Things to Do in Madison, Indiana
The best things to do in Madison, Indiana, are Clifty Falls State Park, Lanier Mansion and a walk through the 133-block historic district. Madison is a river city of about 12,350 people and the seat of Jefferson County.
Madison was platted in 1810 and grew into a major river port before the Civil War. It was also a key Underground Railroad stop, with George DeBaptiste’s barbershop as a hub. The downtown became a National Historic Landmark district in 2006.
Clifty Falls State Park
Clifty Falls sits on the west edge of Madison and was created in 1920 with land donated by residents. Its four main waterfalls drop into a canyon of 425-million-year-old shale and limestone, and Big Clifty Falls is about 60 feet tall. Ten numbered trails range from easy to very rugged.
★ Good to know The falls run best in winter and spring, and flow drops in dry weather. Brough’s Tunnel is closed indefinitely after a rockslide.
The historic district and Broadway Fountain
The district covers 133 blocks, much of it Greek Revival buildings from Madison’s river-trade years. Park once and walk Main Street, then head to Broadway Fountain. The fountain was donated in 1886 by the Odd Fellows and recast in bronze in 1980.
★ Good to know The Visit Madison office on West First Street can set you up with a walking tour.
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
Architect Francis Costigan finished this Greek Revival house in 1844 for banker James F. D. Lanier. Look for the spiral staircase and the restored 1840s interiors and grounds. The house is a National Historic Landmark in its own right.
★ Good to know Guided tours run at set times, so book ahead.
Francis Costigan House and the Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum
Historic Madison, Inc. runs guided tours of both. Costigan built his own narrow 1851 house with a sliding pocket front door and a 32-foot parlor. The Schroeder factory made saddletrees, the wooden frames inside saddles, for 94 years, and its belt-driven machines are still in place.
★ Good to know Public tours run on a weekly schedule that ends October 31.
Jefferson County History & Art Center
The local history museum sits next to Madison’s 1895 railroad passenger station, which is part of the museum. It’s a good first stop for the town’s story, with a library and archives too.
★ Good to know It closes every January and February.
Madison Regatta
Madison has run this hydroplane race on the Ohio River for about 75 years. It fills the riverfront over the Fourth of July weekend and ran July 3 to 5 in 2026.
★ Good to know Book a room early for regatta weekend.
Lanthier Winery & Distillery
Lanthier opened in 1994 in an old stone-walled building on Mill Street, with French-style gardens out back. It makes wine plus vodka, gin and liqueurs. The owners reopened after the 1997 Ohio River flood closed them for six months.
★ Good to know Hours change by season; check before you go.
Historic Eleutherian College
Anti-slavery founders opened this school in 1848 in Lancaster, about 10 miles northwest of Madison. It admitted students regardless of race or sex, including freed and fugitive slaves. The three-story 1854 limestone building is a National Historic Landmark.
★ Good to know Tours are by arrangement with volunteer guides, so contact them first.
Also in town
You’ll also find Thomas Family Winery and its bakery on East Second Street and the Saturday-morning Madison Farmers Market. In summer there’s Crystal Beach Aquatic Park and Rockin’ Thunder jet boat tours on the Ohio. Hanover College and its Science Center sit just west of town.
What is Madison, Indiana known for?
Madison is known for its 133-block National Historic Landmark district, Clifty Falls State Park, and the Madison Regatta hydroplane race on the Ohio River.
When are the waterfalls at Clifty Falls best?
Winter and spring, when the state park says they are at their best. Flow depends on rain, so dry spells mean smaller falls.
When is the Madison Regatta?
It’s held over the Fourth of July weekend. In 2026 it ran July 3 to 5.
Is Madison worth a weekend trip?
Yes. Between the state park, the historic district, the house museums and the wineries, there’s enough for two days. For another historic river-country town, try Corydon or browse more small towns in Indiana.
Where to find them
- Clifty Falls State Park 2221 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN 47250 Directions
- Lanier Mansion State Historic Site 601 W. First St., Madison, IN 47250 Website Directions
Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Madison, see Visit Madison →
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Where to stay in Madison
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