Lake Ripley and local art helped shape Cambridge’s identity
Between Lake Ripley’s scenic shores and miles of farmland, Cambridge is a portrait of Midwestern charm. The quiet village was founded in 1847, supported by an agricultural backbone. After a fire, tourism became the new focus as Lake Ripley grew into a popular vacation spot for Chicagoans and Milwaukeeans. The opening of Rowe Pottery in 1975 only furthered the Cambridge area’s destination status; throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, it was known as the “salt glaze capital of the world.” Today, art is still a prominent feature of life in Cambridge, as are morning birdsongs when the water’s warm and white blankets of snow in the winter.
Historic homes and new builds offer variety in Cambridge
Cambridge has a wide variety of properties for a small village, with a median sales price of around $380,000. The community features an array of historic homes, such as Victorian farmhouses and cottages from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Cape Cods are also popular. Contemporary properties, such as those in the new Vineyards of Cambridge subdivision, are among the most expensive. The Koshkonong Creek runs through the heart of the community, so some homes sit in a flood zone and may require flood insurance.
Project-based charter school adds variety to local education
Cambridge School District earns an overall B-plus on Niche and serves around 900 students across four schools: Cambridge Elementary and Nikolay Middle, graded B, Cambridge High, graded B-plus, and Koshkonong Trails, an ungraded charter school. Cambridge High is ranked as Jefferson County’s top high school. Learning at Koshkonong Trails, for Grades 7 through 12, is project- and place-based, with outdoor learning experiences that focus on agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.
Trails, ponds and parks offer year-round outdoor recreation
Catch-and-release fishing ponds are on the community’s north side. Local anglers can cast lines or take a boat out on nearby Lake Ripley, too; a public boat ramp is about 2 miles away. CamRock County Park is on the south side. The park straddles Koshkonong Creek with miles of hiking, mountain biking and skiing trails, which wind through restored prairies and dense Oak-Hickory forests. Visitors can launch kayaks and paddle down the creek, laden with natural springs. CamRock Trail is a straight shot through the park that connects Cambridge to its southern neighbor, Rockdale. The trailhead is across the street from Westside Creek Park, a small green space with a playground that hosts Cambridge Art Council events like the annual Midwest Fire Fest, a free celebration of art made with heat, like clay, glass and metal pieces. Live music, food trucks and fire dance performances are affair staples. Lake Ripley Country Club is just outside of Cambridge, featuring a private championship golf course and more.
Local art shops, diners and antique stores give downtown its charm
Cambridge’s small commercial scene is centered around U.S. Route 18, locally known as Jefferson Street, and U.S. Route 12, also named Iron Brigade Memorial Highway. Local garden, antique and art shops, including Rowe Pottery, are clustered around the quaint downtown area, along with a few restaurants and watering holes. Lake Ripley Family Restaurant, down the street, is popular for Friday Fish Fries. As for grabbing groceries, there’s Piggly Wiggly and Dollar General. The closest emergency room is at Fort Memorial Hospital, 12 miles away.
Cambridge connects to Madison via U.S. 18 and Interstate 90
Dane County Regional Airport is in Madison, a little more than 20 miles away. U.S. Route 18 is a direct path to the city, merging with U.S. Route 12 on Cambridge’s west side. It also connects to Interstate 90, about 14 miles away.
![Micaela Willoughby]()
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
![Taylor Noll]()
Photography Contributed By
Taylor Noll
