Rusk County: Rivers, Forests, and Winter Trails

The Ice Age Trail runs for about 12 miles through Rusk County, passing remote lakes and distinctive rock formations. These include rock fields with extensive areas of rugged stone. Along this stretch, waterscapes and striking rock formations sit side by side.

Rocks, Forest, and Trails

The Ice Age Trail trailhead in Rusk County Forest is near the Murphy Flowage Recreational Area in the county’s northwest. In the north-central part of the county is the 1,044-acre Silvernail Wildlife Area, a relatively undisturbed area for forest wildlife and recreation. The two areas offer different perspectives on Rusk County’s natural environment: one is a trailhead near a named recreation area, while the other is characterized by forest wildlife and recreation.

The Reclaimed Flambeau Mine Nature Trails offer views of the Flambeau River, meadows, wetlands, and forests. They can be used for biking and horseback riding; in winter, they’re also suitable for cross-country skiing. Copper Park has about 10 miles of non-motorized multi-use trails along the Flambeau. The Blue Hills Trail System has more than 35 kilometers of versatile loop trails. The Sisters' Farm Trail System offers a different distance: its trail loops add up to 10 miles. It is located at a bend in the Flambeau River southwest of Ladysmith, and its trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in winter.

Rivers and Paddling Routes

The rivers also differ in character. The Flambeau River has whitewater sections. The Jump and Thornapple rivers offer quieter, scenic paddling trips, while the Chippewa River features a mix of rapids and calm water. The easy paddling route on the Chippewa River runs from the launch near the bridge in Bruce to the takeout above its confluence with the Flambeau River and takes nine hours. Along the route from Bruce to the Flambeau, you may spot loons, wood ducks, mergansers, and herons.

You can reach Slough Gundy via a hike of about one mile along the South Fork of the Flambeau River. There are opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and watching the rapids. Another route option is the Flambeau River stretch from Big Falls Dam to Ladysmith, which ends at Memorial Park in Ladysmith.

Winter Activities on the Mountain and Trails

Christie Mountain has 22 lit downhill runs, including four marked as black diamond. The vertical drop is 350 feet, and the longest run is 4,000 feet. The offerings also include a snowboard terrain park and snow tubing. The Crag is also on the mountain: a natural, 30-foot rock face with four climbing routes of varying difficulty.

A range of trail types is at the heart of other winter activities. Rusk County has 330 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and four heated shelters along the routes. The Sisters' Farm Trail System is groomed for cross-country skiing in winter; the Reclaimed Flambeau Mine Nature Trails are also suitable for cross-country skiing then. These options differ from the snowmobile trails in the activities and trail uses specified.

Culture and Local Products

The Rusk County Historical Society Museum features exhibits on Ojibwe culture and the county’s first residents. Ed's Machine Shed offers a different historical perspective, with more than 40 restored historic plows and tractors; some are over 100 years old. The railroad cars at the Rusk County Visitor Center and Rail Museum can be viewed from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check the specific visiting dates before your trip.

The Rusk County Farmers Market takes place year-round. It sells produce, meat, cheese, eggs, preserves, jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup, and baked goods. There are also local arts and crafts, rotating educational topics, and an activity area for children. The market brings together food and handcrafted items with changing topics and activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ladysmith, Pierce, Sawyer County, Marathon, Manitowoc County, Marquette County, Winnebago, Sheboygan County

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.