About Richland Center, Wisconsin
Welcome to Richland Center, Wisconsin!
The City of Richland Center, Wisconsin is located on Hwy 14 between Madison and LaCrosse. The City is the proud home of industrial, retail, agricultural, and medical enterprises. Our industrial parks are home to major businesses specializing in metal machining, food products, transportation, and packaging. Our Downtown, the Historic District, offers unique shopping and business opportunities. Richland Center offers families a safe and scenic environment to raise children, with lovely neighborhoods, parks and lakes and community events including music and festivals in the summer.
Visit Richland Center and stay for a nighttime or a lifetime!
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History
Richland Center was founded in 1851 by Ira S. Haseltine. The City of Richland Center, Wisconsin is located on Hwy 14 between Madison and LaCrosse in the Ocooch Mountains or the center of the Driftless Area. The City is the proud home of industrial, retail, agricultural, and medical enterprises. Our two industrial parks are home to major businesses specializing in metal machining, food products, transportation, and packaging. Our Downtown, the Historic District, offers unique shopping and business opportunities. Richland Center offers families a safe and scenic environment to raise children, with lovely neighborhoods, parks, the Pine River and North Park Pond, several bike/walking trails, a mountain bike trail, canoeing and/or kayaking, fishing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, camping, as well as recreational activities within the parks, also community events year round. There are natural landscapes and serenity. The surrounding area is filled with culture, artisans of architecture, crafts, theater, music, foods, wineries and a new brew pub.
- Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Richland Center in 1867. The A.D. German Warehouse, completed in 1921, is the only building designed by Wright in his hometown.
- In 1873 the Park Hotel was built. President J.F. Kennedy gave a speech from the steps of the Park Hotel.
- In 1874 Telegraph service was established and in 1876 the railroad service to Richland Center was established.
- In 1909 Edgar Doudna organized the first High School Band in the nation.
- In 1912 the Auditorium was built.
- Richland Center Telephone Company in 1918 founded GTE Corporation, which had been the largest independent telephone company in the United States originated when John F. O’Connell, Sigurd L. Odegard and John A. Pratt acquired it and it became Verizon Communications in 2000.
- In 1930 Ada James heads the “first of its kind” Children’s Welfare Board.
- Highway 14 was built in the 1940’s through Richland Center.
- In 1953 the Richland Cable System, owned by Theron O. Moon, was installed.
- On October 27, 2004 President George H.W. Bush gave a speech in the Richland Center High School during his election campaign.
Visit Richland Center and stay for a nighttime or a lifetime!
About the City
Richland Center is the county seat of Richland County, Wisconsin, with a population of 5,186 residents and 2,797 active registered voters as of 2025. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Driftless Region, the City offers a high quality of life, access to essential services, and a strong sense of community.
Richland Center is part of the Richland School District, which provides comprehensive K-12 education to local students. Opportunities for advanced education are available through nearby institutions such as the Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Outreach Center.
Healthcare services in Richland Center are anchored by the Richland Hospital and Clinics, which offers a state-of-the-art medical facility and a network of more than 32 providers serving the surrounding area.
The Richland Center Municipal Airport, located in Sextonville just three miles east of the city, provides general aviation access and supports local travel and business needs. City residents and businesses are served by Richland Center Utilities, which provides reliable electric, water, and sewer services.
With a focus on community well-being, dependable infrastructure, and access to regional resources, Richland Center remains a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.
On June 19, 2001 Richland Center became the first Purple Heart City in the Nation by adopting Resolution 2001-16 Purple Heart City. Recognition for being the First Purple Heart City in the Nation.
Approximate Driving Distance to:
- WI Dells, WI – 45 Miles
- Lacrosse, WI – 65 Miles
- Madison, WI – 65 Miles
- Dubuque, IA – 79 Miles
- Chicago, IL – 205 Miles
- Minneapolis, MN – 221 Miles
City recognized holidays that would close services: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve
The City of Richland Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at the previous link or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov
