Ladysmith, Wisconsin

Driving Change in the Midwest

Blessed with natural surroundings and fostering a close-knit community

Ladysmith, Wisconsin, embodies the heart of the Midwest while setting new standards for small-town development. Situated in the scenic landscapes of Rusk County, Ladysmith’s identity has long been tied to its natural beauty and close-knit community.

However, recent efforts by city leaders have added another dimension to this story: growth, innovation, and resilience. Ladysmith has embarked on an ambitious journey to revitalize its infrastructure, attract businesses, and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The town proves that even the smallest places can achieve great things by leveraging community spirit and strategic investments.

While Ladysmith retains the warmth of a traditional Midwestern town, its efforts to combine small-town charm with forward-thinking development are garnering attention. In 2024 alone, the town secured approximately $22 million in public and private investments—an extraordinary achievement for a municipality with an annual budget of just over $5 million. These funds have been channeled into transformative projects reshaping Ladysmith’s future while honoring its roots.

Building community through connection

Ladysmith’s strong sense of community is one of its defining features. Alan Christianson, City Administrator, describes the town as “what you picture when you think of a Midwestern small town: a close-knit community where just about everybody knows everybody.” This familiarity fosters an environment where residents support one another and collaborate toward shared goals.

Mayor Robert Grotzinger highlights how community well-being drives the town’s initiatives. “When I ran for mayor, quality of life was my top priority,” he explains. “We want people to come to Ladysmith and think, ‘I’d like to live here someday.’ That’s why we’re investing in projects that make our community more inclusive and accessible.”

Recent investments reflect this vision, including the construction of an ADA-accessible canoe and kayak launch on the Flambeau River and Rusk County’s first ADA-accessible playground. These projects ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy Ladysmith’s outdoor spaces and community amenities. “These investments aren’t just about infrastructure—they’re about people,” Grotzinger emphasizes. “We’re ensuring everyone can experience what Ladysmith has to offer.”

2024: A transformative year

Ladysmith’s landscape is being reshaped through $22 million in public and private investments, an impressive achievement for a community of its size. These efforts demonstrate the town’s ability to exceed expectations and drive meaningful progress.

Among the most impactful projects of 2024 was the redevelopment of the former Ladysmith Elementary School. The project addressed a critical housing shortage by creating 40 units of affordable workforce housing, a significant addition for a town accustomed to only one or two new yearly builds. Beyond housing, the redevelopment preserved the building’s gymnasium and cafeteria, transforming them into an indoor community center.

“This project didn’t just address a housing shortage; it revitalized an entire part of town,” Christianson explains. It also included the construction of a new concrete skate park and ADA-accessible playground, making the area a vibrant hub for residents. These developments symbolize Ladysmith’s commitment to progress and inclusivity, showcasing its dedication to creating spaces that serve all community members.

Life on Main Street

Downtown Ladysmith has been another focal point of the town’s revitalization efforts. A cornerstone of these efforts was the renovation of a long-vacant storefront, which had sat unused for nearly two decades. Partnering with the Indianhead Community Action Agency, the city secured $650,000 in funding to bring the building back to life. Today, it houses a thrift store, a food pantry, and a pop-up retail incubator.

“This isn’t just about a building,” Christianson says. “It’s about creating a space that serves our community while breathing new life into downtown.”

The impact of this project extends beyond the services it provides. By drawing more foot traffic to downtown, the building has helped foster a sense of renewal and optimism. “The thrift store and food pantry aren’t just services—they’re lifelines for some of our residents,” Mayor Grotzinger adds. “The retail incubator allows entrepreneurs to test their ideas in a supportive environment.”

These efforts were complemented by a complete rebuild of Main Street, which replaced 100-year-old underground infrastructure and modernized the area’s utilities. Above ground, a new farmers market pavilion has become a vibrant community hub, hosting bustling markets every weekend.

“Main Street looks completely different now,” Mayor Grotzinger says. “The farmers market is packed every weekend, and it’s helping to create a downtown that residents are proud of.”

Prioritizing housing for a growing community

Meeting the demand for housing has been a critical priority for Ladysmith. In addition to the elementary school redevelopment, the city is collaborating with a local developer to build market-rate duplexes and single-family homes on underutilized land. This project will also include the construction of three new blocks of city streets, complete with modern utilities.

“This land has been in public use for over 80 years,” Christianson notes. “Now, we’re turning it into something that meets a critical need for housing and contributes to the tax base.”

These developments are significant considering the challenges facing small towns across the Midwest, where limited housing options can hinder economic growth and population retention. By proactively addressing these challenges, Ladysmith is positioning itself as a community of choice for families and professionals.

Industrial growth and economic opportunity

Ladysmith’s industrial sector is also undergoing significant growth. In 2024, the city finalized the sale of a manufacturing facility, a move expected to create 35-40 new jobs. This represents a substantial economic boost for the town of Ladysmith.

“Adding 35 to 40 jobs is a big deal,” Christianson says. “These are good-paying jobs that will significantly impact our local economy.”

The city is constructing a 20,000-square-foot infill addition in its industrial park to accommodate its current tenant. The $1.23 million project, funded entirely by proceeds from the facility sale, will expand the park’s capacity and support the local forest products industry.

“This project demonstrates our commitment to reinvesting in the community,” Christianson explains. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

Strategic retail expansion

In addition to its industrial expansion, Ladysmith is fostering a vibrant retail sector. A Tractor Supply store opening in 2024 filled a long-vacant building and created a new regional draw.

“This store isn’t just for Ladysmith,” Mayor Grotzinger says. “It pulls customers from a 45-minute radius, which benefits our local restaurants, shops, and gas stations.”

Beyond individual businesses, Ladysmith is creating opportunities for entrepreneurship through initiatives like the downtown retail incubator. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to balance economic growth with community values.

Mardi Gras magic

Ladysmith’s sense of community is most evident during its annual events, which bring residents together and attract visitors from across the region. The Northland Mardi Gras, held every July, highlights the town’s social calendar and has been a cherished tradition for over 85 years.

The beloved four-day festival features live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and an arts and crafts fair. One of the most anticipated moments is the grand parade, which weaves through the heart of the town, showcasing creative floats, local talent, and community spirit. Friday and Saturday conclude with a dazzling fireworks display over the Flambeau River, leaving spectators with joy and pride.

“It’s safe to say the whole city calendar revolves around Mardi Gras weekend,” Christianson says. “It’s a tradition that brings everyone together.” The festival strengthens community bonds and draws visitors from across the region, boosting local businesses and enhancing Ladysmith’s appeal as a destination.

Other popular events include the Music in the Park summer concert series and the Leaf It to Rusk Fall Festival, which celebrates the region’s stunning autumn foliage. These events create lasting memories and contribute to Ladysmith’s reputation as a welcoming and vibrant community.

Leadership in action

As Ladysmith looks to the future, its leaders are determined to build on the successes of 2024. “The outlook into 2025 is positive,” Mayor Grotzinger says. “We have a great council and an administrator who is persistent in making things happen. That’s a recipe for continued progress.”

“We’re focused on creating opportunities across the board,” Christianson says. “Whether it’s new housing, new businesses, or new jobs, we’re committed to making Ladysmith a place where people want to live, work, and invest.”

AT A GLANCE

Ladysmith, Wisconsin

What: A small city in Rusk County known for its natural beauty and strong community spirit, it offers a mix of historical, cultural, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Where: Northwestern Wisconsin, nestled along the scenic Flambeau River.

Website: https://www.cityofladysmithwi.com/