Recreation

What can recreation lovers find to do in Madison? How about biking, hiking. fishing. horseback riding, boating, golf or bird watching? Clifty Falls State Park features 70 foot gorges, seven plunging waterfalls, a nature center, picnic areas, swimming pools, RV and primitive campsites. Ten hiking trails from very rugged to easy will provide all the challenge the outdoor enthusiast is seeking. Or hike the Heritage Trail from downtown to the hilltop – the views are spectacular!

Rolling hills and spectacular scenery, characterize biking in Madison and along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. You’ll find flat farmland, challenging hills, river views, and creek crossings – a ride for every skill level.

There’s great fishing in Madison! Bring your boat, fish from the banks of the Ohio River or cast a line at one of our fishing holes. Boaters will find a marina and public launching ramp. Don’t have a boat? Take a ride on Rockin’ Thunder, the only New Zealand style jet boat in the mid-west.

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge is a Globally Important Bird Area because of its value to migratory birds. Located just 5 miles north of Madison, portions of the refuge are open for wildlife observation, photography, fishing, hunting, interpretation and environmental education.

Hit the trail at Shilo Farms, in Canaan, just outside Madison for great trail riding horses for every level of riding.

Check out all the options!

Area Bicycling Routes

Organized rides for all skill levels, from flat farmland to challenging hills, back roads and ricer views, ridges and valleys. Maps and ride schedules can be obtained via the website.

www: www.madisonbicycleclub.org

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

Big Oaks NWR has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area because of its value to migratory birds. Located five miles north of Madison on Highway 421. Portions of the refuge are open for wildlife observation, photography, hiking, 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.

Address: 1661 W. JPG Niblo Rd.

Email: bigoaks@fws.gov
Phone: 812-273-0783
www: www.fws.gov/midwest/bigoaks

City of Madison Boat Docks & Ramp

Public boat dock & ramp. Free to residents and visitors.

Ramp open year round, no overnight docking.

Address: Vaughn Dr. and West St.

Phone: 812-265-8300
www: www.madison-in.gov

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.

Open all year; admission charged Mar-Oct.

See one families Summer 2018 adventure to Clifty Falls State Park!

Phone: 812-273-8885
www: www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2985.htm

Crystal Beach Pool

Built in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration. Historic bathhouse, half-moon shaped pool that slopes from ankle deep to 8 feet, water slide.

12pm-8pm, Sat of Memorial Day weekend through mid-August

Daily Admission is $5 per person. Ages 3 & Under are FREE.
Season Passes:
- Single – $50
- Family of 3 – $120
- Family of 4 – $150
- ($30 per additional family/same household)
Water Aerobics BEGIN June 3rd
- M,W, & F – 9AM
- T & TH @ 7PM
- Admission is $2 pp/per session.
- Season Pass – $30
- Sessions are invoiced with a Crystal Beach Season Pass
Swim Lessons:
- First Session: June 10 – 21
- Second Session: July 15-26
- Times: 10am, 11am, & 7pm
- Ages 3 & UP – $50 per session

Address: Vaughn Dr. and Broadway

Phone: 812-273-6268

Hatcher Hill Trail

This newly opened hiking & biking trail is ¾ of a mile long. All non- motorized modes of transportation permitted. Parking access is only available at the bottom of the trail at the City Garage. Open year round dawn to dusk.

Heritage Trail of Madison

1-1/4 mile paved and natural surface pathway for jogging, walking, biking, hiking. All non-motorized modes of transportation permitted. Connecting downtown with the hilltop and overlooking the Ohio River. Begins at the corner of Vaughn Dr. and Vernon St.

Open Dawn to Dusk

Phone: 812-273-6266
www: www.heritagetrailconservancy.org

Laser Command

NEW BUSINESS!
Family friendly laser tag facility. Laser tag games, arcade games, axe throwing, concessions and party space.
Open year-round. Off-site portable laser tag available.

Hours:
Fri. 5pm-Midnight
Sat. 11am – Midnight
Sun. 11am-8pm

Mon-Thurs by appointment.

Address: 2587 Cragmont Street

Email: info@lasercommandllc.com
Phone: 812-274-0988
www: lasercommandllc.com

Rivercrest Marina

Full service marina at the water’s edge. Covered slips, 24/7 fuel, utilities, food, storage, renovations. Rent pontoons and golf carts. West Second and Hatteras Way. Mile marker 559. Annual, seasonal, and weekend dockage. Call ahead, Harbor Master will greet you!

Sun.-Thurs. 9am-8pm
Fri.-Sat. 9am-9pm
Abbreviated winter hours

Address: 1200 W. Second St.

Email: info@rivercrestmarina.us
Phone: 812-273-9080
www: www.rivercrestmarina.us

Riverfront Park

The riverfront has always been a favorite spot for a relaxing stroll, viewing cruising boats along the river, or attending one of several outdoor festivals held throughout the year. Public boat launching facilities, playgrounds, shelter houses, picnic areas with tables, benches, gazebo and viewing areas. Volleyball, basketball,bocce & cornhole courts and horeshoe pits. Equipment available at the Visitors Center, 601 W. First St.

Address: Vaughn Drive

Rockin Thunder River Tours

Experience the only Jet Boat tours of the Ohio River and Kentucky River. 5 different tours to choose from. A 15 mile Rockin Wild Ride, 40 mile Scenic Tour, 75 mile Weds Lunch Excursion, 90 mile Sunday Dinner Adventure and the 155 mile 2 Day Kentucky River Adventure. Nothing else like this in the Midwest. Fun for everyone.