Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
Top Restaurants in Madison
The 10 Best Things to Do in Madison, United States
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. Lanier Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By jbla1951 - Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Beautifully preserved by the State of Indiana, the grand home of wealthy and generous James F.D. Lanier, is well worth a tour. The Docents are very knowledgeable and willing to share the story of Mr. Lanier and his rise to prominence. There are a few "family " pieces of furniture, but is very nicely appointed with period furnishings from the extensive Indiana State Museum collections. Lanier lured Maryland architect, Francis Costigan, to Madison to design his beautiful home. Costigan's hallmark is the detailed woodwork , curved doors and the inspiring spiral staircase. Plan on a full hour here for your guided tour...time well spent.
2. Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
The area along First, Second and Third Streets is home to many of the town's restored pre-Civil War houses.
Reviewed By Tina H - Louisville, Kentucky, United States
I was fortunate to stay in Madison for a few days and spent my time walking around the town, looking at the historic buildings, visiting shops and restaurants, and spending time at the river. It's a beautiful town with friendly people.
3. Clifty Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 482 reviews
This scenic area, known for its hiking, has beautiful waterfalls and a canyon.
Reviewed By Stanley W - Madison, Indiana
We just moved to Madison and had not driven around the state park yet so we went through there on our way to Hilltop. It was about lunch time and we stopped and had soup and salad. Everything was spotless and food was fresh. A good selection with two soups. A great view of the Ohio river.
4. Thomas Family Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Located just two blocks from the Ohio River in a rehabilitated 1850's stable and carriage house, visitors and friends alike gather at The Thomas Family Winery for relaxation and refreshment. Proud of our hand-crafted, traditional wines, ciders and hearth-baked breads made on-site, we also serve small plate snacks in our cheerful pub-style tasting room, outdoor gardens and patio.
Reviewed By Mark N Rebecca R - Wheaton, Illinois
Where do we start. There were three wineries in town and we were so glad we picked this one. To start with, the building is just a block or so from the main strip in Madison. The building is from 1800's and the decor is eclectic. We walked in and was met by Steve, who was extremely friendly and offered great details on the wine/cider they make the process, the grapes and details about adding sugar (or not as in their case). It was very educational and interesting.
We did a wine tasting with all of their wines and one of the cidars. Each one had a very unique taste and there were about 8 on the list. The tasting was free, but tips are appreciated. Steve broke apart bread to cleanse our palates and the bread was really good. Hubby and I ended up with two bottles - their Rio Rd and Native American Blush. I wasn't crazy about the cider but hubby did like it. The Rio is my favorite. They also had a large selection of cheeses, a couple different salamis and two different fresh-baked breads to purchase. We ended up getting a Nutbrown and Brie sample along with their salami and a loaf of bread. The prices were per ounce for the cheese and bread. Bread was around a dollar or two. We also found out that night would be a Celtic band playing at 8pm, so we talked to Steve about when would be a good time to come back and he gave us some dinner recommendations.
We went back later that night around 7:45 to listen to the band.They were very good. While there, hubby had a glass of Gale's Hard Cider and I had the Dance Monkey Concord followed by a glass of Sangira. We also ordered the cheese/salami sampler platter. The bill for all was around $30 and there was no charge for the band. It was a very enjoyable evening and a first for us going out to see an Irish band. Steve is a very friendly guy, the food and drink were good, the entertainment was good and we promised to come back again when we are back in the area. Next time we may stay in Louisville, but we would definitely make the trip back to the winery. We are also going to be keeping an eye on facebook, because he does events throughout the year.
Funny story - we later went to a bourbon distillery in Louisville and talked to the person in the shop there (named Joe) who we told we were staying in Madison, In. He recommended we go to this winery where is friend Steve worked. Ha! What a small world that both guys, one from the bourbon distillery and one from the winery, were friends.
And both guys were extremely friendly and easy to talk to. Thanks for the hospitality!!!
5. Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
For 94 years, workers at the Ben Schroeder Saddle tree Company crafted wooden frames for saddle makers throughout the United States and Latin America. It was the nation's longest lasting, continually, operated, family owned saddle tree company. Recognized by historians as one of America's premier industrial heritage site and the only saddle tree museum in the U.S., this a vintage workplace has been restored and opened to visitors. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc., of Madison, Indiana.
Reviewed By LaChatNoir - Indiana
My husband is a woodworker and found this site quite interesting. The guy on staff was very knowledgeable and friendly and did a great job sharing the history of the site. Really only need 30 minutes to visit, but the highlight is the woodworking shop which looks just like it would have when the youngest son walked away for the last time in 1972. So interesting that this was once a major industry in the town. The site has been lovingly restored and preserved. Admission is $4 and worth the visit.
6. Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By TJouer - Bellbrook, Ohio
We spent one day in Madison and had very little time to shop for antiques. We selected the Lumber Mill Antique Mall because of its convenient location. It is about 1-2 blocks away from the Lanier Mansion and the Visitor Center. The layout of the antique mall extends to three levels: a main floor, a second floor and a bottom level. The mall includes the standard fare of antiques running from books to postcards, jewelry, furniture, and anything you can imagine. I priced a few of the items and found them to be comparable to other antique malls in the Midwest. One of the deals I found was the antique postcards. There were many available in pristine condition for one dollar, and there was a sale marking them down by 50% to fifty cents. Interestingly, the service at the front checkout was rather unfriendly. I was asked "Is that all you are purchasing"? Tip: There are two unisex restrooms which are clean and conveniently located from the other tourist attractions.
7. History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
The History Center is the home of the Jefferson County Historical Society in Madison, Indiana. The campus includes the main building with museum, gift shop and research library; the 1895 original train station; and the renovated caboose. In 2017 the admission to the museum, train station and caboose is free. The facility has a wealth of local, historical information with interesting displays. Volunteer staff are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the second Saturday morning of each month for assistance with genealogical or other types of research.
Reviewed By tewks - Louisville, Kentucky
The Madison History Center is a fun place, but only if you are at least somewhat interested in history of the area. The Train Station museum is seemingly a part of this, but the best part of the museum is in the main building. Organized by topical areas (farming, industry) and sometimes by events (floods, etc.) the museum is easy to digest and you can focus on the types of things you find most interesting.
8. Madison Railroad Station Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
The Madison Railroad Station museum is part of the History Center Campus which includes a local history museum and a restored caboose. The station museum is in the renovated station that was erected on the site in 1895. Much original equipment is still in the museum along with numerous interpretive displays that provide a very good feel for the construction of the railroad itself as well as how it interacted with the city.
Reviewed By ggerskine - Orlando, Florida
Great historian showing where the station was located, how it was used and when it was in operation. The flood of 1937 wiped it out and he shared how high up the flood waters came into the town of Madison. He was a delight and...MoreThank you for your positive review. We're very happy you enjoyed your visit. Please come back again.
9. Lanthier Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Lanthier Winery is one of several popular state attractions in Madison Indiana. Known for its European "feel", Lanthier is scenic Madison's oldest winery and a favorite tourist destination. Lanthier is home to a unique combination of multiple attractions including the Loft Art Gallery and the areas most popular public garden which visitors find in bloom more than 3 seasons every year with abundant fragrant blossoms similar to Europe's old French Country Gardens. Of course guests to Lanthier Winery's tasting room also enjoy free samples of award winning, handcrafted wines, a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff and exciting events throughout the year. Enjoy a great grape getaway to Madison Indiana home to Lanthier Winery....where a far away feeling is close enough to taste.
Reviewed By piano1234 - Madison, Indiana
Any visit to Madison must include Lanthier Winery...special festivals throughout the year with their special wines are unbeatable. During other times of the year as well it MUST be on any itinerary...impeccable grounds, and owners who are lovely people. Christmas is my favorite time of year at the winery. Exquisite wraps and the festival of trees are annual holiday treats for me. At the winery, ask for Tami. She is an owner and an absolute total delight. She has wonderful ideas, suggestions, and makes your visit the best.
So, with no hesitation whatsoever Lanthier Winery is the place to go...any time of year that it is open. GO and enjoy everything.....
10. Francis Costigan House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Kay1947 - Madison, Indiana
House is furnished with period furniture and wallpaper and paint is what would have been used in the home in the 1800s. It features at least two curved doorways which are really unusual. If you can make the tour during the Nights Before Christmas (last weekend in Nov and lst in Dec), you will see the home decorated as it was for Christmas in the 1800s. Tour guides are very knowledgeable and able to answer most questions.
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