Things To Do

Wander Southern Indiana…and the charming town of Madison

Centrally located in the Louisville-Cincinnati-Indianapolis triangle lies the charming town of Madison, Indiana. A destination in and of itself, Madison is an easy one-hour drive from Louisville along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. No matter your interests, you will find it here: history, arts, music, higher education, wineries, restaurants, and outdoor beauty combine to make Madison an ideal day trip (though you may wish you had more than one day to explore!). Madison boasts the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country with 133 contiguous blocks of historic homes and stately buildings, and has a cultural reputation for arts and music that attracts award-winning traveling art exhibits and has earned it the name of Indiana’s Music City. Just on the outskirts of Madison you will find Clifty Falls State Park, where you can get up close to nature with hiking and waterfall views. Top off your day at nearby Stream Cliff Farm, owned and operated by the Manning-Riley families for seven generations. The Madison Visitors Center will be happy to assist as you plan your adventures; stop by and say hello! visitmadison.org

The newest wrapped switch box of The Switch Box Project. All of these creations are crafted by local artists.

The Madison Area Arts Alliance (MAAA) oversees galleries, traveling art exhibits, outdoor art features, music venues, and more that make up the Arts and Cultural District. Madison’s Bicentennial Park on the Ohio River is currently home to Flight, a traveling public art exhibit by award-winning metal sculptor and artist Dale Rogers. The flock of nine metal sculpted birds, each over 200 pounds, and situated 15 feet above the ground with wing spans of 12 feet, will be soaring in the park through October.

MAAA also introduced a new public art initiative, The Switch Box Project, where the 26 switch boxes found at the intersections of each traffic light are wrapped with interchangeable art by local artists. Keep your eye out for this visual delight as you walk historic Main Street! madisonareaarts.org

Hinkle’s original small sized hamburger has been a staple on the menu since the Great Depression.

Hinkle’s Sandwich Shop at 204 W. Main was established in 1933 (celebrating its 90th anniversary this year!) by Winfred Hinkle. During the Great Depression, Hinkle wanted to offer affordable meals, so he came up with the idea of a small two-cent hamburger. Over the years, Hinkle’s has continued to serve up its signature burger along with sandwiches, breakfast, and over 40 flavors of milkshakes in a friendly diner atmosphere. Until recently, Hinkle’s was open 24 hours a day, providing all-night dining to locals and the students at nearby Hanover College. Hinkle’s recently received the Business Legacy Award for over 25 years of independent small business service. hinkleburger.com

The greenhouse at Stream Cliff Farm is a sight to behold with annuals, perennials, and herbs on display, and also available for purchase.

Toast your summer with a wine slushy. These tasty drinks are served in the winery, which also offers free tastings.

Stream Cliff Historic Farm in Commiskey, Indiana is an easy 15-minute drive from Madison and well worth the short trip. Visitors stroll the grounds of the beautiful farm, taking in the old barn market, greenhouse and nursery, gift and antique shop, Twigs & Sprigs Restaurant, event spaces, chapel, display gardens, and winery — which offers free wine tastings, delicious wine slushies, their own bottled wine for purchase, and hosts a Summer Music Series from June 4 to October 29. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Betty Manning or another member of the family, who will answer any questions about the history of the farm, its converted 1821 barn, 1836 farmhouse, and other buildings formerly used as blacksmith shops, animal sheds, and a grainery. Betty not only knows the farm and its history and can name any plant growing in the display gardens — she is also a folk art painter with her work available for sale in the gift shop. Her work will be featured in a gallery show in Madison this fall, providing the perfect excuse to plan your return trip to this lovely town and its surrounding area. streamclifffarm.com

Overlook of Big Clifty Falls Lookout Point. These falls are over 60 feet.

Clifty Falls State Park is located just west of Madison. With over 1500 acres to explore, Clifty Falls was established in 1920 to preserve the falls of Clifty Creek. The park has more than 10 established trails, six waterfalls, as well as shelters and campgrounds. An inn and restaurant are located near the north entrance of the park, overlooking the Ohio River and the town of Madison. in.gov/dnr/state-parks/ parks-lakes/clifty-falls-state-park

Story and Photos by Patti Hartog

Summer 2023 / Today's Transitions