Goin' To The Lake: Jason & Jamie Visit New Richmond, Wis. (Day 1)
Gallery: Goin' To The Lake 2014: New Richmond, Wis.
NEW RICHMOND, Wis. (WCCO) – Even with record rains and cooler-than-average temps, WCCO makes it to the lake. This summer, until the start of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, we're highlighting communities in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. This week, Jason DeRusha and Jamie Yuccas visit New Richmond, Wis.
The city of New Richmond is just over the border from Minnesota. Known as "The City Beautiful," it lies 40 miles east, roughly an hour drive, in St. Croix County.
Now-a-days there are about 8,500 that call New Richmond home. The city's Main Street is an area they are very proud of. With all the different shops, restaurants and businesses, it's easy to see why.
In addition to a lively Main Street, the city also boasts being home to the fifth largest airport in Wisconsin.
The New Richmond Regional Airport is one of the fastest growing in the Midwest and is celebrating its 50th year in business this year!
Over 160 aircraft are based at the airport in privately owned hangars. City officials said the airport brings in more than $9 million each year into the New Richmond area economy.
Jason & Jamie Arrive In New Richmond
New Richmond became a city in the 1850s. And to get a glimpse of what life was like back then, Jason and Jamie headed over to the Heritage Center and met with a guy named Irv.
The center is non-profit and to help pay for the cost of running it they host a flea market on Saturday and Sundays.
Jason & Jamie Visit The New Richmond Heritage Center
The downtown area is also close to several lakes and rivers, including the Apple River.
Shortly after arriving in New Richmond, Jamie and Jason took a ride down the Apple River in kayaks.
Jason & Jamie Kayak In The Apple River
After kayaking down to the Apple River, Jason and Jamie headed a bit south of New Richmond to visit Willow River State Park in Hudson, Wis.
Willow River State Park is roughly 12 miles, or a 15 minute drive, from New Richmond.
Fishing is a big draw at the state park, as is hiking. A good hike can even lead you to some great scenery – like a waterfall.
Jason & Jamie Explore Willow River State Park
After a long day hiking and fishing, Jason and Jamie were a bit parched.
Of course when you think Wisconsin, beer may come to mind. But, as Jason and Jamie discovered, that is not the only thing that is brewed across the border.
There's a big surge in local distilleries using local ingredients and it all started in New Richmond.
Jason & Jamie Visit 45th Parallel Distillery
You can do some fishing right inside Willow River State Park, but there's also a great little spot just a ways up the road.
Jamie and Jason got the chance to check out the Star Prairie Trout Farm, which they say was worth the trip!
Jason & Jamie Kayak At Star Prairie Trout Farm
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Here are links to all the places Jason and Jamie visited in New Richmond on Thursday, July 10, 2014:
Meister's Cedar Lake
Apple River Kayak
New Richmond Heritage Center
Star Prairie Trout Farm
Table 65 Bistro
Willow River State Park
45th Parallel Distillery
For the full schedule for Goin' To The Lake: All Summer Long, click here. You can suggest places for us to visit here.
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Watch the past "Goin' To The Lake" segments.
Watch the past "Goin' To The (Frozen) Lake" segments.
