Find outdoor fun in Rusk County this summer

Get ready for a summer full of fun in Rusk County. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking to paddling and ATVing. Here are a few suggestions on where to go and what to do.

Hiking

No trip to Rusk County is complete without a visit to the Blue Hills, a scenic spot in the western part of the county that contains the remnants of mountain range that's older than the Rockies. The Blue Hills Trail System--also a popular destination for cross-country skiers in the winter--is a great place to take in the scenery.

Rusk County is also home to a segment of the 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail. In western Rusk County, hikers can explore a 12-mile segment of this scenic trail that passes remote lakes and unique rock formations. Learn more about Rusk County's segment of the Ice Age Trail. 

Canoeing & Kayaking

It's no surprise that there are wonderful paddling opportunities to be found in the land of four rivers. Each of the rivers--the Flambeau, the Chippewa, the Jump, and the Thornapple--offer unique routes for canoers and kayakers, whether you're seeking challenging rapids or a gentle float on a sunny summer day. Find more information on Rusk County's paddling options, including maps, here.

Biking

Southwest of Ladysmith, bikers will enjoy a ride along the Sisters' Farm Trail System, tucked into a bend of the free-flowing Flambeau River. Bikers can choose from east or west segments on the trail system; a total of 10 miles are open to visitors, as well as single- and double-track mountain biking.

The Flambeau River State Forest offers 14 miles of mountain biking trails that traverse hills and pass through beautiful northern Wisconsin scenery. Note that a trail pass is required for bikers in the summer. 

Boating & Fishing

Rusk County is home to more than 250 lakes and flowages (as well as those four rivers mentioned above), so it's a great spot to hit the water, whether you're casting for a trophy fish or just taking a cruise along the lakeshore. Lake Flambeau, also known as the Dairyland Flowage, is located just east of Ladysmith and is a popular fishing and boating spot that offers a lot of room--nearly 1900 acres--and is accessible via five public boat landings. The smaller 270-acre Ladysmith Flowage cuts through the heart of Ladysmith and is a great place for a boat ride or a fishing trip, with easy access from a public boat landing on Everett Avenue.

Swimming

Those hot summer days are just around the corner, and Rusk County has plenty of places to cool down. If you're looking for a family-friendly swimming beach, check out Memorial Park in Ladysmith or Josie Creek County Park in Tony. (You'll also find beach access at several resorts throughout Rusk County.) And don't forget that Rusk County is also the land of four rivers--that means there are plenty of shallow spots to take a dip, including the Jump River in Sheldon.

ATVing and UTVing

ATVers and UTVers will discover great riding throughout Rusk County, whether it's on a trail system with easy access to downtown Ladysmith or a longer route through more than 80,000 acres of county forest land that's open to motorized riding. The Blue Hills is also home to a 32-mile developed trail in the western part of Rusk County.