historic district

BionicOne

Contrary to the Hilltop Business District, that sits way up on top of the hill, the Madison Historic District is located right down along the Ohio River. Every time we have visited Madison, we marvel at the historic architecture of the buildings on Main Street. This is a true river town that exudes lots of charm. Whether it is the historic business buildings or the many residential homes, you can almost envision what they must have looked like in their Civil War heyday. There are numerous shops and places to eat along Main Street and well worth a walk along both sides of the street. Madison in the summer has the famous river regatta with high speed boats racing along the river and a BBQ cook-off known as the RibberFest. Madison is a neat old river town and a visit is highly recommended.

JANL402

This little town on the Ohio River has a beautiful mixture of different architectural styles from different eras. The buildings are well preserved and decorated beautifully. The town is kept up well, nice mix of little shops. Enjoyed looking around this charming area.

KGKMadison

Having lived in Madison for over 30 years, but having seen a great many historic towns, I can say that Historic Madison is a gem. Convenient to Louisville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, the 1800's Ohio River town is known for its architecture and varied festivals. The restaurants are for the most part very good. My only small criticism is that most of the historic sites close during the winter months, but it's still worth a visit and the store owners will appreciate it.

michaeltE6914OX

On a motorcycle tour through Indiana and following the Ohio river I cam up on this very nice old historic town. Lots of history here the design on Alot of the buildings are very cool. I noticed Alot of people walking the sidewalks as I rode by slow meaning it's still a good happening town. I did park because I need a small break and wanted to check out a few things and walk to a restaurant.

Bantamrick

Downtown Madison is a lovely collection if boutiques, antique shops and eclectic eateries!!If your in southern Indiana on business or for a weekend get-a-way, downtown Madison is a must.

TravelerKD

Madison is quaint and charming, with historic architecture and niche-interest shopping. Visit the Village Lights bookstore and its three cast. Gifts that last is a New-Age store with one large, amber eyed buff-hued dumpling of a cat, and there's a nature and bird store along the same spot with a cat named Chicadee. In other words, if you love cats, there are several shops for you. Lots of good choices for dining are offered downtown as well, and there are plenty of events such as Old court Days, Two wineries are also located in the historic district.

ArizonaDreaming

The downtown is just gorgeous, and walking all the side streets is a great way to spend a fall day in Indiana. The high water mark on the old high school gymnasium is a wonderful reminder of the power that the river has on this part of our state.

Heather1911

Madison as a whole town is fantastic for the most part. The downtown area is at the bottom of a cliff, pretty much. So you have "downtown" and "on the hill". "on the hill" is where you have your walmart, Kroger, a movie theater, and the little shopping centers, your fast food restaurants are up there, and most of the houses are your typical houses. "Downtown", most of the houses are very old, very quaint, and shot-gun style. It's beautiful downtown. Downtown also has the little shops of just about all kinds-everything from a knitting shop, quilting shop, children's clothing, home furnishings, there's an appliance center, all kinds of stuff. There is also another movie theater downtown, it is a historic building, rumored to be haunted, and has just two screens. It's pretty cool. I used to live in Madison, and I go back at least once a year since moving away not quite two years ago. I would move back to Madison in a heartbeat. I love it there.

FlahertyKYPattyH

Great Festival this year! Madison is a great little town! Homes beautifully decorated for fall. Cant wait to do the Christmas home tour!

valeriec948

I feel this is the best event that Madison offers. it starts next wkend 9-27-28 its by the river ,many many talented artists my fav. is the glassblowers. there is great music and very yummy food booths. one can spend the whole day. its free which is nice and just a really great day for all.

bonniemae68

Don't miss Dr. Hutching's Office! Almost all the furnishings and medical equipment belonged to Dr. Hutchings himself, and you will learn a lot about medical treatment during that time.

JSA888

Friends recommended I take a detour to visit Madison while on a short driving trip in the region. I planned to stay for an hour or so before continuing, but ended up spending half a day and could easily have stayed longer. We started with a visit to the museum, where we gathered maps and brochures about the places to see, then headed out on a leisurely stroll along the river. We followed the easy-to-use self-guided tour map and continued along street after street of delightful commercial heritage buildings and houses. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant along the main street and sat outside where we enjoyed the quiet ambiance of the town. I would certainly return and would recommend it to others who enjoy heritage districts.

trb2330

We had never been to Madison. We found the downtown area to be great to walk around in with many little shops, museums and historic sites and overall it's quiet, clean and safe; reminds one of a Norman Rockwell painting. The entire riverfront is pristine with nice benches and places to stroll or watch the river and barges roll by.

sp1720

Have been here before.This town always brings me back.Grateful this Historic area has been preserved.Friendly people,good eats.

I9218PYdavidd

This is the America we all want, immaculately clean, 150 year old architecture, old trees, beautiful drive along the river.