- What is Ripon known for?
- Ripon is best known as the home of Ripon College, a renowned regional liberal arts college.
- Ripon is credited as the birthplace of the Republican Party during the spring and summer of 1854.
- What historical site can visitors explore in Ripon?
- The Little White Schoolhouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserves Ripon's connection to the Republican Party's development.
- What activities can visitors enjoy in Ripon?
- Visitors can sample wines and beers at local craft breweries and wineries.
- Catch movies at the historic Campus Cinema.
- Enjoy a meal at local restaurants like J's BBQ.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Vines and Rushes Winery
Savor local wines and relax with live music on a romantic weekend trip.
Vines and Rushes Winery is a delicious farm winery located on the grounds of Ryan and Megan Prellwitz's family farm in Ripon, which is known for its production of decadent strawberry varieties throughout the year. The winery focuses on crafting delicious, drinkable wines from cold hardy grape varieties that can withstand Wisconsin's bitterly cold winter conditions. Visitors can taste all of the company's wines as part of complimentary wine tastings throughout the year at its tasting room, offered seven days a week. Wine varieties produced throughout the year range from standard red and white varietals to highly drinkable blends and gluten-free hard ciders. Wood-fired brick-oven pizzas are served up Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while live music performances are showcased on weekend evenings.
410 County Rd E, Ripon, WI 54971, Phone: 920-748-3296
2. Campus Cinema
Catch indie films and enjoy cheap popcorn on an easy evening outing.
Campus Cinema is an historic single-screen theater in Ripon's downtown district, originally opened in 1935 as part of the Marcus Theatres chain by Ben Marcus. The historic theater has been restored to its 20th-century splendor and still showcases first-run movies throughout the week, offering evening showings throughout the week and matinees on weekends. Visitors can attend the season's top family-friendly films and blockbusters in an intimate, relaxed environment. Delicious concessions are offered for carrying into the theater, ranging from freshly-made popcorn and soft pretzel bites to American-style favorites like hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream. Special deals are available for frequent visitors, including deals for students and seniors.
103 Watson St, Ripon, WI 54971, Phone: 920-748-1227
3. Little White Schoolhouse
Explore political history and see the birthplace of the GOP on a quick trip.
Little White Schoolhouse, also known as the Republican Schoolhouse, is an historic schoolhouse in Ripon that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark for its role as a founding location in the birth of the American Republican Party in 1854. The schoolhouse, which was built for public use by the Ripon community in 1853, was championed by New York native Alvan Bovay, a major figure in establishing the Republican Party in the 1850s. A meeting hosted at the schoolhouse by Bovay in March of 1853 led to the dissolution of the Whig and Free Soil Parties and the establishment of the united Republicam Party. Today, the schoolhouse is operated as a living history museum showcasing local history exhibits and exhibits on the region's connection to the Republican Party's birth.
305 Blackburn St, Ripon, WI 54971, Phone: 920-748-6764
4. J's BBQ
Taste smoky ribs and enjoy casual dining on an affordable family food stop.
J's BBQ is a delicious barbecue joint that was opened to the public in Ripon in 2014. Today, it has become known for its in-house smoked meats, which are rubbed and smoked daily on premises. Diners can enjoy all menu selections throughout the day until sellout, with guests encouraged to dine earlier rather than later to ensure menu availability throughout the day. Meat selections include tender, juicy beef brisket, barbecue pulled pork, chopped chicken, baby back pork ribs, and hand-breaded haddock filets. Jumbo bone-in and boneless wings are also served up drenched in barbecue sauce, alongside platters of jumbo hand-breaded shrimp. Homestyle sides are available to complement all meals, including the restaurant's famed homestyle macaroni and cheese and housemade cheddar jalapeno bread.
333 Watson St, Ripon, WI 54971, Phone: 920-748-2232
5. Mr. And Mrs. P's Eatery
Savor comfort food and relax in a cozy space during a retirement lunch.
Mr. And Mrs. P's Eatery serves up excellent home-cooked fare prepared onsite from scratch daily, emphasizing traditional, high-quality culinary techniques and family recipes. The restaurant, which is overseen by married duo Kathy and Joe Plucinski, is known for its affordable prices and laid-back, family-friendly dining environment. Breakfast is served up throughout the week, highlighting homestyle favorites like banana pecan griddle pancakes, artisanal breakfast sandwiches, smoked salmon platters, and creative eggs Benedict dishes. At lunch, diners can select from favorites like baked gourmet mac and cheese bowls, meatloaf and pot roast platters, reuben sandwiches, and patty melts. A wide variety of pastries are baked onsite daily, ranging from cake pops and cream puffs to gluten-free sweets.
1100 W Fond Du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971, Phone: 920-896-0696
6. Knuth Brewing Company
Sample craft beers and enjoy wood-fired pizza on a fun summer outing.
Knuth Brewing Company was founded in 2015 by married duo Marie and David Knuth, specializing in creative, highly drinkable craft beers and delicious brewpub fare. Year-round flagship brews are served up on tap at the company's brewpub, including favorites like its Blue Eyed Blonde Ale, Red House Ale, Workers Mild Brown Ale, and My Sophia Belgian Tripel. Diners can build their own wood-fired pizzas for sharing, choosing from creative ingredients like goat cheese, kalamata olives, Thai chili sauce, grated carrots, and crushed peanuts. Wood-fired panini options include the chicken toga, stuffed with roma tomatoes and grilled chicken breast, or the Berlin club, topped with Swiss cheese, turkey, ham, and bacon. House-roasted coffee is also served up, along with shareable appetizers like soft pretzel bites, wood-fired nachos, and bruschetta.
221 Watson St, Ripon, WI 54971, Phone: 920-748-5188
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Mapes Hotel – A cozy, historic boutique hotel in downtown Ripon.
Explore Ripon’s Historic Downtown – Enjoy charming shops, cafes, and local history.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities.
Heidel House Hotel & Conference Center – A scenic stay on Green Lake.
Visit Green Lake – Enjoy boating, fishing, and water activities.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage.
Boarders Inn & Suites – A comfortable stay with modern amenities.
Hike at Riggs County Park – Experience beautiful fall colors on scenic trails.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and festive with holiday charm.
Welcome Inn – A budget-friendly and cozy option for winter travelers.
Visit the Birthplace of the Republican Party Museum – Learn about Ripon’s historical significance.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: