The 9 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Madison, Indiana (IN)

Experience the most unique boat tours in the Midwest. Based in Madison Indiana, these are the only tours of both the Ohio River and Kentucky River. 4 different adventures to choose from. A 32 mile 1.5 hour Historic Lock & Dam Cruise, a 2 hour 40 mile SCENIC tour, a 5 hour 75 mile Weekday Lunch Excursion, and a 155 mile 2 Day Kentucky River Adventure. WE GO FARTHER, SEE MORE AND HAVE FUN Coast Guard Licensed and Inspected

Mad Paddle is an Adult-Focused microbrewery and artisan distillery, family-friendly for families with age 13 children and above, and pet-friendly. We offer exceptional food and top-notch musical entertainment. Mad Paddle’s primary target guests are: 1) Adults who enjoy craft beer, spirits, and music 2) Families with children age 13 and above Microbreweries and Distilleries are not designed with young children in mind. As a business that is focused on craft alcoholic beverages and located in a 9,000 square foot historic building with multiple rooms and floors, we can present an unsafe environment for young children. We love dogs and require dog owners to make sure that their puppy does not become the center of attention!

This scenic area, known for its hiking, has beautiful waterfalls and a canyon.

The area along First, Second and Third Streets is home to many of the town's restored pre-Civil War houses.

Tour this sprawling home on the Ohio River, the site of a heroic story that's still impacting Indiana today, and one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the Midwest. This location is part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, a statewide museum system with 12 locations.

For 94 years, workers at the Ben Schroeder Saddle tree Company crafted wooden frames for saddle makers throughout the United States and Latin America. It was the nation's longest lasting, continually, operated, family owned saddle tree company. Recognized by historians as one of America's premier industrial heritage site and the only saddle tree museum in the U.S., this a vintage workplace has been restored and opened to visitors. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc., of Madison, Indiana.

Lanthier Winery is one of several popular state attractions in Madison Indiana. Known for its European "feel", Lanthier is scenic Madison's oldest winery and a favorite tourist destination. Lanthier is home to a unique combination of multiple attractions including the Loft Art Gallery and the areas most popular public garden which visitors find in bloom more than 3 seasons every year with abundant fragrant blossoms similar to Europe's old French Country Gardens. Of course guests to Lanthier Winery's tasting room also enjoy free samples of award winning, handcrafted wines, a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff and exciting events throughout the year. Enjoy a great grape getaway to Madison Indiana home to Lanthier Winery....where a far away feeling is close enough to taste.

The History Center is the home of the Jefferson County Historical Society in Madison, Indiana. The campus includes the main building with museum, gift shop and research library; the 1895 original train station; and the renovated caboose. In 2017 the admission to the museum, train station and caboose is free. The facility has a wealth of local, historical information with interesting displays. Volunteer staff are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the second Saturday morning of each month for assistance with genealogical or other types of research.

The Madison Railroad Station museum is part of the History Center Campus which includes a local history museum and a restored caboose. The station museum is in the renovated station that was erected on the site in 1895. Much original equipment is still in the museum along with numerous interpretive displays that provide a very good feel for the construction of the railroad itself as well as how it interacted with the city.