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In the 1850's Yankees originally settled
the community that became known as New
Richmond. Timber drove the early economy
but as that resource was depleted the
community continued to thrive as a bustling
business center for the surrounding farmland.
Years of hard work and
gracious living were quickly erased on
June 12, 1899 when Wisconsin's deadliest
tornado struck the city. It carved a deadly
path down the middle of the city and completely
destroyed the business section and two
Victorian residential neighborhoods. Fires
would follow and when it was finally over
117 were dead and 200 buildings were destroyed.
Hard work and determination followed the
horror and within six months most of the
businesses had rebuilt. It was a testimony
to the spirit and fortitude of the people
that is still seen in this city of almost
7,000 people today.
Work may have built the
city but it is play and leisure that gives
it life. It is a golfers delight with
three nearby courses to choose from: Pine
Meadows, Bristol Ridge and the New Richmond
Golf Club that features an 18-hole championship
course and a nine-hole reversible links
course.
If it is culture you
are after you will find it here. The New
Richmond Heritage Center showcases an
1884 farmhouse as well as eight other
historic buildings. The center is open
all year for tours and sponsors a summer
flea market and farmer's market on the
grounds. Visit the last weekend in September
for their Heritage Days celebration.
Theater-goers love the
historic art deco Old Gem Theater which
offers both children and adult productions
throughout the year. Art and craft lovers
throng to the annual Park Art Fair that
is held in Mary Park on the first Saturday
in June. More crafts overtake the city
at the annual Doe-on-the-Go weekend that
draws hundreds of participants and happy
buyers on the opening weekend of deer
hunting season.
Irish pride waves its
many flags at the annual St. Patrick's
Day Parade. Everyone is Irish on March
17th and even the ponies are green at
this special celebration. The summer Fun
Festival, held the second weekend in July,
boasts the usual festival fare-a carnival,
street dances, parades, food booths, beer
garden - plus several summer athletic tournaments.
You won't be bored and you'll have a grand
old time.
The nationally recognized
Cedar Lake Speedway has one of the top
clay tracks in national stock car racing
and draws thousands of fans, April through
September. Fishing is a breeze at the
scenic Star Prairie Trout Farm. Winter sport lovers find
plenty to do from the indoor hockey arena
to ice fishing to snowmobile trails.
Visit
and explore New Richmond in the scenic
St. Croix Valley! |
