Overview
Madison is a city along the Ohio River in Southern Indiana. Madison is surrounded by scenic limestone bluffs. The hills are tree-covered and the farmlands are fertile. Many of the grand homes and historic commercial buildings are still in use. The past co-exists with the present in perfect harmony.
Jefferson County is home to one of Indiana’s most beautiful state parks, Clifty Falls. This lush 1200-acre park offers scenic vista, four waterfalls and many hiking trails. Southern Indiana is also a nationally recognized wine region and three award-winning wineries are located within Jefferson County. Madison is also known as an antique mecca in the Midwest. Numerous specialty shops, unique restaurants and quaint B&Bs complement the historic downtown.
9 sights · 11 things to do · 9 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 13 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Madison
Madison 6
First-run current movies.
Hanover College Sports
Teams in football, basketball and baseball.
Hanover College Theatre
Delight in the sights and sounds of outstanding musical and dramatic performances. Tickets required. Please call for more information.
Ohio Theatre
Affordably priced current & classic movies in Madison’s historic theatre. Everyday matinee & evening show. Late show Friday & Saturday.
Madison Regatta
Early July Unlimited hydroplane race, boat racing over 200 mph, testing and qualifying, fireworks, music on the banks of the Ohio River, 10K run and race. Admission charged. Annual event.
Madison RibberFest
Mid August Two-day treat for the taste buds. Madison’s Indiana State barbecue cook-off held along the Riverfront. Blues music, balloon races, food & fun for the entire family. Annual event.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Louisville)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SDF Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville — 44 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CVG Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati / Covington — 44 mi away (major hub). Directions
The best route to Madison from the west is IN 56. It is a direct link to I-65. Travellers from Louisville can use IN 62 East from Jeffersonville. Louisville visitors can also use I-71 North and take US 421 North and cross the Madison-Milton Bridge. Indianapolis residents can go to Columbus and pick up IN 7 South. Travellers on I-71 from Cincinnati can exit at Carrollton, then take KY 36 West to the Madison-Milton Bridge. Visitors from Vevay and Belterra Casino can use IN 56 West into Madison.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Madison 6, Ohio Theatre, Madison Railroad
- Lunch Red On Main
- Afternoon Chief White Eye Trail, Madison Area Bicycle Club
- Dinner Frisch's Big Boy Restaurant
- Evening Gallery 115 Cafe
Day 2
- Morning Hanover College Sports, Madison Regatta, Lanthier Winery
- Lunch Hinkles Sandwich Shop
- Afternoon Heritage Trail, Ohio River Scenic Byway
- Dinner Historic Broadway Hotel & Restaurant
- Evening The Attic/Coffee Mill Cafe
Day 3
- Morning Hanover College Theatre, Madison RibberFest, The Thomas Family Winery
- Lunch Off Broadway Taproom
- Afternoon John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail, Clifty Golf Range
- Dinner The Downtowner
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
Madison is the county seat of Jefferson County, Indiana. It has been recognized as offering one of the highest qualities of life in the state. This is evident by its designation as one of 12 Distinctive Destinations of 2001 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Madison has a population of approximately 12,000 people with approximately 32,000 people residing within Jefferson County (2017). There is an active and thriving cultural movement in the community that includes art festivals, museums, theater, music, entertainment, and numerous local craftsmen and artisans.
Get in
The best route to Madison from the west is IN 56. It is a direct link to I-65. Travellers from Louisville can use IN 62 East from Jeffersonville. Louisville visitors can also use I-71 North and take US 421 North and cross the Madison-Milton Bridge. Indianapolis residents can go to Columbus and pick up IN 7 South. Travellers on I-71 from Cincinnati can exit at Carrollton, then take KY 36 West to the Madison-Milton Bridge. Visitors from Vevay and Belterra Casino can use IN 56 West into Madison.
See
Entertainment
Events
Railroads
Wineries
Do
Driving & riding tours
Do Chief White Eye Trail
This drive through the rolling hills, farmland and forests of the eastern portion of Jefferson County is magnificent during spring and Fall. The Kremer House (1850) in Canaan, is open by appointment and operated by the Canaan Restoration Council.
Do Madison Area Bicycle Club
The Madison area has appealing terrain for cyclists (flat farmland, challenging hills, back roads, river views, ridges and valleys). This bicycle club offers Monday and Thursday night club rides, starting at Madison Airport at 5:30PM and Saturday rides. You can check their calendar for more details and in case they add more rides.
Golf
Do Sunrise Golf Course
18-holes, par 72, 6245 yards. Full service pro shop, motorized rental carts, snack bar & grill.
Parks
Do Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Big Oaks NWR has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area because of its value to migratory birds. Located on 50,000 acres five miles north of Madison on US 421 (on the closed Jefferson Proving Ground). Portions of the refuge are open for wildlife observation, photography, fishing, hunting, interpretation, and environmental education. Apr-Nov: Monday & Friday, 2nd & 4th Saturdays. Mandatory briefing and access fee permit required ($3 daily, $15 annual); fee waived for holders of migratory bird stamps, golden age pass, golden access pass, and golden eagle pass.
- Clifty Falls State Park, One mile west of town on IN 56 and 62, +1 812-273-8885. Whether you are an avid wildlife watcher, hiker, or enjoy the great outdoors, this magnificent state park has something for everyone. The park offers several picnic areas, a nature center offering seasonal programs, an Olympic-size swimming pool, RV and primitive campsites. Hikers can enjoy trails ranging from “easy” to “rugged” and behold deeply cut gorges, sheer rock walls and plunging waterfalls. Open all year; admission charged Mar-Sept.
Do Madison City Park System
12 city-owned parks comprise part of the 220 acres of developed park/recreation properties. City parks include 5 picnic areas, 10 shelter houses, picnic tables, 2 barbecue pits, 5 playgrounds, 4 basketball courts, 4 baseball/softball diamonds, 2 tennis courts, 2 walking paths, volleyball courts and a lake. An 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and the Madison Sports Complex.
- Riverfront Park, Vaughn Dr. A favorite spot for a relaxing stroll, boat watching or attending one of several yearly events. Public boat launching facilities. Rejuvenated brick walk with benches, gazebo, viewing sites, and dedicated bricks. Adjacent parks offer playground equipment, volleyball & basketball courts, shelter houses and picnic areas with tables.
Water activities
- Madison Public Boat Ramp Foot of West St. and Vaughn Dr. Located on the riverfront at the foot of West Street. Open year round. No charge.
Buy
Eat
Eat Gallery 115 Cafe
Enjoy delicious sandwiches, soup of the day and desserts. During the summer month be sure to have a float made with your choice of vintage era drinks.
Eat Hinkles Sandwich Shop
Famous hamburgers served with pickles and onions, homefries, milkshakes. Try the biscuits and gravy W-Sa night after 9PM!
Eat Historic Broadway Hotel & Restaurant
Indiana’s oldest hotel & tavern. Opened in 1834 and still serving hearty meals & refreshing cocktails.
Eat Off Broadway Taproom
Live music, cuisine, culture, eclectic atmosphere and late night food.
Eat The Downtowner
Great soups, sandwiches, salads & desserts. Made fresh daily. Madison’s most recommended eatery. A great Chicken Salad Sandwich.
Eat The Red Pepper Deli and Café
Sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, desserts. Over 80 sandwiches to choose from.
Eat The Falls Restaurant at Clifty Inn
Daily 7AM-2PM, 5-8PM. Hours may vary by season. Relax and enjoy home cooking overlooking the scenic Ohio River.
Drink
Drink Gallery 115 Cafe
Enjoy delicious sandwiches, soups and wonderful desserts.
Coffee shops
Drink The Attic/Coffee Mill Cafe
Madison’s favorite coffee, largest selection of whole bean & tea.
Sleep
Bed & Breakfasts
Campgrounds
- City of Madison Campgrounds, Riverfront on Vaughn Drive, +1 812-265-8308 or +1 812-265-8333. 32 Sites. Some have trees. Rates: daily $15, weekly $90. Hours April 1st-October 31st. Will take reservations after April 1st. Facilities: A shower house, electric and water hook-up, dump station, paved spaces with picnic table. Restrictions: Campers only, no tents. Check Out: M-Sa 2PM, Su 5PM.
Stay Clifty Falls State Park
Open year around. Olympic outdoor pool with slide available summer months. Rates: camping; daily with electric $22, Primitive $10. Winter: daily (with electric) $8, Primitive $4. (Winter season, water faucets, showers and toilets are turned off until approximately April 5th.) Reservation first-come first-serve until May 1. 166 sites all with gravel spaces, picnic table, and fire ring. 106 have electric hook-ups. Facilities: dump station, electric hook-ups, water near by (not at site.) Shower houses & camp store available summer months. Check out 2PM, 5PM Sunday.
Cottages & guesthouses
Hotels & motels
Go next
- Louisville is the nearest major city. It is home to the Kentucky Derby and museums dedicated to the Derby, Muhammad Ali and Louisville Slugger bats.
- Cincinnati is home to Kings Island, Cincinnati Museum Center and nearby Newport Aquarium.
- Indianapolis is the state capital and home to the Indy 500 and Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts.
- Just east of Madison are Belterra and Grand Victoria Casinos along the Ohio River.
- Across the Ohio River from Belterra is Kentucky Speedway, one of NASCAR's newest tracks, hosting Trucks, Indy Cars and Busch races.
Nearby
Clifty Falls State Park
Park · 1 listings · 1 mi away
Scottsburg
City / town · 2 listings · 21 mi away
La Grange
City / town · 1 listings · 24 mi away
Charlestown State Park
Park · 25 mi away
Sparta
City / town · 3 listings · 27 mi away
Seymour
City / town · 15 listings · 30 mi away
Jeffersonville
City / town · 30 listings · 36 mi away
Clarksville
City / town · 12 listings · 37 mi away
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