Rusk County

Rusk County is home to a resilient and hardworking population centered in the City of Ladysmith and the villages of Bruce, Conrath, Glen Flora, Hawkins, Ingram, Sheldon, Tony, and Weyerhaeuser. The county is recognized for its strong work ethic, dependable workforce, and business-friendly environment that supports both established industries and emerging opportunities.

Manufacturing continues to serve as a cornerstone of the local economy, complemented by agriculture, forestry, healthcare, education, trade, and tourism. Major employers and industries in the region include advanced manufacturing, building products, automation technology, firearms manufacturing, healthcare services, and agricultural production. Leading private-sector employers include Weather Shield Manufacturing, Inc., Rockwell Automation, Biorigin Specialty Products, and Henry Repeating Arms.

Educational and workforce training resources are anchored by the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Outreach Center and North Cedar Academy, a private international collegiate academy, both located in the county seat of Ladysmith. These institutions contribute to workforce readiness and educational advancement throughout the region.

Rusk County is strategically served by U.S. Highway 8 and State Highway 27, providing strong regional transportation access. Rail service is provided by Canadian National Railway through both east-west and north-south corridors, supporting industrial and commercial transportation needs.

Industrial and commercial development opportunities exist throughout the county, with several industrial parks and business sites positioned to accommodate a variety of operations. Existing industrial infrastructure, warehouse space, manufacturing facilities, and rail-accessible sites provide flexibility for expanding businesses and future economic investment. The Rusk County Enterprise Center continues to support entrepreneurship and small business development through flexible commercial and industrial space opportunities.

Beyond its economic assets, Rusk County offers an exceptional quality of life. With more than 80,000 acres of forestland and over 250 lakes, rivers, streams, and flowages, the county is a premier destination for outdoor recreation including fishing, boating, hunting, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and hiking. Historic downtown districts throughout the county provide unique shopping, dining, and community events that enhance the experience for both residents and visitors alike.

Business expansion, relocation, and economic development assistance are available through Rusk County Economic Development and its regional partners.

For more information contact:

Jackson Koverman
jkoverman@ruskcountywi.gov