Where to beat the heat in Rusk County

It's summertime, and the livin' is... warm. Here's a closer look at some great ways to cool off on your next trip to Rusk County, from beaches in the heart of Ladysmith to the county's four wild rivers and fabulous places to find cool treats.

Beaches

Take a dip in the Ladysmith Flowage at Memorial Park in the heart of downtown Ladysmith or Josie Creek County Park in Tony. There are also several resorts with beaches throughout Rusk County. This is also the land of four rivers, so there are plenty of places to take a dip, including in the Jump River in Sheldon.

Lakes and rivers

With lots of lakes (and those four wild rivers), there are lots of ways to cool off on the water too, whether you're canoeing, kayaking, boating, or fishing. Canoers and kayakers will enjoy great paddling opportunities on the Flambeau, Chippewa, Jump and Thornapple rivers--find maps and more information here.

Rusk County is home to more than 250 lakes and flowages, so there's lots of great options for anglers and boaters to explore. Lake Flambeau (also known as the Dairyland Flowage) is a 1,900-acre body of water just east of Ladysmith that's a popular destination for fishing and boating. (It's also easy to access, as there are five public boat landings.) The Ladysmith Flowage (270 acres) offers easy access from public boat landing on Everett Avenue.

Cool treats & drinks

Ice cream aficionados can find cool treats at several stops in Ladysmith, including Dairy Queen, Corks and Stuff, and Holly's Last Stand.

Raise a glass at Heart of the North Brewing Company in Ladysmith--their beers are made from locally sourced grains, fruits and honey--or check out the other bars and restaurants throughout Rusk County waiting to serve up some ice-cold refreshments.

Staying on the water

Book a stay in one of Rusk County's welcoming lodging properties and you could find yourself with easy access to the region's rivers and lakes. See more lodging information here.

Dining type: Bars