Madison, IN Road Trips

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.

Madison 6, 744 Jefferson Ct, ☏ +1 812-273-6061. First-run current movies. Hanover College Sports (Hanover College, Hanover). Teams in football, basketball and baseball. Hanover College Theatre (Hanover College, Hanover), ☏ +1 812-866-7264. Delight in the sights and sounds of outstanding musical and dramatic performances. Tickets required. Please call for more information. Ohio Theatre, 105 E. Main St, ☏ +1 812-624-1938. Affordably priced current & classic movies in Madison’s historic theatre. Everyday matinee & evening show. Late show Friday & Saturday. Madison Regatta, ☏ +1 812-265-5000. 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, ☏ +1 812-265-2956, toll-free: +1-800-559-2956. 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. Madison Railroad, 1121 W. JPG Woodfill Rd, Bldg #216, ☏ +1 812-273-4248. 7:30AM-4PM. Madison Railroad operates a 25-mile mainline extending from Madison to North Vernon. The railroad is rich in history, operating the remaining segment of Indiana’s oldest rail line. Lanthier Winery, 123 Mill St, ☏ +1 812-273-2409, toll-free: +1-800-41-WINES (94637). W-Su 11AM-5PM. ‘A far away feeling... close enough to taste’.

Chief White Eye Trail, Canaan, ☏ +1 812-839-4101. 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. Heritage Trail, ☏ +1 317-696-0860. The Heritage Trail is a paved pathway for biking, hiking and rollerblading. The trail connects downtown Madison with the hilltop and overlooks the Ohio River. Open dawn to dusk 2002. John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail (Versailles), ☏ +1 812-686-6410 Ext 5. The 185-mile trail follows the footsteps of Confederate Raider John Hunt Morgan's 2000 men and horses. Part of the route traverses Jefferson County and is highlighted with a campsight in Dupont. Indiana's most significant American Civil War event. Madison Area Bicycle Club, [email protected]. 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. $30 single membership, + $10 for first additional household member + $5 for each additional household member. Ohio River Scenic Byway, toll-free: +1-800-559-2956. Designated a National Scenic Byway, this portion of the scenic drive hugs the river's edge among picturesque hills and valleys surrounding the majestic Ohio River.

Red On Main, 122 E Main St, ☏ +1 812-274-0105. Tu-Sa lunch and dinner only. Fine dining and drinks. Frisch's Big Boy Restaurant, 460 E Clifty Dr, ☏ +1 812-273-6524. Gallery 115 Cafe, 115 East Main Street, ☏ +1 812-274-4371. 11AM-7PM. 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. Hinkles Sandwich Shop, 204 W. Main St, ☏ +1 812-265-3919, toll-free: +1-888-514-3919. M Tu 6AM-10PM, W-Sa 24-hr. Famous hamburgers served with pickles and onions, homefries, milkshakes. Try the biscuits and gravy W-Sa night after 9PM! Historic Broadway Hotel & Restaurant, 313 Broadway St, ☏ +1 812-265-2346. Open daily 11AM-midnight, closed some holidays. Indiana’s oldest hotel & tavern. Opened in 1834 and still serving hearty meals & refreshing cocktails. Off Broadway Taproom, 218 E. Main St, ☏ +1 812-274-0216. Live music, cuisine, culture, eclectic atmosphere and late night food. The Downtowner, 104 E. Main St, ☏ +1 812-265-4343. M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM, Su 10:30AM-6PM. Great soups, sandwiches, salads & desserts. Made fresh daily. Madison’s most recommended eatery. A great Chicken Salad Sandwich. (updated May 2019) The Red Pepper Deli and Café, 902 W. Main St, ☏ +1 812-265-DELI (3354). M-Th 10AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM. Sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, desserts. Over 80 sandwiches to choose from. The Falls Restaurant at Clifty Inn, IN 56 West (inside Clifty Falls State Park), ☏ +1 812-265-4135, toll-free: +1-877-LODGES-1 (563437-1). Daily 7AM-2PM, 5-8PM.

Gallery 115 Cafe, 115 East Main Street (Historic Downtown Madison), ☏ +1 612-274-4371. 11AM-7PM. Enjoy delicious sandwiches,soups and wonderful desserts. The Attic/Coffee Mill Cafe, 631 W Main St, ☏ +1 812-265-5781. M-Sa 7:30AM-5PM, Su 8AM-5PM. Madison’s favorite coffee, largest selection of whole bean & tea. (updated Sep 2022)

Azalea Manor Bed and Breakfast, 510 West Main St, ☏ +1 812-274-4059. In heart of historic district in walking distance of unique shops, antique stores, museums, public historic homes/sites, coffee and handcrafted candy shops, the Ohio River, visitor center, public library, restaurants and churches. 2nd St Carriage House and Inn, 308 West Second St, ☏ +1 219-508-9644. Open May 1 to October 31. AAA Approved. Iron Gate Inn, 708 E. Main St, ☏ +1 812 -273-8959. Downtown historic home, side galleries overlook lovely gardens, candlelight breakfast. Rose Cottage, ☏ +1 812-839-3781. Take a scenic drive along Highway 62 & spend a night at romantic Rose Cottage in Canaan. Your hosts, Norma and Fred Tuttle, provide a full breakfast or some of Norma's famous “made from scratch” muffins and sweet breads. Windy Hill, 340 Thomas Hill Rd, ☏ +1 812-265-5284, toll-free: +1-888-687-5863. Cozy getaway, beautiful river view, country breakfast, great group retreat. 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. Clifty Falls State Park (North Entrance on IN 62, South Entrance on IN 56), ☏ +1 812-265-1331. Open year around. Olympic outdoor pool with slide available summer months. Rates: camping; daily with electric $22, Primitive $10.

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.