Camp Manito-wish YMCA located in Boulder Junction, WI is in a very unique area of the United States.
We are surrounded by the 225,000 acre Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest; 1300 lakes, rivers and streams are scattered throughout Vilas County; and the largest lake of all the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, is just an hour north. This means that there are endless opportunities for exploring the wilderness at varying levels right out our back door.
Our campus is situated on Boulder Lake with 1.5 miles of shoreline and over 300 acres. Here under the pines, you’ll find well maintained buildings for every program and activity, from historic cornerstones like Nash Lodge to the specialized facilities of the Manito-wish Leadership Center. While these facilities perform many functions, they also stand as a reminder of the people whose work, dedication and belief in the ideals of Manito-wish made it all possible. These places don’t just serve a purpose; they also preserve Camp’s heritage. Camp buildings are among some of the most remembered elements of a Manito-wish experience. Camp alumni will recall the sights, sounds, and smells of many of the structures around the campus.
Please view the map of our property to see images of some of the key buildings and program areas at Camp Manito-wish YMCA.
Getting Here
Camp Manito-wish YMCA is located just west of downtown Boulder Junction, WI on Hwy K. We are served by a network of state and county highways that run through the state forest so getting here feels like less of a drive and more like a sightseeing trip.
From Milwaukee
Take I-43 north to Green Bay, then Hwy 29 west to Wausau. Go north on Hwy 51 to Minocqua. Then take Hwy M to Boulder Junction. At the downtown intersection, turn left. Continue through town, heading west on Highway K for about two miles. The main entrance is on the right. Watch for the orange canoe. Get directions from Milwaukee to Camp Manito-wish.
From Chicago and Madison
Take I-90 north to Hwy 51 all the way to Minocqua. Then take Hwy M to Boulder Junction. At the downtown intersection, turn left. Continue through town, heading west on Highway K for about two miles. The main entrance is on the right. Watch for the orange canoe. Get directions from Chicago to Camp Manito-wish. Get directions from Madison to Camp Manito-wish.
From Minneapolis/St. Paul
Take I-94 to Eau Claire, then take Hwy 29 east to Wausau, then north on Hwy 51 to Minocqua. Then take Hwy M to Boulder Junction. The main entrance is on the right. Watch for the orange canoe. Get directions from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Camp Manito-wish.
Area Information
Whether you are traveling to Camp for a quick drop-off or plan to spend the night and make a weekend out of your trip, Boulder Junction has plenty of dining options as well as overnight accommodations along with an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Our neighboring communities such as Manitowish Waters and Minocqua are also great stops during your travels and fun places for staff to visit during their time off.
Touring Camp
We enjoy showing the property, answering questions about our programs, and reminiscing about alumni Manito-wish experiences. If you wish to tour Camp Manito-wish, a scheduled time in advance is appreciated. Please contact us or give us a call. All visitors are asked to check in at the Boyce Administration Building upon arrival.
We are available for tours:
Year-Round, Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm
Our office hours for phone calls or participant needs are:
During Summer Camp, Monday-Sunday from 8am-9pm
All other times of the year, Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm