+ Transportation Policies
The Ripon College Office of Admission does not provide transportation to or from campus. Campus visitors are expected to provide their own transportation during their campus visit day. If you need transportation while you are in town, we encourage visitors to use Ripon Taxi (920-748-5599). Since Ripon is a smaller town, we do not have consistent Uber or Lyft drivers and it is not a guarantee they will be available to use.

If you are flying into Wisconsin to visit Ripon, students and their guests must arrange their own transportation to campus via a rental vehicle or other means. The two closest airports to campus are MKE - Milwaukee and ATW - Appleton.

We've shared more information below about:
  • Recommended hotels
  • Restaurants in the area
  • Recommended airports for out-of-state travelers
+ Recommended Hotel Options
Located in historic downtown Ripon, the Mapes Hotel is a cozy and comfortable hotel option only a few blocks from campus. Mapes does offer a campus visitor discount. Contact the Office of Admission to receive the discount code.
Located on HWY 23 on the west side of Ripon, the Cobblestone Suites hotel is fantastic chain hotel. It is located near Webster's Grocery store, a dog park, and many fast food locations. If you mention in your registration that you are a visitor of the college, they may give you a discount.
+ Restaurants
+ Local Restaurants
Roadhouse Pizza - Classic Ripon restaurant and a favorite of our alumni! Excellent pizza, burger, sandwiches, and more. Delivers to local hotels. Open Wednesday through Sunday | 4:00 p.m. to 9:00/10:00 p.m.
Knuth's Brewing Company - A local brewery which makes excellent woodfired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. A great place for lunch or dinner. Open Tuesday through Saturday | 11:00 a.m. to 9:00/10:00 p.m.
The Public House - A traditional Irish pub with unique and interesting menu items. Open Tuesday through Saturday | 4:00 p.m. to 10:00/11:00 p.m. on week nights, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Mugs Coffeehouse - A favorite student hangout spot in downtown Ripon. Located a few blocks from campus, you can get an excellent latte, hot cocoa, or bakery goods. Open Wednesday through Sunday | 7:00/8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Mr. & Mrs. P's - One of the most popular breakfast spots in town! Big breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Open Wednesday through Sunday | 7 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Occasionally open late for Friday Fish Fry.
Kristina's Family Cafe - A family run diner in downtown Ripon! Fantastic breakfasts and lunches all day. Open all week between 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
+ Fast Food
McDonald's
1113 W Fond Du Lac St
Ripon, WI 54971-9999
Culver's
1086 W Fond Du Lac St
Ripon, WI 54971
Taco Bell/KFC
1180 W Fond Du Lac St
Ripon, WI 54971
Kwik Trip - East Side
545 E Fond Du Lac St
Ripon, WI 54971
Kwik Trip - West Side
1123 W Fond Du Lac St
Ripon, WI 54971
Subway
1061 W Fond Du Lac St
Ripon, WI 54971
A&W
204 E Fond Du Lac St
Ripon, WI 54971
+ Recommended Airports
Location: 5300 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Time to campus: 1 hour and 32 minutes
Location: 10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666
Time to campus: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Location: W6390 Challenger Dr, Appleton, WI 54914
Time to campus: 46 minutes
+ Fly-in Opportunities for Out-of-State Students
Accepted seniors who live outside the Midwest are eligible for a one-time flight reimbursement opportunity up to $300 if they visit Ripon College before May 1, aka National College Decision Day.
  • The $300 reimbursement is only available for the visiting student and not family guests. The maximum reimbursement for a student is up to $300. If a student's flight is less than $300, they will receive the specific amount of their flight. (Ex: $250 flight will equal a $250 reimbursement.)
  • Students must let the Office of Admission know they would like to receive a reimbursement. Admission counselors will be happy to assist students with the filing process and necessary paperwork.
  • To qualify for the $300 reimbursement, a student must be accepted to Ripon College and attend a high school outside the Midwest (not in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, or Indiana).
  • After you complete the reimbursement paperwork, which includes a flight receipt, our business office will mail you a reimbursement check. This may take up to 6-8 weeks to process. Thank you for your patience.
  • As a reminder, the Ripon College Office of Admission does not provide transportation to or from campus. Campus visitors are expected to provide their own transportation during their campus visit day. If you need transportation while you are in town, we encourage visitors to use Ripon Taxi (920-748-5599). Since Ripon is a smaller town, we do not have consistent Uber or Lyft drivers and it is not a guarantee they will be available to use.
    • If you are flying into Wisconsin to visit Ripon, students and their guests must arrange their own transportation to campus via a rental vehicle or other means. The two closest airports to campus are MKE - Milwaukee and ATW - Appleton.