Things to Do In Madison, GA

If you are looking for history, sightseeing, culture, architecture, shopping, dining, and adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Nothing beats Madison’s small-town charm, southern hospitality, and welcoming locals. Start your visit at the Madison Welcome Center and then climb aboard the Madison Trolley.

Madison Trolley Company

A Madison Trolley tour is the best way to discover Madison. Our local guides show you what there is to see and do, help you get oriented, and share insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Photo by Colby Brown Photography.
Photo Credit: Visit Madison GA​

Welcome Center

The Welcome Center is operated by the Madison-Morgan Convention & Visitors Bureau. Inside the former city hall and firehouse building, you’ll find a staff ready to help with information, ideas, resources, and directions.

https://visitmadisonga.com/

Photo by Colby Brown Photography.

Madison Trolley Company

Next, cross the street and climb aboard a Madison Trolley tour. It’s the best way to discover our city. Local guides show you our town and tell you, its story. We point out what there is to see and do and give you insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Photo by Colby Brown Photography.

Historic Sightseeing

Madison, GA is one of seven communities along Georgia’s 100-mile Trail of Legacy & Lore. A Madison Trolley tour offers the best, fastest, and most comfortable way to see the most of Madison, and learn about its past, present and future. A self-guided walking tour connects points of interest in the historic district.

https://visitmadisonga.com/

Shop, Dine, & Stay

Stroll along tree-lined brick sidewalks past historic storefronts filled with locally owned boutiques, antique markets, and art galleries. Casual and fine dining can be enjoyed inside a historic setting, or out on the sidewalk. You will also find ice cream, pastries, and other decadent treats, and everything is just a few minutes’ walk away.

https://visitmadisonga.com/

Events

Madison hosts festivals, concerts, movie and date nights, children’s activities, holiday celebrations, community yard sales, and other special events throughout the year. These include Madison Fest, the Firefly Festival, the Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival, the Halloween Spooktacular, and the annual Holiday Parade.

You can find out what’s happening at: https://visitmadisonga.com/

Tour of Homes

Twice a year, the people of Madison open their doors for the Spring and Holiday Tours of Homes. During these two-day events in May and December, you can visit the inside of some of Madison’s most beautiful and historic homes.

Photo Credit: Heritage Hall​

Heritage Hall

Step back in time into the grandeur inside this fully restored and furnished 1811 antebellum mansion.

https://mchistorical.com/

Photo Credit: Visit Madison GA​

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is in one of Madison’s most spectacular buildings. Inside this turn-of-the-century school, you will find a fully restored 1895 classroom, art & craft galleries, rotating exhibits, a museum of local and Southern history, and a lovely gift shop. The Cultural Center also hosts events throughout the year.

You can learn more at: https://www.mmcc-arts.org/

Morgan County African American Museum

Located in the former home of John Wesley Moore, whose life spanned slavery, Reconstruction, and the Jim Crow Era, the museum’s mission is to research, preserve, and share local African American history, art, and culture.

Visitors can see the result of these efforts first-hand through a diverse collection of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits.

https://mcaam.org/

Photo by Colby Brown Photography.

Rogers House & Rose Cottage

Built in 1809, the Rogers House is Madison’s oldest building. Rose Cottage, the home of a former enslaved woman, is right next door. Both houses are open for tours that show how working-class 19th Century families lived.

https://mchistorical.com/

Photo by Colby Brown Photography.

Madison's Historic Cemeteries

Madison Memorial Cemeteries are comprised of four adjoining cemeteries. There you will find ornate gravesites, a segregated burial ground, the final resting place of Revolutionary War veterans, Confederate soldiers, former enslaved peoples, and some of Madison’s most famous citizens.

For more information visit: https://www.madisoncemeteries.com/

Madison Greenway Trail

This paved, tree-lined path is accessible from downtown. It passes through Round Bowl Spring Park, past the springs from which the town arose, over a small creek, and into the Madison Memorial Cemeteries. This short, paved, tree-lined path through native flora and fauna is ideal for a relaxing stroll.

Photo Credit: Georgia Safari Conservation Park

Georgia Safari Conservation Park

In Madison, American history and African wildlife are just 3 miles apart. The 500-acre park offers tours among wildlife roaming free on their grassland and woodland habitats, up close animal encounters, and the chance to check-in to one of the safari tents that Time Magazine named one its “Top Places to Spend the Night for 2025.”

www.georgiasafari.com

Photo Credit: Imagine That​

Imagine That

Imagine That is an educational and interactive indoor playground. Children up to 10-years-old get to experience a child-sized version of Madison and Morgan County. They can practice as doctors, operate stores, and if they’re not careful, even end up in the county jail. Imagine That’s 2-hour play sessions give your kids a break from all the history, shopping and culture.

Photo Credit:​ Hard Labor Creek State Park

Hard Labor Creek State Park

Just 15 minutes away, Georgia’s second largest state park offers golf, hiking, paddling, biking, and plenty of places to picnic and relax as you take in the great outdoors. If you are feeling brave, you can visit Camp Daniel Morgan where Jason returned in Friday-the-13th: Jason Returns.

Photo Credit: Visit Madison GA​

Georgia’s Trail of Legacy & Lore

Madison is one of the 7 towns along Georgia’s 100-mile Trail of Legacy & Lore. Through these communities, the region’s story is told through culture, art, heritage, and architecture. Each community offers opportunities to learn about the people and events that shaped our regional identity.

https://legacylorega.org/

The Great Outdoors

Located in Georgia’s Lake Country, Madison is surrounded by opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Within 30 miles of the city center you’ll find Georgia’s second largest state park, golf courses, boating, fishing, paddling, watersports, leisurely and challenging trails for walking, hiking, and biking, horseback riding, farm tours, pick-your-own orchards, and even an “18-hole” flying disc golf course.

For more information visit: https://visitmadisonga.com/

Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair

Lake Oconee, just over a half-hour from Madison, offers fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming. Trails around the lake offer opportunities ranging from relaxing strolls and rides to challenging hikes and mountain biking. Nearby Greensboro offers plenty of places to shop and eat.

Just to the south, Lake Sinclair is a bit more tranquil. Surrounded by wooded hills, national forestland, and a wildlife refuge, its waters are some of the cleanest and calmest in Georgia. It, too, offers all kinds of opportunities to bike, hike, and paddle, and personal watercraft and pontoon boats up to 30ft. are allowed.

Photo by Colby Brown Photography.

Resorts at Reynolds

Lake house charm, world class accommodations, and highly personalized service create an unforgettable experience at luxurious lakeside resorts. Enjoy spectacular championship golf courses, fishing, boating, world-class spas, and lakeside dining beneath a start-filled sky.

Photo Credit: Steffan Thomas Museum​

Steffen Thomas Museum

The museum displays the works and collections of Steffan Thomas, a German American artist known for his prolific work in various media, including sculpture, painting, mosaic, and printmaking. Thomas was a master sculptor who created public monuments, portraits, and works exploring themes of humanity and brotherhood. The museum’s main galleries hold a permanent collection of over 700 pieces and its exhibition galleries host rotating exhibits. The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and artist forums.

Photo Credit: Visit Greensboro GA​

Surrounding Communities

Among the things you’ll find to see and do a short drive from Madison are an operating cotton gin in Bostwick, flea markets and concerts in Rutledge, a Christmas Tree farm in Bishop, and an 1807 jail modeled on The Bastille in Greensboro. Madison is the ideal launching point for exploring some of Georgia’s most charming and interesting small towns.

Plan Your Visit

There is a lot to explore in and around Madison, GA, and The Madison Trolley Company is a great way to start your visit. Whether you’re here for the day or the weekend, climb aboard and we’ll help you discover what makes our town and the surrounding area unforgettable.

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Photo by Colby Brown Photography.

Ready to Ride?

Reserve your seat today or visit our kiosk on the Town Square to visit Madison like never before.

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Photo by Colby Brown Photography.