Rusk County, located in northwestern Wisconsin, is a region known for its beautiful forests, rivers, and lakes, making it a hub for outdoor recreation. Established in 1901, the county was originally named Gates County but was renamed after Jeremiah M. Rusk, a former Governor of Wisconsin and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The county’s history is tied to the lumber and paper industries, as the abundant forests provided resources for sawmills and later pulp mills.
Rusk County covers an area of approximately 931 square miles and has a population of around 14,000 people. The county seat is Ladysmith, and other notable towns include Bruce, Tony, and Sheldon. With its blend of small-town charm, historical landmarks, and scenic outdoor spaces, Rusk County remains a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Ladysmith
Geography and History
Ladysmith is the county seat and largest city in Rusk County, situated along the Flambeau River. Founded in 1885 as a logging town, Ladysmith was originally named Flambeau Falls but was later renamed in honor of the wife of a local railroad official, Charles Smith. The town grew rapidly as the logging industry expanded, and its strategic location along the river allowed for transportation of timber and other goods. Over time, Ladysmith developed into a center for agriculture, manufacturing, and trade.
Today, Ladysmith is known for its rich history, vibrant community, and access to outdoor recreation. The Flambeau River is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, while the city’s parks and historic downtown offer a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gem of the Flambeau”
- Area: 4.61 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,200
- Elevation: 1,165 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54848
- Area Code: 715
Transportation
Ladysmith is located along U.S. Highway 8, which runs east to west and provides access to nearby towns like Rice Lake and Rhinelander. Wisconsin State Highway 27 also runs through the city, connecting it to other parts of Rusk County and beyond. The nearest major airport is Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, located about 70 miles to the south, offering commercial flights. Ladysmith’s local transportation options are limited, but the city is well-connected by road, making it easy to navigate by car.
Famous Landmarks
- Flambeau River: A scenic river offering fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities
- Memorial Park: A popular park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a veterans memorial
- Rusk County Historical Museum: Showcasing the county’s history through exhibits on logging, Native American culture, and local industry
Bruce
Geography and History
Bruce is a small village located in the western part of Rusk County, along the Flambeau River. The village was founded in 1884 and named after Andrew Bruce, a local landowner and early settler. Bruce originally developed as a logging community, but like much of Rusk County, the village’s economy shifted to agriculture as the logging industry declined. Today, Bruce is a rural community known for its peaceful atmosphere and outdoor recreation.
The village’s proximity to the Blue Hills, a range of forested hills that provide excellent opportunities for hiking, hunting, and fishing, makes it a popular destination for nature lovers. Bruce retains its small-town charm and continues to celebrate its history through local events and festivals.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gateway to the Blue Hills”
- Area: 1.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700
- Elevation: 1,125 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54819
- Area Code: 715
Transportation
Bruce is located along U.S. Highway 8, providing easy access to Ladysmith and other nearby communities. The village is also connected by Wisconsin State Highway 40, which runs north to south, linking Bruce to the surrounding rural areas and the Blue Hills. The nearest commercial airport is Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, about 60 miles to the south. With its rural setting, most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, and the area is easy to navigate by road.
Famous Landmarks
- Blue Hills: A forested range of hills offering hiking, hunting, and scenic views
- Bruce Veterans Memorial: Honoring local veterans with a memorial in the village park
- Bruce Village Park: A local park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and a pavilion for community events
Tony
Geography and History
Tony is a small village located in central Rusk County, nestled along the Flambeau River. The village was established in 1903 and named after Tony LaJeunesse, an early settler who operated a sawmill in the area. Like many other towns in Rusk County, Tony was initially a logging community, but over time it became more reliant on agriculture as the primary economic activity.
Today, Tony remains a small, rural village with a strong connection to its natural surroundings. The Flambeau River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly fishing and boating. The village offers a quiet, small-town lifestyle with access to the natural beauty of the surrounding forests and rivers.
City Facts
- Nickname: “River Town”
- Area: 1.03 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100
- Elevation: 1,150 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54563
- Area Code: 715
Transportation
Tony is located along U.S. Highway 8, making it accessible to larger towns like Ladysmith and Bruce. While Tony does not have a major airport, the nearest commercial airport is Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, about 70 miles to the south. The village’s rural location means that most transportation is done by car, and the local roads provide easy access to nearby natural attractions.
Famous Landmarks
- Flambeau River: A popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking
- Tony Village Park: A community park with playgrounds, picnic shelters, and sports fields
- Rusk County Forest: A large forested area nearby, offering hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing
Sheldon
Geography and History
Sheldon is a village located in southeastern Rusk County, near the Jump River. Founded in 1906, the village was named after Sheldon Kinney, an early settler who operated a sawmill in the area. Like many communities in the region, Sheldon began as a logging town but transitioned to agriculture as the timber industry declined. The village’s rural location and proximity to the Jump River make it an attractive spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Today, Sheldon is a small, rural community that maintains its agricultural roots. The surrounding forests and rivers offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, and hiking. Sheldon provides a peaceful and close-knit community for its residents.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Village on the Jump River”
- Area: 0.96 square miles
- Population: Approximately 225
- Elevation: 1,191 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54766
- Area Code: 715
Transportation
Sheldon is accessible via Wisconsin State Highway 73, which connects the village to other communities in Rusk and Taylor counties. While Sheldon does not have a major airport, the nearest commercial airport is Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, about 80 miles to the southwest. The village’s small size makes it easily navigable by car, and local roads provide access to surrounding rural areas and natural attractions.
Famous Landmarks
- Jump River: A scenic river offering fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities
- Sheldon Village Park: A local park with picnic areas, playgrounds, and community gathering spaces
- Rusk County ATV Trails: Offering access to trails for off-road vehicles through the surrounding forests
Conrath
Geography and History
Conrath is a small village located in central Rusk County, near the Flambeau River. Established in 1913, Conrath was named after its founder, Jacob Conrath, a local entrepreneur who played a key role in the development of the area. Like many other villages in Rusk County, Conrath began as a logging community but shifted to agriculture as the primary economic driver in the 20th century.
Today, Conrath is a quiet, rural village that offers a peaceful lifestyle. The village’s proximity to the Flambeau River and the surrounding forests makes it an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Village by the Woods”
- Area: 0.99 square miles
- Population: Approximately 95
- Elevation: 1,155 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54731
- Area Code: 715
Transportation
Conrath is located along Wisconsin State Highway 27, which connects the village to Ladysmith and other nearby communities. The nearest commercial airport is Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, located about 75 miles to the south. With its rural location, most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, and the local roads provide easy access to the surrounding countryside.
Famous Landmarks
- Flambeau River: A key attraction for outdoor activities, including fishing and boating
- Conrath Community Hall: A gathering place for local events and celebrations
- Rusk County Wildlife Areas: Nearby areas offering hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation