Madison Historic District
Madison, IN
A river town on the Ohio whose Main Street is lined with well-preserved nineteenth-century brick buildings and ironwork. Park once and walk the grid down to the riverfront, where the views stretch across to Kentucky.
Madison lies on the Ohio River in southern Indiana. The National Park Service describes it as one of the first communities to embrace the "Main Street" movement; its period of significance runs from 1817 to 1939. The historic district was designated a National Historic Landmark on March 20, 2006, and includes more than 1,800 surviving historic resources, which the NPS says may be the largest district of its kind in the United States. The Federal style predominates, alongside shotgun houses and 20th-century buildings.
The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot; two to three hours are realistic for Main Street and the riverfront. The organization Historic Madison, Inc. has existed since 1960 and is one of the oldest preservation organizations in the United States. Newly researched links between the town and the Underground Railroad are also part of the district's story. If you are traveling in a larger vehicle, it is best to park once at the edge of the center and explore the rest on foot.
- Nearest town
- Madison, IN
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.7359, -85.3797
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Riverview CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Madison Historic DistrictMotorhomes
- Youth Tent AreaCampsite3 mi from Madison Historic District
- Two Rivers CampgroundMotorhome stopover11 mi from Madison Historic DistrictMotorhomes
- General Butler State Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover13 mi from Madison Historic DistrictMotorhomes
- Shale BluffCampsite17 mi from Madison Historic District
- Sunset Haven Riverfront CampgroundMotorhome stopover24 mi from Madison Historic DistrictMotorhomesElectricity
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Madison Historic District?
Madison Historic District is in Madison, IN, at GPS 38.7359, -85.3797. It is about 39 mi from Louisville.
Can you camp near Madison Historic District?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Riverview Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Madison Historic District?
Places worth a stop nearby: Clifty Falls State Park (2 mi), Muhammad Ali Center (39 mi), Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (39 mi) and Kentucky Derby Museum (42 mi).
When is the best time to visit Madison Historic District?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)