Recreation
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Big Oaks NWR has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area because of its value to migratory birds. Located on 50,000 acres five miles north of Madison on Highway 421 (on the closed Jefferson Proving Ground). Portions of the refuge are open for wildlife observation, photography, fishing, hunting, interpretation, and environmental education.
Mid-Apr-Nov: Mon & Fri, 2nd & 4th Sat., 7am-4:30pm. Mandatory briefing and Access fee permit required ($3 daily, $15 annual); fee waived for holders of Migratory Bird Stamps, Interagency Access Pass, Interagency Senior Pass.
Clifty Falls State Park
Whether you are an avid wildlife watcher, hiker, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, this magnificent state park has something for everyone. The park offers several picnic areas, a nature center offering seasonal programs, an Olympic Size swimming pool, RV and primitive campsites. Hikers can enjoy trails ranging from "easy" to "rugged" and behold deeply cut gorges, sheer rock walls and plunging waterfalls.
Open all year; admission charged Mar-Sept.
Clifty Golf Range
18-hole miniature golf, grass tee, driving range, beautiful country setting.
Open Daily Mar-Oct 12pm-8:30pm
Crystal Beach Pool
Built in 1938 by The Works Progress Administration. Historic bathhouse. Half-moon shaped pool slopes from ankle deep to 9 feet.
12pm-7pm daily - Memorial Day to start of school.
Fizz's Bike Shop
Bike rentals Monday through Saturday.
Monday - Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 11am-4pm
Heritage Trail of Madison
The Heritage Trail is a paved pathway for jogging, walking, biking and hiking. The trail connects downtown Madison with the hilltop and overlooks the Ohio River.
Open dawn to dusk.
Madison Area Bicycle Club
Voted "Best Bike Ride in Indiana" by Outside Magazine these trails should give you a hint of how great a bike ride can be. From flat farmland to challenging hills, back roads and river views, to ridges and valleys. Rides and special events are held throughout the year. Maps can be obtained via the website or at the Visitors Center. "Because riding should be fun!!"
Madison City Park System
12 city owned parks comprise part of the 220 acres of developed park/recreation properties. City parks include 5 picnic areas, 10 shelter houses, picnic tables, 2 barbecue pits, 5 playgrounds, 4 basketball courts, 4 baseball/softball diamonds, 2 tennis courts, 2 walking paths, volleyball courts and a lake. An 18 hole golf course, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and the new Madison Sports Complex.
Madison Public Boat Ramp
Located on the riverfront at the foot of West Street.
Open year round. No charge.
River Chase Golf Course
9 hole golf course located beside the Ohio River in historic downtown Madison.
Sun-Sat 8am-8pm
Rivercrest Marina
Full service marine, fuel, storage, slips – covered & uncovered, ramp, store.
May-Oct 9am-9pm daily.
Riverfront Park
In 2008 the City of Madison proposed a project consisting of a new park along the riverfront in downtown Madison in celebration of the city's 200th birthday. Located on the river front corner of Vaughn Drive and West Street, the park, known as Bicentennial Park, is serving as the central gathering place for the many recreational events the city hosts from community picnics and free outdoor movies to festivals such as Ohio River Valley Folk Festivdal, Ribberfest and the Madison Regatta. As of now it consists of an amphitheater, terraced seating, and restrooms with more development planned for the near future. In addition, a WIFI hotspot now covers the Park.
Shilo Farms Horseback Riding
Great trail riding horses for every level of riding. Schedule a personal trail ride by phone. We recommend a 1 or 2-hour ride.
Open daily, daylight till dusk -call ahead! Rates vary depending on length of ride.
Sunrise Golf Course
18-holes, par 72, 6245 yards. Full service pro shop, motorized rental carts, snack bar & grill.
Hours: Open daily Feb 15 - Dec 31.
Wild Thing Jet Boat Rides, LLC
Have fun on the only jet boat rideson the Ohio River. Choose your trip: a wild spin, slide & splash or a scenic relaxed run up the Ohio & Kentucky Rivers. Piloted by Coast Guard licensed Master Captains.
