Madison, Indiana is a charming historic city along the banks of the Ohio River.
This a great Midwest destination for an upcoming day trip or weekend getaway.
I’m sharing more about the hidden gems and the unique things to do in Madison, Indiana for your next visit.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Madison. All opinions are my own and this article may contain affiliate links.
Where is Madison, Indiana located?
Madison, Indiana is located in Jefferson County along the Ohio River across from Milton, KY.
Driving Distance –
- Louisville, KY – 48 miles / 1 hour 4 minutes
- Cincinnati, OH – 72.3 miles / 1 hour 14 minutes
- Indianapolis, IN – 102 miles / 1 hour 45 minutes
Kindness Isn’t Just a Mural in Madison, IN
The Kindness mural is located on the side of the building on 316 Mulberry Street, Madison, IN
My impression of Madison, Indiana was that the mural wasn’t just a nice concept, but instead, the culture of the community.
One of my biggest observations during our visit to Madison, Indiana was that the people we encountered in the community were willing to SHARE their community.
I’ve visited places where the locals don’t want to share their town with outsiders, which wasn’t the case in Madison.
I had multiple positive encounters with strangers who stopped to give directions when we looked lost while walking on the street, and others who offered suggestions for restaurants and shopping.
A woman even stopped her car on the street to invite us to a community event at the pool that evening.
None of these random strangers I interacted with knew I was a writer, it was already part of their DNA to invite others to experience and enjoy their community.
Enjoy a Scenic Jet Boat Ride on the Ohio River With Rockin’ Thunder River Tours
100 E Vaughn Dr, Madison, IN
The jet boat ride tour season is from Memorial Day weekend into October, weather and river conditions permitting.
Guests, ages 7 and up, check-in 30 minutes before their tour. There are no restrooms on the boat but restroom facilities are near the ticket booth.
Rockin’ Thunder River Tours offers 3 unique river tours to choose from:
- 2 Hours – 40-mile Scenic River Tour
- 5 Hours -75-mile Midweek Lunch Excursion
- 2 Days – 155-mile Kentucky River Adventure
We opted for the 2-hour Scenic River Tour as a nice way to get an overview of the nearby area and a different vantage point of the Ohio River.
My friend and I sat on the two uncovered upper chairs on the back of the boat.
The breeze felt great during our jet boat ride and I enjoyed the perspective.
If you’re traveling with a guest with mobility issues there are two steps to enter/exit the boat and handholds to use.
Captain Paul stopped at several spots along the Ohio River to share significant stories of historic locations you’ve probably never heard of before.
We also learned about interesting people who lived along the Ohio River.
Your captain will also help spot wildlife along the river on your tour including Blue Heron, deer, and bald eagles.
You’ll also see the Milton-Madison Bridge from another perspective as you pass beneath it.
There are plenty of opportunities to take pictures during your jet boat ride. This is a unique adventure that’s great for a variety of ages!
The Nation’s Largest Contiguous National Landmark District
Madison is the nation’s largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District.
The National Historic Landmark District in Madison encompasses over 130 blocks and hundreds of structures of every size, type, and period from 1812 to 1920.
There is a lot of architecture to admire as you walk down Main Street and beyond.
You’ll notice a variety of styles throughout the community.
I highly recommend walking down the side streets because each home has a lot of charm and character.
There are also three National Historic Landmark sites in Madison.
- Lanier Mansion State Historic Site – 511 West First St., Madison, IN
- Shrewsbury-Windle House – 301 W. First St., Madison, IN
- Historic Eleutherian College – 6927 West State Road 250, Landcaster, IN
Public Art & Murals Walking Tour
I LOVE street art and there are many public murals throughout downtown Madison. The city has been designated as an Indiana Cultural District by the Indiana Arts Commission.
You can take a free self-guided Public Art & Murals Walking Tour.
Free self-guided tour pamphlets can be found at the Visitors Center – 601 W. 1st Street or download the PocketSights app on your mobile device.
Explore Clifty Falls State Park
2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN
Clifty Falls State Park is a popular state park for locals and tourists alike.
The scenic 1,416-acre park draws 400,000+ visitors annually.
Depending on when you visit, the waterfalls could be abundant or a trickle if there hasn’t been a lot of recent rain. Winter and spring are the best times to view the falls.
Four waterfalls at the park are over 60+ feet tall, Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Hoffman Falls.
There are two entrances to the state park on state roads 56 and 62.
Start at the Clifty Falls Nature Center to get an overview of the area’s cultural history and local ecology. The Nature Center is open from 10 AM – 3:30 PM daily.
Next, take a short hike from the Nature Center to the Observation Tower.
The Observation Tower offers scenic elevated views of the Ohio River.
There are 10 hiking trails at Clifty Falls State Park ranging in distance and difficulty.
Many of the trails have a lot of stairs so make sure that you check the distance and difficulty level before your hike.
- Trail 1 – 1.3 miles – Rugged
- Trail 2 – 3 miles – Very Rugged
- Trail 3 – 0.8 miles – Rugged
- Trail 4 – 0.75 miles – Very Rugged
- Trail 5 – 1.2 miles – Rugged
- Trail 6 – 0.5 miles – Mod. Rugged
- Trail 7 – 1.25 miles – Mod. Rugged
- Trail 8 – 4.5 miles – Rugged
- Trail 9 – 1 miles – Moderate
- Trail 10 – 0.75 miles – Easy
Clifty Creek is known for its abundance of fossils from its former marine ecosystem but keep in mind that collecting fossils within the park is prohibited.
Check Out the Colorblind Viewers at Lookout Point
Make sure that you check out the red/green-color blind viewers at Lookout Point.
These special viewers allow those who are colorblind to see the vibrance of the scenery in a way they may have never experienced before.
The colorblind lenses allow those who are colorblind to see the greens and reds in nature, which may appear gray to the natural eye.
An ADA overlook of Clifty Falls is accessible via the paved section of Trail 7 to the viewing area.
*Brough’s Tunnel is closed indefinitely, with the intention of opening in the future, due to an early spring rockslide and the possibility of more large rocks falling near the entrance.
Additional Things to Do/ Amenities at Clifty Falls State Park include:
- Olympic size pool with a bathhouse and concession area open seasonally
- Camp store
- A campground equipped with flush toilets, hot water, and showers.
- Shelters throughout the park some featuring a fireplace, picnic table, fire ring, and grills
- Picnic Areas with playgrounds nearby
Clifty Inn at Clifty Falls State Park
1650 Clifty Hollow Rd, Madison, IN
There are 71 rooms at Clifty Inn within the state park with access to an indoor pool, hot tub, large porch overlooking the Ohio River, and more.
Wander the Shops in Downtown Madison, Indiana
Half the fun of shopping in downtown Madison is discovering the uniqueness of each shop.
I’m sharing a glimpse of the MANY great shops downtown.
You can find the full list of all the shops downtown here.
Trolley Barn Shops – 719 W Main St, Madison, IN – Unique and specialty shops
Fountain Alley BodyCare – 318 W Main St, Madison, IN – Natural Soaps and Skincare Products
neat. – 132 E Main St, Madison, IN – Midcentury modern glassware and barware
Go West America – 113 W Main St, Madison, IN – High-Quality Unique Western Attire
Gallery 115 – 115 E Main St, Madison, IN – Home to Gallery Cafe, Eric Phagan Art Studio/Gallery, and W of Madison Gifts
Madison Made – 225 E Main St, Madison, IN – Local Pride. Comfortable Apparel
Olde Thyme Marketplace – 801 W Main St, Madison, IN – Vintage and New Products
Go Antiquing
Madison has many places for shoppers who are on the quest for unique antiques and collectibles.
Each store was a dose of nostalgia that prompted stories from memory lane.
I highly recommend checking each store’s hours and days of operation before you go to maximize your visit.
- RiverWest Antique Mall – 1029 West Second St., Madison – 13,000 sq ft of antiques and collectibles
- Lumber Mill Antique Mall – 721 West First St., Madison – 16,000 sq ft of antiques and collectibles
- Village Peddler – 224 East Main St., Madison
- Madison Buy Sell Trade – 303 W. Main St., Madison –
- Pennilane Antiques – 227 W Main Street, Madison –
- WOW! What A Find, LLC – 217-219 E Main Street, Madison –
- Gold-N-Treasures – 222 East Main Street, Madison
Take a Break at the Comfort Station With Public Restrooms
221 W Main St, Madison, IN
The Comfort Station is a great stop along Main Street if you need to rest, get out of the elements, or take a restroom break while exploring downtown.
There are nearby benches and refreshments available for purchase in the vending machines. The Comfort Station is open Monday – Sunday from 9 AM- 10PM.
Dine at Hinkle’s Sandwich Shop
204 W. Main Street, Madison, IN
Since 1933, locals and tourists have enjoyed classic burgers, fries, shakes, and more at Hinkle’s Sandwich Shop.
They have a large selection of shake flavors and their burgers taste delicious without condiments, which says something.
The burgers are small and reminiscent of White Castle for many guests. You can dine at the counter or at the dining area next door.
There are a lot of great places to eat and drink in Madison for a casual meal or a special occasion.
You can check out more great places to eat and drink in Madison, from casual to fine dining.
Enjoy a Wine Tasting
There are two wineries in downtown Madison that each have their own vibe and flavor profiles.
Lanthier Winery – 123 Mill St, Madison, IN
Thomas Family Winery – 208 E 2nd St #3420, Madison, IN
I strongly recommend checking their days/ hours of operation before your visit if you want to experience both wineries.
Rent a Golf Cart From Acree Alley Carts
216 E. Second Street, Madison
Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation in downtown Madison. In fact, you’ll spot them all over town between the local residents and out-of-towners.
Acree Alley Carts offers rentals for 2, 4, and 6-seater golf carts.
Registered golf carts are street-legal in Madison and permitted on most of its downtown streets except Main Street.
Acree Alley Carts provides renters with a map to have a point of reference while they explore the area and any off-limit streets.
Find the Hollywood Star at The Historic Ohio Theatre
105 E Main St, Madison, IN
The Ohio Theatre dates back to 1938 and continues as a venue for concerts, events, productions, and movies thanks to a group of passionate volunteers.
The Hollywood Star in front of Ohio Theatre honors the 1958 movie “Some Came Running” which starred Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Shirley McClaine.
You can read more about the movie’s filming locations in Madison here.
A free self-guided “Madison in the Movies” walking tour brochure is available at the Visitors Center – 601 W. First Street
Listen to Live Music Year-Round in Madison, IN
Indiana’s Music City boasts live entertainment weekly throughout the city at many downtown venues within walking distance of each other.
You can check out their upcoming schedule of events live music/ venues here.
Take a Guided Tour of the Lanier Mansion
601 W 1st St, Madison, IN
Lanier Mansion is open for guided tours Wednesday – Sunday at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM.
The 45-minute guided tour of the Lanier Mansion gives you a great overview of the property.
Tour participants start at the Visitor Center on the west side of the mansion.
Throughout the year there are additional programs and themed specialty guided tours offered.
Lanier Mansion was built in 1844 for the frontier banker James F.D. Lanier.
You can’t sit on the beautiful furniture but there are a few folding chairs in each room of the tour for guests who need a break from standing.
The mansion is recognized as one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States, designed by architect Francis Costigan.
Each room has a lot of detail to take in with different carpet patterns in each room.
You’ll want to pay extra attention when the guide tells you about the cost of the wallpaper in the dining room.
The spiral staircase was one of my favorite features of Lanier Mansion.
We were fortunate to get perspectives of the staircase from below and above during our guided tour.
The view from one of the bedroom windows provided insight into the vantage points of the residents who once lived along the Ohio River.
Admire the Historic Broadway Fountain
The intersection of Broadway Street and East Fountain Alley, in front of Trinity United Methodist Church
The Broadway Fountain is a bronze replica of the original nineteenth-century iron fountain in the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition by French sculptor J.P. Victor Andre.
In 1886, the fountain was presented to the city of Madison by The Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
The fountain is 35 feet across and 26 feet high with three decorated tiered basins.
Check Out Indiana’s Oldest Farmer’s Market
Around Broadway Fountain
Indiana’s oldest farmer’s market, The Madison Farmers Market, dates back to 1809.
Every Saturday, year-round The Madison Farmers Market is held at the Broadway Fountain.
The Summer Market begins the first weekend of May – the last weekend of September on Saturdays from 8 AM- 12PM.
The Winter Market runs from the first weekend of October – to the last weekend of April on Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM.
The Madison Farmers Market is a 100% producer-only market.
Learn About Madison’s History at Jefferson County History and Art Center
615 W 1st St, Madison, IN (open to the public from February through November)
The campus includes the Local History & Art Museum which houses the archives, exhibits, museum shop, the Children’s activity room, and the 1895 Railroad Passenger Station Museum.
Several interesting exhibits in the museum give you an overview of Madison’s history.
I enjoyed learning more about the surprising products made in Madison.
Another interesting discovery during our visit was that the city previously had pearl button factories made from mussel shell beds in the Ohio River.
The Civil War drum on display was used by the 19th Indiana Volunteer Infantry and would have been played by one or two drummer boys aged 12- 17 years old.
Be on the lookout for special exhibits in the Jefferson Room.
Kids can play in a room that looks like the inside of an old schoolhouse.
There is also a pretend grocery store area where kids can touch and play with the goods on the shelves.
1895 Railroad Passenger Station Museum
Museum guests can explore a former passenger station for the Pennsylvania Railroad that dates back to 1895.
Several exhibits within the museum help you learn more about the train station and what life was like at the height of train travel for the Madison-Indianapolis rail.
Make sure you look up to admire the stained-glass windows in the cupola.
Make sure you also walk through the restored red caboose that dates back to 1918 within steps of the museum while you’re in the area.
One-of-a-Kind -The Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum
106 Milton St, Madison, IN
The Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum is America’s only restored 19th-century Saddletree factory.
You can book a guided tour of the museum, which includes demonstrations and exhibits.
Enjoy Views of the Ohio River at Madison’s Scenic Riverfront Park
Vaughn Drive, Madison, IN
Riverfront Park is a wonderful place to walk or relax and enjoy the views of both sides of the Ohio River.
There are benches, shelter houses, picnic areas, playgrounds, shelters, and a public boat launch.
The overlook area at Lamplighter Park along the riverfront near the gazebo has panoramic views of the Ohio River from viewer binoculars.
Check Out the Special Events in Madison, IN
Madison has a lot of events along the riverfront and throughout the community.
You’ll want to keep these annual events on your radar for future visits.
- Madison Regatta
- Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues
- Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art
- Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes
Cool Off at Crystal Beach Aquatic Park
400 W Vaughn Dr, Madison, IN (Open late May-early September)
You can cool off at Crystal Beach Aquatic Park for an inexpensive admission during the summer months.
Guests of all ages will enjoy the lazy river, lap lanes, two slides, diving board, and a wet deck.
Admire the View From Hanover College
517 Ball Drive, Hanover, IN (6.6 miles from downtown Madison)
Hanover College, founded in 1827, is Indiana’s first private college.
It’s also the only place with a vantage point where you can view the Ohio River bend three times.
“The Point” is located on College Avenue outside of Hendrick’s Hall on campus.
Stay at the Iron Gate Bed & Breakfast
708 E Main St, Madison, IN
If you love the hospitality of a bed and breakfast, you’ll want to book a stay at Iron Gate Bed & Breakfast in downtown Madison.
Each of the four bedrooms has a distinct personality and has its own bathroom.
One bedroom is on the main floor and three bedrooms at the bed and breakfast are on the second floor via the staircase.
Each morning you’re treated to a beautiful breakfast and gluten-free options are available for breakfast upon request.
More Adventures in Indiana
- Great Places to Eat and Drink in Madison, Indiana
- Places to Stay in Madison, Indiana For Your Next Getaway
- 5 Adventures You Need to Try North of Indianapolis
- Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do in French Lick, Indiana
- Explore Marengo Cave- A National Natural Landmark in Indiana
- The Best Things to Do in Richmond Indiana (1 hr+ from Cincinnati)
