Nestled among farm fields in beautiful south central Wisconsin lies Cambridge – the village with the best of yesterday and today.
Full of charm and natural beauty with wonderful outdoor adventures, annual family fun events, quaint specialty shops, cozy and comfortable bed & breakfasts and a great cup of coffee. These are just of few of the experiences that made Cambridge one of the top “100 Best Small Town Getaways” by Midwest Living Magazine.
Recreation
The clear waters of Lake Ripley are ideal for water sports from canoeing to jet skiing, and fishermen will enjoy the tranquility and bounteous catches offered up year-round. Also, running through downtown is Koshkonong Creek, which is a favorite for canoeists and kayakers. Convenient rentals of kayaks, stand up paddle boards, canoes and boats are available.
Bicyclists can spend a few hours or an entire day exploring nearby Glacial Drumlin State Bike Trail and peaceful country roads. Mountain biking and cross country trails at Cam Rock County Park include a 3.5 mile main loop with two additional branching trails. Hiking and picnicking are also highpoints offered at Cam Rock Park. Bike rentals are available near access to Cam Rock Park as well as skate rentals in the winter.
Lake Ripley Park, located on the west shores of Lake Ripley, is an 18 acre park privately owned by the Cambridge Foundation and managed by the Cambridge Community Activities Program (CAP). Lake Ripley Park is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is home to two tennis courts, a disc golf course, a basketball court, a children’s play structure, volleyball courts, a beach and much more. Also available is on-site kayak, canoe & paddle board rentals, umbrella rentals, an on-site bathhouse with showers as well a concession stand. Visit www.cambridgecap.net for more information.
Lake Ripley is ideal for power-boating, jet skiing, waterskiing, sailing and fishing. There is a marina that rents pontoon boats and fishing boats on a daily and weekly basis. Rentals of kayaks, canoes & paddle boards are available at Lake Ripley Park. A true sportsman’s paradise, Lake Ripley boasts the Wisconsin state record for large mouth bass. Bluegill, Walleye, Northern, and bass abound.
Our History
History buffs will get a sense of the rich heritage of the Greater Cambridge and Lake Ripley area at the Cambridge Historic School, listed on the Wisconsin and National Register of Historic Places. A self-guided walking tour of historic homes delights all who take it with a range of architectural styles and period details.
Shopping, Dining & Lodging
Cambridge boasts a wide variety of quaint shops and specialty stores. Throughout town, anchored by historic Main Street, shoppers will find Amish-made furniture, salt-glazed and art pottery, clothing, home accessories, antiques, galleries, Scandinavian gifts, jewelry and more. Looking for a great place to dine? Try our coffee houses, full-service restaurants, and bakery. A diverse collection of local pubs and cafes, plus award-winning bed & breakfasts, also adorn Cambridge.
Events
The Village bustles with activity during the numerous festivals held year-round.
In spring and summer, Cambridge holds events like the Diva Day-The Royal Treatment (April), Spring Potters Tour (May), Kruise Nights (2nd Tues. May -Sept), Memorial Day Parade & Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast, Grand Opening of Lake Ripley Park (Memorial Day Weekend), Elements of Art Fair (1st Weekend in June), Cambridge Pottery Festival & US Pottery Games in Lake Ripley Park (2nd weekend in June) and Umbrella Daze (Last weekend in July).
In the fall, Cambridge presents Maxwell Street Days and the Friends of the Library Book Sale (1st weekend in August), Utica Festival (Aug), Firemen’s Annual Dance & Poker Run (September), Fall Fest & Family Wellness Expo (September), Barktoberfest (October), and the Friends of Cambridge Library Folk Craft Fair (November).
Cambridge celebrates the holidays with the annual Diva Day Expo (weekend after Thanksgiving) and Cambridge Country Christmas weekend event (1st weekend in December).
Come Join Us
Located just 20 minutes east of Madison and one hour west of Milwaukee, Cambridge is nestled in the heart of south central Wisconsin and is just waiting for you to discover our many simple pleasures.
The Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce sets the standard for excellence in member service, community partnerships, business advocacy and achieving a high quality of life in the Cambridge Area. The Chamber strives to improve the overall business climate and quality of life for the Cambridge Area through sponsorships of programs and convening of events which promote, facilitate and stimulate economic growth, civic participation, business advocacy and education.
