A HOME BEYOND CAMPUS
Ripon College is proud to call the historic city of Ripon—a tight-knit community of just under 8,000 in East Central Wisconsin—home. Friendly and safe, Ripon welcomes and uplifts students year after year. With local events and shops just a short walk from campus, it’s easy to feel like part of the neighborhood family.
west of
Fond Du Lac
northwest of Milwaukee
southeast of Green Bay
northeast of Madison
Explore downtown
You’ll find plenty to do in the historic downtown district, just two blocks from campus. A mix of lively shops, pubs, restaurants and artsy cafes line the streets. Some student favorites are Mugs Coffeehouse (great for studying) and Knuth’s Brewing Company (great for pizza). You can even catch a movie for just $5 at the original Marcus movie theater.
A few more of our favorite area spots include:
- Willmore Center
- Ceresco Prairie
- Vines & Rushes Winery
- Green Lake
Join the community
Just as the city invests in our students, our students invest back. There are plenty of ways to actively engage with the community, whether through part-time jobs or volunteering with local organizations. One experience you won’t want to miss is the new student potluck. Local churches organize this event, providing a hot, home-cooked meal as a warm welcome.
Celebrate holidays and seasons
All year long, the city hosts various festivals, concerts, and activities that bring the community together. There’s Septemberfest, an annual fall gathering complete with live music, delicious food, and even a car show. The Dickens of a Christmas is a festive weekend to look forward to around the holidays. And if you’ve never listened to live polka music while skating around an ice rink, here’s your invitation.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Learn more about our other student centers and Community resources: