An Outdoor Museum of Architecture
With more than 133 blocks of outstanding architecture, Madison’s downtown business district is one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts. Madison’s founders brought with them their own history, which is displayed in the architecture of the homes and buildings that make up this historic gem. Travel America says, “Madison is an outdoor museum of architecture.”
There are 8 house museums that are open to the public during the season and several more open by advance appointment. They range from the office of a horse and buggy doctor (kids love the skeleton), to a 19th century saddletree factory, to grand homes.
The crown jewel of Madison historic sites is Lanier Mansion State Historic Site – open all year with guided tours. Beautiful formal gardens surround the mansion.
Nation’s Largest Contiguous Historic Landmark District
Nestled in the rolling hills along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Madison, Indiana, emerges as the nation’s largest Contiguous National Historic Landmark District with a jaw-dropping 133 historic blocks. The heart of this timeless community is rooted in Downtown Madison’s Main Street. The captivating stately buildings and historic homes set the stage for the vibrant arts and entertainment experience. Virtually every decade and architectural style of the 19th century is represented: Federal, Italianate, Greek & Gothic revival galore!
When viewing the multitude of magnificent mansions to humble shotgun cottages, it is apparent why Madison has been hailed as a true American treasure. Conveniently located between the metro areas of Cincinnati, Louisville, and Indianapolis, regional and national visitors alike delight in Madison’s diverse family, group, and pet friendly activities while also marveling at our unique historical built environment. Madison seeks to build on the foundations of our past to promote the promises of future memories yet to be made. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Found 12 listings
120 W Third St. Call for Tours: 812-265-2967Step back in time to one of the most authentic 19th-century medical history restorations in [...]
Address:120 W. Third St., Madison
Historic Sites
Phone:(812) 265-2967
Website:view our site
Francis Costigan House
408 W Third St. Call for Tours: 812-265-2967Experience a unique architectural gem! This building was built by Francis Costigan, Madison’s premier architect and master [...]
Address:408 W. Third St., Madison
Historic Sites
Phone:(812) 265-2967
Website:view our site
Explore the rich history of the area, enjoy exhibits on civil war, steam boating and much more! Children's Interactive Exhibit-general store and schoolroom. Museum [...]
Address:615 W. First St., Madison
Historic SitesHistory Center
Phone:(812) 265-2335
Website:view our site
Historic Eleutherian College
Eleutherian College is a National Historic Landmark founded in 1848 by the Neil's Creek Anti-Slavery Society. Today's mission it to tell the stories of [...]
Address:6927 West State Road 250, Landcaster
Historic SitesNational Historic Landmarks
Website:view our site
Jeremiah Sullivan House
304 W Second St. Call for Tours: 812-265-2967Built around 1820, this stately Federal-style structure was home to one of Indiana’s most distinguished leaders. Virginia-born [...]
Address:304 W. Second St., Madison
Historic Sites
Phone:(812) 265-2967
Website:view our site
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
Features 1844 Greek Revival home of James F.D. Lanier (the “crown jewel” of Madison’s Historic District).A National Historic Landmark, beautiful home with great stories. [...]
Address:511 West First St., Madison
Historic SitesNational Historic Landmarks
Phone:(812) 273-0556
Website:view our site
Madison Railroad Station
Restored 1895 Pennsylvania Railroad Station Museum with an impressive two-story octagonal waiting room, explore exhibits, artifacts of the past and Madison's railroad history. Don't [...]
Address:615 West First St., Madison
Historic Sites
Phone:(812) 265-2335
Website:view our site
St. Michael the Archangel
519 East Third St. Call for Tours: 812-265-2967Originally completed in 1839, this building is one of [...]
Address:519 East Third St., Madison
Historic Sites
Phone:(812) 265-2967
Masonic Schofield House
The house, built circa 1815, is the first two-story brick inn & tavern in Madison. It is the birth place of the Indiana Grand [...]
Address:217 West Second St., Madison
Historic Sites
Phone:(812) 265-4759
Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum
106 Milton St. Call for Tours: 812-265-2967Only one of its kind left in the country!Visit America’s only restored 19th-century saddletree factory packed with unique [...]
Address:106 Milton St., Madison
Historic Sites
Phone:(812) 265-2967
Website:view our site
History Center
Home of Jefferson County Historical Society established in 1850
The History Center is located in the heart of Madison’s National Historic Landmark District. Start your journey at their museum full of exhibits containing the rich history of Madison and Jefferson County from the civil war, steam boating and much more! Explore the restored 1895 Railroad Station Museum with a model of Madison’s early railroad and hop on the 1918 caboose. The History Center is conveniently located at the corner of First and Mill street right next to the Visitor Center. Just look for the Red Caboose!
New limited hours/days of operation:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays 10am-3pm
Masked are required, limited supply available.
$5 Per Adult, Children 16 and under are free.
Found 1 listing
Explore the rich history of the area, enjoy exhibits on civil war, steam boating and much more! Children's Interactive Exhibit-general store and schoolroom. Museum [...]
Address:615 W. First St., Madison
Historic SitesHistory Center
Phone:(812) 265-2335
Website:view our site
National Historic Landmarks
Some of the nation's finest landmarks are right here in Madison!
Madison's Historic Downtown holds the designation as the nation's largest Contiguous National Historic Landmark District with a jaw-dropping 133 historic blocks. It's a mouthful to say, but an eyeful to experience!
If that weren't enough, Madison is also home to three National Historic Landmark sites as well. The Lanier Mansion and Shrewsbury-Windle Home were both designated as National Historic Landmarks in 1994, followed by the Historic Eleutherian College in 1997. These sites continue to be popular attractions in Jefferson County.
Found 3 listings
Historic Eleutherian College
Eleutherian College is a National Historic Landmark founded in 1848 by the Neil's Creek Anti-Slavery Society. Today's mission it to tell the stories of [...]
Address:6927 West State Road 250, Landcaster
Historic SitesNational Historic Landmarks
Website:view our site
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
Features 1844 Greek Revival home of James F.D. Lanier (the “crown jewel” of Madison’s Historic District).A National Historic Landmark, beautiful home with great stories. [...]
Address:511 West First St., Madison
Historic SitesNational Historic Landmarks
Phone:(812) 273-0556
Website:view our site
Shrewsbury-Windle House
301 W First St. Call for Tours: 812-265-2967National Historic LandmarkStep back in time to explore this award-winning Greek Revival restoration! This house was built [...]
Address:301 W. First St., Madison
Historic SitesNational Historic Landmarks
Phone:(812) 265-2967
Website:view our site
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