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Lake Ripley
Unlike many of our region's lakes, Lake Ripley is a natural, glacial kettle lake formed more than 12,000 years ago. The DNR has designated the lake as a "Priority Lake" meaning it is considered an outstanding natural resource and needing protection and long term management. Lake Ripley's fragile aquatic ecosystem is being taxed by the ever growing presence of invasive species such as the water hyacinth, water foil and more. Melinda Myers, noted gardener, expert guest on WPR, and writer speaks to the dire need for action in her article "Working Together to Manage Invasive Plants in Wisconsin." Myers' piece has been posted here with permission from the Lake Ripley Management District (LRMD.)
The health of any lake ecosystem requires local governmental bodies like (LRMD) and the actions of passionate volunteers. In 1997, the Lake District through available DNR funds and organizations such as the Cambridge Foundation and Ducks Unlimited among others purchased 100 acres of adjacent farm land. The purchase allowed volunteers and DNR to protect the Lake Ripley watershed and restore portions of precious wetlands lost to agriculture. Today, these restoration efforts have created healthy habitats for native frogs, sandhill cranes, blue herons, turtles, sandhill cranes, wood ducks and "other wildlife. In addition, upland portions of the property were returned to a native tall-grass prairie," according to LRMD.
A famous destination for vacationers in the late 19th and mid-20th century, Lake Ripley's shores were once lined with a magnificent array of resorts.
Visit our STAY section and learn more about the 16 Lake Ripley's resorts and Lake Ripley Lodge that continues the tradition today. You can even stay overnight or weekend at the lodge and re-live the lake's glorious past.
Head east out of downtown Cambridge on Park Road. Visitors to Lake Ripley have access to the lake from public boat landings, a public beach, tennis courts, concessions and a playground As of 2021. Lake Ripley Park is an 18 acre park situated on the western shore of the lake. The park has been funded and maintained by the Cambridge Foundation since 1946.
LAKE CONDITIONS:
The DNR reports that the lake's water is moderately clear. The health of the lake is critical as it discharges into Koshkonong Creek which eventually connects to the Rock River. The Rock River which runs from Wisconsin across the border into Illinois eventually empties into the Mississippi River.
The Wisconsin DNR has catch and release fishing on Lake Ripley for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year round unless otherwise noted. Motor trolling is allowed with up to 3 hooks, baits, or lures, per angler.
Working Together
to Manage Invasive Plants in Wisconsin
by Melinda Myers
special thanks to Lake Ripley
Management District
Ice Fishing Tips
Hits good to more average in late January to early February, weather dependent.
Expect Panfish or catching bigger size fish like bluegill, perch, pike, walleye, and occasional largemouth bass. The best places to access Lake Ripley include Boy scout Camp Launch, Lake Ripley Marina. Many anglers find success with wax worms and lighter red spikes (maggots.)
Local Bite
Most anglers visiting Lake Waubesa try their luck with a twisting jig or minnow below the dam. Catfish, walleyes and walleye's relatives Saugers can be found in the shallows of the rapid moving Rock River. Try for crappies and large mouths near the power station.

Restaurants Nearby
Located at the top of the hill on Highway 12, is this great family style restaurant serving breakfast and lunch every day and dinner on Fridays including their fantastic fish fry.
Events
Lake Ripley Park Holiday Lights
The drive-thru, holiday lights display for this picturesque daytrip destination is not in the downtown but a short trip away on the shores of Lake Ripley. This year is the 11th year of Lake Ripley Park Holiday Lights founded by the Cambridge Foundation. The non-profit organization was created 70 years ago to fund community initiatives and oversea the operation and activities in Lake Ripley Park.
Learn more about area holiday displays with Lakes Edition's:
Southern Wisconsin Towns Shine Brightly At Night With Their Popular Christmas Light Displays
Fireworks at Lake Ripley Lanes
Wednesday, July 3, 9:00 - 10:00 pm
Watch the celebration on Lake Ripley from your pontoon boat or choose a spot early at the Lake Ripley Lanes parking lot. Fireworks are also available from downtown so almost any park nearby, like Camrock Park is a great place for viewing the fireworks.
Lake Ripley Lanes is located at W9534, on Highway 12 just outside of Cambridge.
The Lake Ripley Fisheree
Always a good time for area ice fishing enthusiasts The Cambridge Area Lions Club is returning its' Fisheree to frozen expanse of Lake Ripley Friday (Feb. 4) and Saturday (Feb. 5.) Anglers will compete in the two for cash prizes, including a cash raffle. T.o register please stop by J&T Bait Shanty II The Lake Ripley Fisheree takes place Friday at 4:30PM through Saturday at 4PM with prizes and the drawing following at 4:30. For More information please email
cambridgelions@yahoo.com.
Lake Ripley In Depth
One of the nice features of Lake Ripley, the operation of Jet Skis (PWC) is prohibited from sunset to sunrise giving a calm like remote Northwood's lake feel to your evening.
If you are operating a water skiing boat please note that water skiers and operators of personal watercraft are required to wear an approved personal floatation device.
| Lake Info. | Data |
|---|---|
| Area | 420 acres |
| Max. Depth | 44 feet |
| Median Depth | 18 feet |
| Boat Landings | 2 |
| County | Jefferson |
| Fish | Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye |
Around Lake Ripley
The North Shore
Summer cottages and year-round homes stand side by side along this portion of shoreline
on Lake Ripley.
The South Shore
Vasby's Channel (no motor)
Wetland and natural shoreline such as South Bay are port of a conservancy protecting
the lake from encroaching development
The Eastern Shore
Marsh and wetland preserve are the main feature of this side of Lake Ripley
The Western Shore
Lake Ripley Lodge is the last remaining resort on Lake Ripley from the region's heyday as
a vacation get away for Chicago and Milwaukee families. Read more about the history of Lake Ripley resorts on STAY.
Lake Ripley Park
Lake Ripley Park is a private beach for area residents
Summer Cottage and permanent homes are tucked together along this part the shoreline
Close to the eastern edge of downtown Cambridge.
Boat Rentals
The Lake Ripley Marina Headquarters
N4094 Marina Ln, Cambridge
Located on the southwest shore of Lake Ripley the marina offers full services for boats of all sizes, storage and rentals available as well. Call (608) 423-3848 for more information about rates and availability.
Featured Article
The Glory Days of Lake Ripley's Grand Lodges
by Tristan McGough
Special to the Lakes Edition
Cambridge, WI - Resorts of the past that were scattered along Lake Ripley's shoreline have a history stretching back to the late nineteenth century. However, the era of the grand lodges had its heyday from the 1920s to the 1970s.
Attractions Nearby
AZTALAN
Aztalan State Park's over one hundred and seventy acres of restored prairie and Oak Savannah allow visitors enough space to practice social distancing, hike, or picnic with their families and friends. This underused state park is full of numerous educational displays, hiking trails and recreations of the original stockades that once bordered the human built effigy and ceremonial mounds dating from 900 A.D. - 1300 A.D. More
CAMROCK PARK
Cam Rock Park is 500 acres of green spanning the villages of Cambridge and Rockdale in the eastern edge of Dane County. The park consists of three separate areas with three miles of trails that run along Koshkonong Creek that features four bridges along the route.. More
Towns Nearby
P H O T O G A L L E R Y
CAMBRIDGE
What are the ingredients of a great getaway weekend or daytrip? A great fishing lake, once lined with resorts and cottages, a downtown once in transition now thriving with local businesses, Cambridge has all the charm, local shops and beautifully restored architecture of a quaint town on the Door County Peninsula. Home to Rowe Pottery Works the company spawned a number of area potter studios which are open throughout the year. More
LONDON
Why not take a day trip to London? . No passport required. London is an ideal base camp for hiking or biking the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. The well travelled hikers and bike trail between the Madison area and Waukesha quiets down a bit near London. The unincorporated town is also home to the oldest Moravian Church in North America. Other historic buildings include the London Community Center, and two corner pubs which were once stage coach houses.
Interesting Fact: The unincorporated town of London resides in both Dane County and Jefferson County. The Jefferson portion of the town is actually inside Lake Mills while the Dane side is part of the town of Deerfield.
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