evident in the vast stretches of undeveloped land, ensuring that residents and visitors experience unparalleled peace and quiet.
Where is Winchester?
Situated on the far northern edge of Vilas County, Winchester borders Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its remote location is accentuated by the surrounding Ottawa National Forest to the east and the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage to the west.
Access to Winchester is primarily via County Highway W, a road less traveled that meanders through dense forests. This geographic isolation, combined with natural barriers and limited infrastructure, makes Winchester one of the most secluded spots in Wisconsin’s Northern Highland Forest.
7. St. Germain: Peace in the Pines
St. Germain is a charming community of around 2,000 people, nestled among towering pines and crystal-clear lakes. The town is renowned for its excellent fishing, especially for muskies, and hosts an annual Musky Fishing Tournament.
Local industries center around tourism, with many resorts, cabins, and outdoor recreation businesses providing services to visitors year-round. A not-to-be-missed feature is the Awassa Nature Preserve, offering tranquil hiking trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
St. Germain’s seclusion comes from its setting amidst expansive forests and its distance from major urban areas, providing a quiet haven for those seeking respite.
Where is St. Germain?
Located in Vilas County between Minocqua and Eagle River, St. Germain is easily accessible yet feels worlds apart due to its lush surroundings. The town lies along Highway 70, but the enveloping Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest buffers it from the hustle and bustle.
Its seclusion is enhanced by an extensive network of trails and waterways that weave through the area, offering countless secluded spots to explore. Getting there involves a scenic drive through the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, reinforcing the sense of peace in the pines that St. Germain embodies.
6. Lake Tomahawk: Escape to Quiet Shores
Lake Tomahawk, home to about 1,000 residents, offers a tranquil escape with its serene lakefront and abundant nature. The town is a paradise for water enthusiasts, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming in its namesake lake and surrounding waters.
Local businesses focus on hospitality and outdoor activities, supporting a community that values the natural environment.
A hidden gem is the Lake Tomahawk Snowshoe Baseball games, a unique local tradition during the summer months. Its seclusion is characterized by spacious properties and low population density, creating an atmosphere where one can truly unwind.
Where is Lake Tomahawk?
Situated in Oneida County between Minocqua and Rhinelander, Lake Tomahawk sits amid a labyrinth of lakes and forests. Its secluded feel comes from being enveloped by the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and limited nearby urban development.
Access is mainly via Highway 47, which winds through picturesque woodland landscapes. The journey itself contributes to the sense of escape, as visitors leave behind the clamor of city life for the quiet shores of Lake Tomahawk.
5. Lac du Flambeau: Cultural Sanctuary in Nature
Lac du Flambeau, with a population of approximately 3,500, is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. The town is home to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and visitors can explore the Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center to learn about local history and traditions.
Outdoor activities abound, including fishing in over 260 lakes and guided tours that highlight the area’s wildlife and plant life. The main industries are tourism and tribal enterprises that support the local economy.
Its seclusion is amplified by vast undeveloped lands and a strong focus on preserving cultural sites, offering a unique and peaceful environment.
Where is Lac du Flambeau?
Located in Vilas County, Lac du Flambeau is nestled within the boundaries of the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation. The town’s remote setting is reinforced by natural barriers like lakes, rivers, and forests that limit development in the region.
Access is primarily via Highway 47 and Highway 70, but the routes are surrounded by dense forests that contribute to the feeling of seclusion. The combination of cultural significance and geographic isolation makes Lac du Flambeau a distinctive sanctuary in nature.
4. Sayner-Star Lake: Hidden Woodland Gem
Sayner-Star Lake is a small community with a combined population of around 200, offering an intimate and tranquil setting deep within the Northwoods. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, biking on the Plum Lake Trail, and visiting the Vilas County Historical Museum, which showcases local history.
The absence of large industries keeps the town’s character rooted in its natural surroundings and small businesses.
A hidden gem is the Star Lake Cemetery, a historic site nestled in the woods that tells stories of the area’s early settlers. The seclusion here is enhanced by the enveloping forests and limited commercial development, making it a true hidden gem.
Where is Sayner-Star Lake?
Situated in the town of Plum Lake in Vilas County, Sayner-Star Lake lies north of Eagle River and is surrounded by the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Its remote location is made more pronounced by the winding, tree-lined roads that lead into town.
Access is mainly via Highway N off Highway 155, which itself is a quiet route through the woods. This hidden corner of the Northwoods offers a sense of discovery for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
3. Boulder Junction: The Musky Capital’s Quiet Side
Boulder Junction, known as the “Musky Capital of the World,” has a population of about 900 residents and offers a peaceful ambiance alongside its fame. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the over 50 class-A musky lakes, biking on the Heart of Vilas County Trail, and exploring local art galleries that feature regional artists.
The economy is centered around tourism, particularly outdoor recreation and hospitality services. A lesser-known attraction is the Boulder Junction Public Library’s children’s programs, fostering community engagement.
The town’s seclusion is due to its expansive forests and low housing density, providing a calm backdrop away from bustling tourist corridors despite its reputation.
Where is Boulder Junction?
Located in Vilas County, Boulder Junction is nestled deep within Wisconsin’s Northwoods, bordered by vast tracts of forest and numerous lakes. The town is accessible via Highway M, but its distance from major highways keeps it secluded.
The surrounding Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest acts as a natural barrier, enhancing the town’s peaceful setting. The combination of accessible amenities and a quiet environment makes Boulder Junction the quiet side of the musky capital.
2. Presque Isle: Wilderness Retreat
Presque Isle, often referred to as “Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness,” has a population of just around 600 residents. The town offers a true retreat with unspoiled natural beauty, including numerous lakes and the Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area for hiking and wildlife observation.
Local industries are minimal, focusing on small-scale tourism and conservation efforts.
A hidden gem is the Presque Isle River waterfall trails, providing breathtaking views in a serene setting. The town’s seclusion is due to its sparse population and natural barriers, making it perfect for those seeking solitude in the Northern Highland Forest.
Where is Presque Isle?
Presque Isle is situated in the far northern part of Vilas County, bordering Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its location on the northern edge of Wisconsin contributes to its sense of isolation.
Access is primarily via County Highway B and other local roads that wind through dense forests. The remote setting, coupled with limited roadways and extensive natural surroundings, ensures that Presque Isle remains a wilderness retreat away from the crowds.
1. Manitowish Waters: Serenity Among the Lakes
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Manitowish Waters, with a population of approximately 600, is a serene town nestled among a chain of pristine lakes. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, fishing, and exploring the Manitowish River, as well as visiting the North Lakeland Discovery Center for nature programs and trails.
The local economy centers around tourism, with a focus on outdoor recreation and conservation. A hidden gem is the Little Bohemia Lodge, a historic site where the infamous John Dillinger had a shootout with the FBI.
The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its dense forests, interconnected lakes, and the overarching canopy that provides a peaceful atmosphere.
Where is Manitowish Waters?
Located in Vilas County, Manitowish Waters lies along Highway 51, yet maintains a secluded feel due to the surrounding Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Its position among numerous lakes creates natural barriers that limit development and preserve the area’s tranquility.
Visitors can reach the town via a scenic drive through forests and alongside lakes, emphasizing the sense of entering a secluded haven. The combination of remote location, natural beauty, and rich history makes Manitowish Waters the epitome of serenity among the lakes.
