Overview
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.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ladysmith
Lake Flambeau County Park
Rusk County Museum
Museum detailing the area & artifacts from Rusk County's historical era
Reclaimed Flambeau Mine
Hiking area near a reclaimed mine site
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 4°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Pine City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EAU Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, Eau Claire — 45 mi away. Directions
- RHI Rhinelander Oneida County Airport, Rhinelander — 80 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 111 mi away (major hub). Directions
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.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Lake Flambeau County Park, Rusk County Museum
- Lunch Grandpa's Pizza & Grill
- Afternoon Reclaimed Flambeau Mine
- Dinner Casa Mexicana
- Evening Heart Of The North Brewing Co.
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
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
See Lake Flambeau County Park
Do
Buy
features an abundance of shops in the city.
Shop Downtown Ladysmith
Eat
Drink
Drink Heart Of The North Brewing Co.
Sleep
Stay Hi-Way 8 Motel
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.
Nearby
Rice Lake
City / town · 6 listings · 31 mi away
Chippewa Falls
City / town · 12 listings · 39 mi away
Medford
City / town · 21 listings · 43 mi away
Spooner
City / town · 8 listings · 46 mi away
Altoona
City / town · 22 listings · 49 mi away
Eau Claire
City / town · 97 listings · 49 mi away
Augusta
City / town · 1 listings · 54 mi away
Menomonie
City / town · 3 listings · 57 mi away
My experience
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