Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
Top Restaurants in Madison
10 Things to do in Madison That You Shouldn't Miss
Madison is a city in and the county seat of Jefferson County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River. Its estimated population was 12,247 as of 2016. Over 55,000 people live within 15 miles of downtown Madison. Madison is the largest city along the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. Madison is one of the core cities of the Louisville-Elizabethtown-Madison metroplex, an area with a population of approximately 1.5 million. In 2006, the majority of Madison's downtown area was designated the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark in the United States—133 blocks of the downtown area is known as the Madison Historic Landmark District.
Restaurants in Madison
1. Rockin Thunder River Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 542 reviews
Experience the most unique boat tours in the Midwest. Based in Madison Indiana, these are the only tours of both the Ohio River and Kentucky River. 4 different adventures to choose from. A 32 mile 1.5 hour Historic Lock & Dam Cruise, a 2 hour 40 mile SCENIC tour, a 5 hour 75 mile Weekday Lunch Excursion, and a 155 mile 2 Day Kentucky River Adventure. WE GO FARTHER, SEE MORE AND HAVE FUN Coast Guard Licensed and Inspected
2. Fountain Alley BodyCare
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Fountain Alley BodyCare (formerly All Good Things, same people same products, same award winning store) handcrafts over 45 all natural essential oils soaps and other bodycare products. We've been in business since 2004 with our physical store since 2009, winning Indiana's Main Street Business of the Year in 2011. A family run small business, we only use the purist ingredients to make our vegan and/beegan products.
Reviewed By W3488XYjuliel - Madison, United States
Really enjoy Fountain Alley BodyCare, there are many terrific choices for natural soaps along with a variety of other items. Since I live Madison, it's convenient though they do ship. We buy the soaps 6 at a time for the discounted rate. Highly recommend this local and family owned business.
3. Margie's Country Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By H9089NFellenc - Whiteland, United States
This was one of my favorite shops we visited in Madison! So many fabulous fabrics and patterns! Mostly for quilts, but they also had quite a few craft patterns. I got a pattern and fabric to make the cutest snowman pillow- it's the only picture I got, so I'll share it; they had samples made up of a lot of the patterns. In the basement they also have a gift shop with all kinds of nice items. The ladies that ran the store were so nice and helpful- they were fun to talk to! I hope to come back here soon.
4. Mad Paddle Brewery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Mad Paddle is an Adult-Focused microbrewery and artisan distillery, family-friendly for families with age 13 children and above, and pet-friendly. We offer exceptional food and top-notch musical entertainment. Mad Paddle’s primary target guests are: 1) Adults who enjoy craft beer, spirits, and music 2) Families with children age 13 and above Microbreweries and Distilleries are not designed with young children in mind. As a business that is focused on craft alcoholic beverages and located in a 9,000 square foot historic building with multiple rooms and floors, we can present an unsafe environment for young children. We love dogs and require dog owners to make sure that their puppy does not become the center of attention!
Reviewed By photojour2002 - Indianapolis, United States
Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. You can taste samples before ordering. They have outdoor and indoor seating. You can also order food from nearby restaurants. We had sliders from Shooters which were phenomenal. This is a must stop for beer fans visiting Madison, Indiana. Owner & Brewer, Jerry sat and chatted with us and other patrons. We felt more like family than customers!
5. Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
6. Mcwhiggins Wonder Emporium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Come One, Come All! Welcome to the Greatest Shop On Earth! We have something for EVERYONE. Come see our magical displays, play a round of Skee-Ball, try your chance at the claw games, take selfies with our fun house mirrors, larger than life animals and let the kids ride our quarter ride on horses! We can't wait to see you! We are more than toys! Gifts, Decor & MORE. Free Gift Wrap ALWAYS.
Reviewed By Emilyyoung13
I am obsessed with this store. To visit McWhiggins is truly an experience. It’s more than just a toy store, they have fun clothing and accessories for adults too! I am 26 years old and happily spent over an hour shopping here ???? Absolutely one of my new favorites!
7. Clifty Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 644 reviews
This scenic area, known for its hiking, has beautiful waterfalls and a canyon.
Reviewed By R3401KXkathyl - Crawfordsville, United States
Your covid destination for social distancing in southern Indiana. Challenging hiking trails to waterfalls, tunnels that you can walk thru and rugged scenery. The state park has implemented all the proper precautions at the Inn, campgrounds etc
8. Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
The area along First, Second and Third Streets is home to many of the town's restored pre-Civil War houses.
Reviewed By jgbtravels - Louisville, United States
A couple of years ago there were some empty storefronts but now there seems to be some nice new places to shop. We love going to Madison and browsing the cute shops there. It’s especially nice in the fall and Christmas as the decorations are special. Shop owners/staff are very friendly and helpful and of course we came away with some purchases. I believe there area at least 3 coffee shops on Main Street. That’s unusual for a small town. Architecturally it’s a great town and very historic. Do check out the new McWhiggin’s Wonder Emporium which is quite unique for a town it’s size.
9. Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Tour this sprawling home on the Ohio River, the site of a heroic story that's still impacting Indiana today, and one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the Midwest. This location is part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, a statewide museum system with 12 locations.
Reviewed By MaryNell360
Even in February, it was a great tour! Very knowledgeable guide, exquisitely renovated and beautiful location facing the banks of the Ohio River. We drove around the historic district after the tour, then headed to the frozen waterfalls at very nearby Clifty Falls State Park. Great day!
