Explore Richville, MN, a small city in Otter Tail County. This guide provides facts on its history, population, and proximity to area lakes and outdoor recreation.

Richville Minnesota A Portrait of a Small Midwestern Community

Secure your Minnesota fishing license online before you arrive, as the local bait supply near the Dead Lake public access operates on inconsistent hours. For the best results, target walleye and northern pike in the early summer months. If you are visiting in winter, ensure your snowmobile is registered, as the local trails connect directly into the extensive Otter Tail County system. Note that cellular reception becomes unreliable once you venture off the main highway and onto township roads.

This unincorporated community, with a population that stays just above 100 residents, serves as a minor crossroads in a region defined by agriculture and recreation. Its identity is tied to its position between the larger towns of Perham and New York Mills. The economic base consists almost entirely of family-owned farms and a handful of small businesses that support the seasonal influx of cabin owners from the surrounding lakes, including Star Lake and Rush Lake.

A move to this area requires an adjustment in expectations for amenities. All major shopping, banking, and medical services are located in Perham, a ten-minute drive west. The social center of the community is its single bar and grill, where local news and information are exchanged. This lifestyle is built on self-sufficiency and close-knit neighborly support, a direct contrast to the anonymity of a larger town.

Richville, MN

For direct access to Dead Lake fishing, utilize the public boat launch situated three miles west of this municipality on County Road 14. The lake contains populations of walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass.

• The community's population was recorded at 177 during the 2020 United States Census.

• It is located in Otter Tail County, approximately 11 miles west of Perham via U.S. Route 10.
• Star Lake, another significant recreational water body, is a short drive to the south.
• The townsite spans a total area of 0.99 square miles, all of it land.

This settlement was platted in 1903. Its position was determined by the construction of a Northern Pacific Railway line through the area.

1. Elevation: 1,368 feet (417 meters).
2. ZIP Code: 56576.
3. Area Code: 218.
4. Local governance is managed by a mayor and a four-person city council.

Securing Housing and Connecting to Local Services in Richville

Initiate your housing search by consulting the Otter Tail County HRA for information on area programs and available properties. For market-rate homes, monitor real estate listings in the 56576 zip code and expand your search to include nearby Perham and New York Mills, as local inventory is often limited. Check physical bulletin boards at the post office and local businesses for private rental and for-sale-by-owner notices not advertised online.

To establish utilities, contact the City Clerk's office to set up water and sewer accounts. Lake Region Electric Cooperative provides electricity to the area; new accounts can be opened on their website or by calling their main office. For trash and recycling, arrange collection through Otter Tail County Solid Waste or a licensed private hauler servicing the township.

Internet service is primarily available through Arvig, which offers fiber and DSL connections. For properties outside their direct service lines, satellite internet from providers like Starlink or Viasat are functional alternatives. Use a specific street address on provider websites to confirm serviceability. Cellular reception from major carriers is generally available but can be inconsistent in certain parts of the locality.

For official information and local government contacts, refer directly to the municipality's official website. County-level services, such as vehicle registration and property tax payments, are managed at the Otter Tail County Government Center in Fergus Falls. Attending  pleedo , held at the community hall, offers a direct way to learn about local matters and meet residents.

A Guide to Annual Community Events and Outdoor Recreation

Plan to visit during the third weekend of August for the Pioneer Power Show. This gathering showcases antique farm equipment with live demonstrations, including steam tractor pulls and a working sawmill. A large flea market operates throughout the event, and a pancake breakfast is served daily starting at 7:00 AM.

The community's WinterFest takes place on the first Saturday of February. Activities center around an ice fishing contest on Star Lake, with categories for walleye, northern pike, and crappie. A chili cook-off at the town hall provides a warm meal for participants and spectators.

For fishing, target the western shoreline of Otter Tail Lake for walleye using jigs and live bait. Public access is clearly marked off County Highway 1. The smaller Heinola Lake offers excellent opportunities for panfish and has less boat traffic.

The Central Lakes State Trail passes just north of the township, providing a paved path for cyclists and hikers. A convenient access point with parking is located at the intersection with State Highway 108. During winter months, this same trail is groomed for snowmobiling.

Hunters can find white-tailed deer and waterfowl within the Hubbel Pond Wildlife Management Area. This area contains a mix of wetlands and hardwood forest accessible for public use. Consult the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for specific season dates and permit requirements before any trip.

Directory of Main Street Businesses and Local Employers

The largest single source of employment is Thumper Pond Resort, offering positions in lodging, golf course maintenance, and restaurant operations at Willy T's Tavern & Grill. On the town's central avenue, The Otter serves as the main restaurant and bar, providing both dining options and local food service jobs. This establishment is a primary social hub for the community.

Agricultural services form a pillar of the local economy. CHS Midwest Cooperative offers employment related to grain handling, agronomy, and the distribution of farm supplies. Its operations support the surrounding agricultural producers. The local oil company provides fuel services and associated support roles for residents and farms in the area.

Public sector and civic roles are available through several entities. The United States Post Office branch requires personnel for mail sorting and delivery. The City Hall administers municipal functions and manages public works. The volunteer fire department, while not a source of full-time salaried positions, is a foundational part of the area's emergency response infrastructure.