LOCATION

PLAN A DAY IN RIPON

“Far famed among the cities, ‘neath Wisconsin’s clear blue skies, amidst the hills and woods and streams, the town or Ripon lies. One can reach this little city, by air, highway or rail. so when you go a-traveling, see Ripon without fail.”

The Historical Society

Start with a visit to the museum at the Historical Society. The museum is open Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM or by appointment. Group tours are available by appointment.

Shop

Visit three city blocks of unique boutique shopping in vintage buildings located just a block from the Ripon Historical Society. Included in this area is the Ripon Town Square, featuring the first ever Marcus movie theater. This main street area, known as Watson Street, has been a part of the Wisconsin Main Street community revitalization program for over two decades. This area is also listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

Dine

Ripon offers a variety of restaurants, a craft brewery, an ice cream shop, and a coffee shop just steps from the Ripon Historical Society. Other unique restaurants, including a winery, are located outside of the downtown area.

Tour

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Ripon College campus, located two blocks northwest of the Ripon Historical Society. The campus is also listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Places. If you are considering attending Ripon College, please contact the college to schedule a personal tour.

The Little White School House, birthplace of the Republican Party, is just five blocks from the Ripon Historical Society. This building is listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Places. littlewhiteschoolhouse.com

The Historical Society offers booklets for self-guided walking tours of the historical homes in Ripon. Please contact the Society for more information.

City Events

The Ripon community enjoys free Friday evening concerts on the Village Green, located one block north of the Historical Society. The home of famous Ripon resident H. Gordon Selfridge Jr. was located where this picturesque park is now found.

In early August, the city hosts Cookie Daze, a family event, at Barlow Park just south of the Historical Society. ripon-wi.com/ripon/cookie-daze-schedule-of-events

Septemberfest celebrates the arrival of fall and includes a car show, live music and food vendors just steps from the Historical Society. ripon-wi.com/ripon/septemberfest

Plan to return to Ripon the first weekend in December to celebrate Dickens of a Christmas. The annual celebration includes living windows, a tour of homes, a quilt show, live music performances and many other activities. The Ripon Historical Society opens a new exhibit that weekend and we welcome you to stop in. ripon-wi.com/ripon/1478-2/

Other Attractions & Activities

Visit Larson’s Famous Clydesdales, Vines & Rushes Winery, Knuth Brewing Company, and Marcus Campus Cinema. Hike through South Woods or the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy at Ripon College, ride the Ceresco Prairie Mountain Bike Trails, walk or bike The Northwestern Trail, Mascoutin Valley State Trail or enjoy one of Ripon’s six city parks. Catch a lecture, music concert or live theatre at Ripon College.

Beautiful Green Lake is a short drive away and is the home of the Thrasher Opera House. The Green Lake Festival of Music hosts many live musical events throughout the summer. Take a short drive down the road from Green Lake on a summer Saturday to browse through the famous Princeton Flea Market. Twenty miles the opposite direction of Ripon is the home of the EAA Aviation Museum and the annual EAA AirVenture every July.

More Information

For more information on what to do in Ripon please contact:

The Ripon Chamber of Commerce – ripon-wi.com Ripon Main Street – riponmainst.com