Ladysmith (Wisconsin)

Ladysmith is the largest city in Rusk County, Wisconsin. With a 2020 population of roughly 3200, it is also the county seat of Rusk County. Ladysmith is the only city on the main fork of the Flambeau River and there are several parks along the river as it bends through the city. == Understand == Ladysmith, Wisconsin, was founded in the late 19th century as a logging town along the Flambeau River and grew with the arrival of the Soo Line Railroad. Originally called Flambeau Falls, it was renamed in 1900 after the wife of a railroad official. As the timber industry declined, the city shifted to agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. A major tornado in 2002 caused significant damage, but the community rebuilt and persevered. Today, Ladysmith is known for its scenic beauty, local businesses, and events like the Northland Mardi Gras. == Get in == The main ways to get into Ladysmith include US Route 8 (US 8) and WIS 27. Travelers will most likely use US 8 when coming in from Minneapolis or Rice Lake from the west or Rhinelander to the east while WIS 27 provides closer access to Chippewa Falls and Hayward. No county highway directly connects to Ladysmith. == Get around == As with most other small towns in Wisconsin, the primary method of travel is either by car or on foot. == See == 1 Lake Flambeau County Park, N Park Rd, Tony. (updated Feb 2025) 2 Rusk County Museum, 828 E 3rd St N, ☏ +1 (715) 415-3114. Museum detailing the area & artifacts from Rusk County's historical era (updated Feb 2025) == Do == 1 Reclaimed Flambeau Mine. Hiking area near a reclaimed mine site (updated Feb 2025) == Buy == 1 Downtown Ladysmith. (updated Feb 2025) features an abundance of shops in the city. == Eat == 1 Casa Mexicana, 218 Worden Ave E, ☏ +1 715-532-0462. (updated Feb 2025) 2 Dairy Queen, 804 Lake Ave W, ☏ +1 715-532-3282. (updated Feb 2025) 3 Eastern Chinese Restaurant, 203 Lake Ave E, ☏ +1 715-532-6660. (updated Feb 2025) 4 Grandpa's Pizza & Grill, 1102 Edgewood Ave E, ☏ +1 715-532-5155. (updated Feb 2025) 5 Ladysmith Family Restaurant, 820 Miner Ave, ☏ +1 715-532-3755. (updated Feb 2025) == Drink == 1 Heart Of The North Brewing Co., N4038 WI-27, Ladysmith, WI 54848, ☏ +1 (715) 415-1365. (updated Feb 2025) == Sleep == 1 Quality Inn, 700 W 9th St S, toll-free: +1 (715) 532-7811. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Feb 2025) 2 AmericInn by Wyndham, 800 College Ave W, ☏ +1 (715) 443-5059. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Feb 2025) Hi-Way 8 Motel, 420 Edgewood Ave E, ☏ +1 715-532-3346. == Connect == Cellular reception might be spotty outside of the city, especially in more wilderness areas to the north and east. == Go next == There are many more lakes along the WIS 27 corridor, especially around Hayward. Alternatively, travelers can drive south to WIS 29 in Cadott and then either go west to Chippewa Falls or east toward Wausau for more urban-like environments on the freeway. St. Croix Falls on US 8 to the west has more scenic river country in addition to being the starting terminus of the 1000+ mile long Ice Age Trail. Rhinelander also has an abundance of lakes for recreations; the city is 88 miles away to the east on US 8. To the northeast along the North Fork Flambeau River is Park Falls.