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Overview
New Richmond is a small city of roughly 8,800 people in St. Croix County, in the northwest corner of Wisconsin. It sits on the Apple River about 30 miles east of the Twin Cities metro area, making it a quiet alternative base for travelers who want rural Wisconsin without a long drive from the Minneapolis–St. Paul airport.
The city is best known locally for its recovering from a devastating tornado on June 12, 1899, which killed more than 100 people and nearly wiped out the community. That history is preserved at the Heritage Center Museum and is still a point of local identity. Today New Richmond functions as a regional service hub for western St. Croix County, surrounded by dairy farms, hardwood forests, and the glacially carved lakes and rivers typical of this part of the Upper Midwest.
For visitors, the appeal is low-key: accessible golf, trails, local dining, and easy day-trip access to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the livelier small cities of Hudson and Stillwater, Minnesota.
Before You Go
Visas
New Richmond is in the United States. For visa requirements, check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Department of State official websites, as rules vary significantly by nationality.
Climate
New Richmond has a humid continental climate. Summers (June–August) are warm to hot, typically in the upper 70s to mid-80s °F (25–30 °C), with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures regularly dropping below 0 °F (−18 °C). Spring and fall are pleasant but can be unpredictable. Pack layers any time outside of midsummer.
Practical Prep
- A car is essential; there is no meaningful public transit within the city.
- Cell service is generally reliable in the city center but can be spotty in surrounding rural and forested areas.
- Most businesses accept major credit cards, but carry some cash for farmers markets, small vendors, and rural roadside stands.
- The nearest large hospitals and urgent care facilities are in Hudson or the Twin Cities; verify current options locally before your trip.
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airports are Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP), approximately 40–45 miles west, and Minneapolis–St. Paul's secondary option, St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP). Both connect to New Richmond via car; there is no shuttle service — verify locally for any current options.
By Car
New Richmond is easily reached via U.S. Highway 65 from the south and Wisconsin State Highway 64 from the east and west. From the Twin Cities, take I-94 east to the Hudson/New Richmond exits and follow WI-64 east. The drive is straightforward and takes under an hour from central Minneapolis in normal traffic.
By Bus
Scheduled intercity bus service to New Richmond is limited. Check with regional operators such as Jefferson Lines for current routes and stops, as schedules change. Greyhound serves nearby Hudson and Baldwin.
By Train
There is no passenger rail service to New Richmond.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to get around New Richmond and to reach surrounding attractions. The city itself is compact and walkable in its downtown core, but most points of interest, parks, and day-trip destinations require driving.
Ride-share apps (Uber, Lyft) have limited but some availability here given proximity to the Twin Cities; availability is not guaranteed, especially in the evening. Bicycle-friendly roads exist in and around town, and the city has some trail connections — verify current trail maps at City Hall or the local visitor information sources.
Parking in downtown New Richmond is generally free and easy to find.
Things to See & Do
Heritage Center Museum
The New Richmond Heritage Center is the city's primary cultural attraction, documenting regional history with particular focus on the 1899 tornado disaster. The museum preserves photographs, artifacts, and oral histories that bring the event and the broader local story to life. Verify current hours and any admission fees directly with the museum before visiting.
Golf
New Richmond is home to the New Richmond Golf Club, an established course set in typical Wisconsin rolling terrain. Golf is a significant recreational draw for visitors from the Twin Cities region during the warmer months. Confirm current green fees and tee time booking directly with the club.
Apple River and Outdoor Recreation
The Apple River, which runs near the city, offers fishing (bass, walleye, panfish typical of the region) and canoeing opportunities. The broader St. Croix County area has numerous county parks, lakes, and multi-use trails. Hunting (deer, turkey, waterfowl seasonally) is popular in surrounding townships — verify current Wisconsin DNR regulations and licensing requirements.
Day Trips
- The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is roughly 15–20 miles west and offers canoeing, kayaking, and scenic hiking along a federally protected wild river.
- Hudson, Wisconsin (about 20 miles west) has a more developed waterfront, wine bars, and antique shops along the St. Croix River.
- Stillwater, Minnesota (across the river from Hudson) is a well-known historic river town with year-round tourism appeal.
Food & Drink
New Richmond has a modest but functional dining scene centered on its downtown area. Expect a mix of local family-owned restaurants, bars serving pub food, and casual American fare. There are also national fast-food chains along the highway corridors.
Local bars and supper clubs are culturally characteristic of Wisconsin: the supper club tradition — sit-down, family-style restaurants often serving prime rib, fish fry on Fridays, and Old Fashioned cocktails — is represented in the St. Croix County area, though specific venues should be verified locally for current operation.
The Friday night fish fry is a genuine Wisconsin institution and worth seeking out at local bars or supper clubs if you're visiting on a Friday. Confirm current restaurant listings with the New Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce or a local directory, as small-town dining options change frequently.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. This connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services.
Medical
New Richmond has basic medical services locally. For serious emergencies, Hudson or the Twin Cities hospitals offer more comprehensive care. Verify current local clinic and urgent care hours before your trip.
Money
ATMs are available at local banks and some convenience stores in town. Major credit and debit cards are accepted at most businesses.
Connectivity
High-speed internet is available at most lodging. Mobile data (4G/LTE) is reliable in the city; coverage thins out in rural surrounding areas.
Tipping
Standard U.S. tipping conventions apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and similar norms for other service workers.
Safety
New Richmond is a low-crime small city by most measures. Standard common-sense precautions apply: lock your car, don't leave valuables visible, and be aware of your surroundings at night.
Outdoor safety considerations are more relevant here than crime. Deer-vehicle collisions are a real hazard on rural roads in this part of Wisconsin, particularly at dawn and dusk from October through December. Drive cautiously on unlit county roads at those times.
Weather can be a genuine safety issue: severe thunderstorms and tornadoes occur in the region during spring and summer. Monitor weather forecasts and know the location of your lodging's shelter area. Winter driving on icy or snow-packed roads requires appropriate tires and caution.
