Community

Welcome Home to the Village of Ridgeway!

Ridgeway is a village in scenic Iowa County, Wisconsin, United States. The 2023 DOA estimate of the population is 654 people. The village is located adjacent to the Town of Ridgeway and Village of Barneveld. It is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village is home to many area businesses and organizations, expansive scenic views, an incredible community park with may amenities, and abundant area recreational opportunities.  

Ridgeway is located at 42°59′56″N 89°59′32″W (42.99915, -89.992326).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.26 square miles (3.26 km2), all of it land.

Other Community Information

The Military Ridge State Trail runs right through the center of town. Walk or ride your bike in the warm weather, or when there is enough snow -take your snowmobile! On one side of the trail you will find the Village Community Park - enjoy the Zip Crooz, swings, playground, volleyball courts, basketball court, and baseball fields and incredible scenic ridge views. The Shelter is available to rent. On the other side of the trail, discover the Historic Ridgeway Train Depot, right on the trail and open on scheduled dates from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is the ONLY remaining railroad depot along the trail and is a museum of railroad artifacts and history accompanied by a striking mural and pictures. Visit the Friends of Military Ridge website for more information. The Depot and caboose are open the first Sunday of the month from 12-3 pm from June through September. Visit the Friends of Military Ridge website for more information. Grab a picnic for the park or relax on the green under the water tower right off Main Street.

Community events are always posted on the Village Calendar on the Village website and shared on the Village Facebook page. Village staff and volunteers with the Park and Recreation Commission are working to grow events including Jon Greene's Spectacular Fireworks Display, local parade, Home Talent baseball, and live music. You definitely don’t want to miss the Farmer's Market every Sunday, or the fireworks on the ball field at dusk.

Village ordinances are available to view in the village clerk’s office or on the village website.

Some projects require a Building Permit issued by the Village Building Inspector. Anything involving structural changes, garages, additions, etc. – or simply re-roofing, may require such a permit. The first step is to contact the village clerk before starting any project or ask our building inspector. Some projects may require submission of a plan and a permit fee may apply depending on your project. It is recommended that you always check with the Village Clerk before starting a project.

Dog Licenses are required by state law. Licenses must be purchased from the Village clerk by April 1st every year, for that year. There is a $10.00 penalty for licenses purchased after April 1st. Rabies vaccination certification showing whether the dog is spayed or neutered must be presented or on file at time of license application. License fees are $8 for altered dogs & $18 for unaltered.

A combined Water, Sewer and Garbage/Recycling bill is mailed out monthly. The first and final bill may be pro-rated, depending on occupancy date. Bills are payable to the Village of Ridgeway/Ridgeway Utilities and can be paid in person at the Village office, mailed, or left in the drop box outside the office door (please seal in a ziploc bag to keep your check dry, no cash in the drop box).

Garbage & Recycling collection is every Wednesday by Faherty Inc. Recycling bins are available at the Village of Ridgeway clerk’s office in the fire station. In addition to regularly scheduled pickups – Faherty Inc. has a bulk spring & a fall clean-up for appliances, furniture, etc. Surcharges apply to some of the items. The dates for these clean-ups are always posted on the Village website and reminders sent with utility bills.

Village of Ridgeway Board Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Ridgeway Community Center starting at 7 p.m. All meetings held by the Board are posted at the Ridgeway Community Center, Village Facebook Page and Village Website. You can also sign-up to receive notifications.

Voting takes place at the Ridgeway Community Center; polling hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voter registration can be done in the office of the Village clerk up to 5 p.m. the Friday before the election – or at the polling place on Election Day. You must be a village resident for at least 28 days in order to vote here. If voting by absentee ballot is preferred, contact the Village clerk for information.

The Post Office is located next to Farmers Savings Bank on Main Street; post office box rental is available. Please make sure you register with USPS so you receive mail delivery. Post office window hours are Monday through Friday 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 10:30 am.

Internet services are offered by Frontier, Charter, MHTC, Bugtussel, or Hughes satellite.

Electric service is provide by Alliant Energy – 800-862-6222

Gas Service is provided by Madison Gas & Electric – 608-252-7222

The Community Bulletin Board is located by the Village office at the Ridgeway Community Center. Meeting notices and approved minutes are posted there.

Fire Department and First Responders - We have a volunteer department in partnership with the Town. They are always looking for more good volunteers. If you are interested in becoming part of our fire department please contact them at 608-924-2027 or talk to any of the current members. As always in case of an emergency please call 911.

See the Useful Links page for county information and links to area groups.

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

Fireworks over volleyball net
Fair with water tower in background
Aerial shot of village
Ridgeway Welcome Home wooden sign
Old Depot black and white
Depot