New River is in Central Arizona . It is in Maricopa County. The town is located on Interstate 17 at exit 232, just north of Phoenix. 

New River is a popular place to live or stop by to take in some nearby attractions. It is a small town that began as a stage stop and was once owned by an eccentric pioneer named Lord Duppa. The warm desert climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and summer high temperature of 103 degrees. New River is close to Phoenix, yet it is away from the smog and traffic congestion. 

There are several attractions located near New River. Prime Outlets New River is a very large outlet mall just minutes south of New River. The Outlet Mall is the place to shop for top brand name items at great prices. Shoppers will also find a food court area that is perfect for an afternoon lunch or snack. 

The Pioneer Arizona Living Historical Museum is just south of town at Exit 225. It is a pioneer town recreated to depict life in the 1800’s. There are exhibits and crafts people that really take you back in time. Visitors will find outdoor activities near town. Lake Pleasant Road located on the west side of town is a direct way to the lake. The 15-mile road drops into the valley and connects to State Highway 74, which then takes you to Lake Pleasant. There is a section of Lake Pleasant Road from New River that is not paved. Once you are at Lake Pleasant there is boating, fishing and lots of water fun. 

This area was first used as a military road. In the mid 1880’s, the road connected Fort McDowell to Fort Whipple. The road began at Fort Whipple and headed down to Cave Creek, on the way down it passed through New River. The road continued into the McDowell Mountains and then into Fort McDowell. As for the name New River, its origin is unknown. Later, New River became an early stage station. 

Lord Darrel Duppa owned the station. Duppa was a member of the English nobility. He was educated in Europe, spoke several languages and had traveled worldwide. Duppa is credited with being one of the first settlers in the Salt River Valley and with the naming of both Phoenix and Tempe. 

He was an eccentric man and lived well below his means. Duppa came to the area in 1860’s and chose New River to be his homestead. Duppa’s home consisted of a roof made of willows and thin unplastered walls made of ironwood interlaced with rawhide. The floor was dirt with guns, ammunition, saddles, whips and spurs hanging from the crossbeams overhead. In 1947, New River was the point where the Black Canyon Highway ended. After leaving Phoenix and arriving at New River the pavement ended. The road was dirt rest of the way on up to Prescott and into northern Arizona . It wasn’t until the 1960’s, before the Highway became Interstate 17 and was paved all the way through.