Madison (Indiana)

Madison is a city along the Ohio River in Southern Indiana. It is the county seat of Jefferson County, 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. Madison has been recognized as offering one of the highest qualities of life in the state. This is evident by the recent designation as one of 12 Distinctive Destinations of 2001 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Madison currently has a population of approximately 13,000 people with approximately 30,000 people residing within Jefferson County. The county has some of the finest schools in the state as well as Hanover College, a nationally ranked liberal arts school. There is also an active and thriving cultural movement in the community that includes art festivals, museums, theater, music, entertainment, and numerous local craftsmen and artisans.

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 compliment the historic downtown.

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.

Get around

See

Entertainment

• Madison 6, 744 Jefferson Ct, ☎ [phone]. First run current movies. 
• Hanover College Sports (Hanover College, Hanover). Teams in football, basketball and baseball. 
• Hanover College Theatre (Hanover College, Hanover), ☎ [phone]. 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, ☎ [phone]. Affordably priced current & classic movies in Madison’s historic theatre. Everyday matinee & evening show. Late show Friday & Saturday. 

Events

• Ohio River Valley Folk Festival, toll-free: [phone]. Mid May Two day folk spectacular! Top fold musicians, storytellers and craftsmen along the Riverfront. Concerts, storytimes, food & fun for the entire family. Coincides with the Madison in Bloom garden tour. Annual Event. 
• Madison Regatta, ☎ [phone]. Early July Unlimited Hydroplane Race, boat racing over 200mph, Testing and Qualifying, fireworks, music on the banks of the Ohio River, 10K Run and Race. Admission Charged. Annual Event. 
• Madison RibberFest, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 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. 

Railroads

• Madison Railroad, 1121 W. JPG Woodfill Rd, Bldg #216, ☎ [phone]. 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. 

Wineries

• Lanthier Winery, 123 Mill St, ☎ [phone], toll-free: +1-800-41-WINES (94637). Open W-Su 11AM to 5PM. ‘A far away feeling...close enough to taste’ French country gardens, art gallery, gift shop and handcrafted award-winning wines await guests at Madison’s oldest winery. Sample wine and pick up an event schedule! 
• Madison Vineyards, 1456 E. 400 North, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Mon-Sun,10PM-5PM. International award winning wines. Free tastings. Beautiful setting. New Bed & Breakfast. 
• The Thomas Family Winery, 208 E. Second St, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. M-Th 11AM-6PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 12PM-5PM. Offering traditional wines and ciders, old world breads and cheeses in a pub-style setting. 

Do

Driving & Riding Tours

• Chief White Eye Trail, Canaan, ☎ [phone]. 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) located in Canaan, is open by appointment and operated by The Canaan Restoration Council. 
• Heritage Trail, ☎ [phone]. 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), ☎ [phone] 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. Whatever you want in a ride, it's all right here. Flat farmland. Challenging hills. Back roads and river views. Ridges and valleys. No wonder Outside Magazine said we have the best bike ride in Indiana. Rides, maps, special events. "Because riding should be fun!" 
• Ohio River Scenic Byway, toll-free: [phone]. 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. The Madison Area Convention and Visitors Bureau can assist you with additional information. 

Golf

• Clifty Golf Range, 3323 West IN 56 (jct 56/62), Hanover, ☎ [phone]. Driving range, 18-hole miniature golf. Fun for the whole family! Open daily, Mar-Oct, 9AM-10PM. 
• Cozy Acres Golf Complex, 4040 N. Old SR 62, ☎ [phone]. 9-hole course, mini-golf course, driving range, pro shop. 
• Spring Hills Golf Course, 4766 W. Butler Falls Dr (Hanover), ☎ [phone]. 18-hole golf course, beautiful country setting, some of the best greens in Southern Indiana. Open daily, 6AM-6PM; off-season varies. 
• Sunrise Golf Course, 2136 Michigan Rd, ☎ [phone]. Open daily Feb 15 - Dec 31. 18-holes, par 72, 6245 yards. Full service pro shop, motorized rental carts, snack bar & grill. 

Parks

• Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1661 W. JPG Niblo Rd (Jefferson Proving Ground), ☎ [phone]. 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: Mon & Fri, 2nd & 4th Sats. 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, [phone], . Whether you are an avid wildlife watcher, hiker, or simply 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.
• Heritage Trail, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• Madison City Park System, 101 West Main St, ☎ [phone]. 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 new 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

• Crystal Beach Pool, 100 S. Broadway St, ☎ [phone]. Built in 1938 by The Works Progress Administration. Historic bathhouse. Half-moon shaped pool slopes from ankle deep to 9 feet. 12PM-5PM daily - Memorial Day to start of school. 
• 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

• Cocoa Safari Chocolates, 404 Broadway St, ☎ [phone]. Wed-Sun 11AM-6PM. Gourmet hand-dipped chocolates in a colorful travel-themed shop! 
• Mundt's Candies/JWI Confectionery, 7 W. Main St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Seen on Food Network. National Geographic. Mundt’s candy factory, ice creams parlor. Chocolates. Seasonal hours. 
• Hoofs, Woofs and Whiskers, 126 E Main St, ☎ [phone]. Quality Gifts for the Horse, Dog and Cat lover. 

Eat

• Bistro One, 122 E Main St, ☎ [phone]. Wed-Sat, Dinner Only. Madison's own eatery featuring around the world cuisine. 
• Café Camille, 119 E. Main St, ☎ [phone]. Mon-Sat 6AM-2:30PM; Sun 7AM-2:30PM. Serving breakfast and lunch in a unique and comfortable atmosphere. 
• ChickiePoos, 209 W Mail St. Eclectic restaurant with an ever changing menu of 5 or so items per night. No liquor license, but they make their own sodas. Open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Saturday. 
• Frisch's Big Boy Restaurant, 460 E Clifty Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Gallery 115 Cafe, 115 East Main Street, ☎ [phone]. 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, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Mon & Tues 6AM-10PM, Wed-Sat 24hrs. Famous hamburgers served with pickles and onions, homefries, milkshakes. Try the biscuits and gravy Wed- Sat night after 9PM! 
• Historic Broadway Hotel & Restaurant, 313 Broadway St, ☎ [phone]. Open daily 11AM-12AM, Closed some holidays. Indiana’s oldest hotel & tavern. Opened in 1834 and still serving hearty meals & refreshing cocktails. 
• joeyg's Restaurant and Nightclub, 218 E. Main St, ☎ [phone]. Sun 12PM-10PM, Tues-Thu 11AM-midnight; Fri & Sat 11AM -1AM. Live music, cuisine, culture, eclectic atmosphere and late night food. 
• Key West Shrimp House, 117 Ferry St, ☎ [phone]. Lunch: Tues-Sat 11AM-2PM; Dinner: Tues-Fri 5PM-9PM, Sat 5PM-10PM, Sun 12PM-8PM. Seafood, steak and chicken with river view tables. State hospitality award winner! 
• Roger’s Diner and Soda Fountain, 101 E. Main St, ☎ [phone]. Mon-Sat 10AM-7: 30PM, Sun 12PM-5: 30PM Open late during special events. Old-fashioned diner & soda fountain. Famous potato salad, Jelly-Bellys, chocolates. Coming September 2007, walls will be covered in photos of the many places to visit and tour in Madison and surrounding areas! 
• The Attic Coffee Mill /Cafe, 631 W Main St, ☎ [phone]. Mon-Sat 7:30AM-5PM; Sun 12:30PM-5PM. Madison’s favorite coffee, soups, salads, sandwiches & desserts to-die-for! 
• The Downtowner, 104 E. Main St, ☎ [phone]. Mon-Wed 10:30AM-2:30PM, Thurs-Sat 10:30AM. Great soups, sandwiches, salads & desserts. Made fresh daily. Madison’s most recommended eatery.The best Chicken Salad Sandwich! 
• The Red Pepper Deli and Café, 902 W. Main St, ☎ +1 812 265-DELI (3354). Mon-Thurs 10AM-8PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-9PM. Sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, desserts. Over 80 sandwiches to choose from! 
• Tugboats Eatery (Corner of Mulberry & Vaughn Dr), ☎ [phone]. Daily 11AM. Riverfront dining at its finest! Full lunch, dinner, bar menu. 
• The Falls Restaurant at Clifty Inn, IN 56 WEST (inside Clifty Falls State Park), ☎ [phone], toll-free: +1-877-LODGES-1 (563437-1). Open Daily 7AM-2PM, 5PM-8PM. Hours may vary by season. Relax and enjoy home cooking overlooking the scenic Ohio River. 

Drink

• GALLERY 115 CAFE, 115 East Main Street (Historic Downtown Madison), ☎ [phone]. 11AM-7PM. Enjoy delicious sandwiches,soups and wonderful desserts. 

Coffee Shops

• The Attic /Coffee Mill Cafe, 631 W Main St, ☎ [phone]. M-Sa 7:30AMPMSun 12:30PM-5PM. Madison’s favorite coffee, largest selection of whole bean & tea. 
• The Front Porch, 229 E. Main St, ☎ [phone]. M-F 7AM-7PM; Sa 9AM-7PM; Su 12PM-5PM. Serving Seattle’s best coffee, espresso, pastries. Internet hotspot, unique gifts. 

Sleep

Bed & Breakfasts

• Azalea Manor Bed and Breakfast, 510 West Main St, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• Carriage House, 308 West Second St, ☎ [phone]. Open May 1 to October 31. A stay here offers the ultimate in stress relief. AAA Approved. 
• Iron Gate Inn, 708 E. Main St, ☎ [phone]. Downtown historic home, side galleries overlook lovely gardens, candlelight breakfast. 
• Madison Vineyards Bed & Breakfast, 1456 E 400 N., ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Large rooms, private baths, vineyard views, full breakfast, near downtown. 
• Rose Cottage, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• Schussler House, 514 Jefferson St, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Historic Charm with today's amenities, scrumptious breakfast, convenient location. 
• Whitehall, 1229 W. Main St, ☎ [phone]. Exclusive historic accommodations in suite, river views, exquisite breakfast, canopy beds. 
• Windy Hill, 340 Thomas Hill Rd, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Cozy getaway, beautiful river view, country breakfast, great group retreat. 

Campgrounds

• City of Madison Campgrounds, Riverfront on Vaughn Drive, [phone] or [phone]. 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: 2PM Monday - Saturday, 5PM Sunday.
• Clifty Falls State Park (North Entrance on IN 62, South Entrance on IN 56), ☎ [phone]. 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

• Cabin Falls, 1708 Dugan Hollow Rd, ☎ [phone]. Authentic log cabin on 50 acres, sleeps 6, 2 miles from Madison, large Jacuzzi. 
• Dove Cottage, 107 Walnut St, ☎ [phone]. Madison’s premiere getaway. Just steps from the Ohio River. 
• Madison Fudge Factory and Guest Suites, 630 W. Main St, ☎ [phone], toll-free: +1-866-88FUDGE (38343). Private baths, cable/vcr, unique furnishings. WILLIE WONKA would love to stay here! 
• Ogden’s Guest House, 315 St. Michael’s Ave, ☎ [phone], [phone]. Bigger than most – 3 bedrooms. Walk to shops, restaurants, river. 
• Rouse's Roost, 1304 West Second St, ☎ [phone]. Cozy cottage minutes away from shops, restaurants, & historic area. 
• Suites & Cottages, 207 W Main St, ☎ [phone], [phone]. Beautifully furnished historic properties. Charm. Privacy. Heart of the historic district. 
• The Guest House, 904 W. Second St, ☎ [phone], [phone]. Comfortably furnished cottages; nightly, weekly, extended stays; children welcome. 
• Village Peddler, 224 E. Main St, ☎ [phone], [phone]. Two suites right on Main Street. 

Hotels & Motels

• Best Western Madison, 700 Clifty Dr, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Newly remodeled, free hot breakfast, high speed internet, fitness/pool facility, on site restaurant & lounge. 
• Clifty Inn & The Falls Restaurant, Route 56 (Clifty Falls State Park), ☎ [phone], toll-free: +1-877-LODGES-1 (563437-1). Indoor Pool, tennis courts, Restaurant, Whirlpool Suites. Reception and Conference Facilities. Open year round. 
• Country Hearth Inn, 308 Demaree Dr, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Best lodging value with incredible breakfast, hot tub suites, cable TV with HBO, fresh cookies daily. 
• Hillside Inn, 831 E. Main St, ☎ [phone]. Private balconies. River views. Fireplace & whirlpools. Free breakfast. 
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, 300 Franks Dr, ☎ [phone], toll-free: +1-800-HOLIDAY (4654329). Complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, meeting space, whirlpool suites. Packages available. 
• Super 8 Motel, 3767 Clifty Drive (Junction IN 62& IN 56), ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Indoor heated pool, hot tub, free breakfast. 

Connect

By phone

Most telephone numbers in Madison consist of +1 812 plus a seven-digit number, but the Southern Indiana region is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 930 being the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 812 before these if no area code is indicated.

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 capitol 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.

Routes through Madison

Indianapolis ← Greensburg ←	N  S	→ Jct → Frankfort
Columbus ← Jct ←	N  S	→ END