How to cool off in Rusk County this summer

Dip your paddle, dip your toes or take a dive--there are lots of ways to keep cool on those hot summer days in Rusk County. Here's a look at some of the best ways to stay refreshed in the land of four rivers.

Beaches

Take a dip in the wonderful waters of Rusk County--there are plenty of beaches throughout the county that offer beautiful scenery and a great place to cool off during the dog days of summer. Here's a closer look at two of them.

• Josie Creek County Park: Located in the town of Tony in central Rusk County, this county park and campground sits at the confluence of Josie Creek and the Dairyland reservoir. It's got a great sandy beach that's great for swimming, and there are also 25 campsites with electrical and water hookups, so it's the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway.
• Memorial Park: The Flambeau River flows through Ladysmith, and one of the best places to see this northern Wisconsin waterway is at downtown's Memorial Park. Situated on the shores of the river, this large park is a hidden gem, offering a swimming area, picnic tables and plenty of room for kids to play.

You'll also find private beaches and swimming spots at several Rusk County resorts.

Rivers

As you may have heard, Rusk County is home to four wild rivers--the Chippewa, the Flambeau, the Jump and the Thornapple. These rivers are popular destinations for those in search of relaxation and recreation here in northwestern Wisconsin; canoers and kayakers can explore gently flowing waters or raging rapids, and anglers can find walleye, musky, panfish and more.

Lakes

Boaters, anglers and paddlers will also find plenty of lakes to explore in Rusk County. Big Falls Flowage, Ladysmith Flowage and the gigantic Lake Flambeau/Dairyland Flowage are all part of the Flambeau River system, and Holcombe Flowage south of Ladysmith is part of the Jump River. Potato Lake, a 540-acre site in the southwestern part of the county boasts a healthy population of musky, panfish, bass and more.

Want to learn more? Read this guide to boating in Rusk County.