If you’re a fan of outdoor camping and sightseeing, Madison, Georgia, may be just the place for you. This town was named “One of The South’s Best Small Towns” by Southern Living in 2018. With the most collection of nineteenth century architecture in Georgia, Madison’s historic buildings include Greek revival, Romanesque, and late Victorian styles. Madison is especially festive during the holidays with holiday-themed events, sweet shops, and restaurants serving seasonal treats. In addition, Saturdays are Shop, Sip & Stroll events with special retail promotions and light refreshments.
There are many parks and nature reserves in and around Madison. Hard Labor Creek State Park has over 20 miles of trails, 51 campsites, and 20 renovated cottages. There’s a lakeside beach, fishing, and stargazing, and the park features the best golf value in the state. In addition to state parks, Madison has several golf courses, including four private courses, with many courses within two hours’ driving distance. This means that it’s easy to take a road trip or day trip from Madison and still enjoy the outdoors.
For those with a love for birds and nature, Madison’s Wildlife Resources Division Areas offer many opportunities for bird watching. Visitors can also view the state’s many species of deer, turkey, and opossum. The state’s most popular tourist attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, Madison Zoo, and the Mercer Museum. For nature lovers, there are many parks and preserves in Madison, and you’ll want to explore them all!
In addition to the Madison Premium Outlets, Madison is home to hundreds of retail stores. From luxury designers to locally crafted souvenirs, this community has something for everyone. Its outlets include the AMC-16 Cinema, a luxury department store, and more than 45 specialty stores. And no matter what your budget, there’s no shortage of shopping opportunities in Madison! There’s something for everyone – and it’s all in the name of fun!
For history buffs, there’s the Governor’s Mansion, the state’s capitol, and the Laurel and Hardy Museum, as well as the Morris Museum of Art. There are also numerous historic sites, including the Cannonball House and Civil War Museum, Uncle Remus Museum, and the Columbus Museum. There’s even a Georgia State Cotton Museum, LaGrange Art Museum, and the National Infantry Museum. You can spend a day or a week exploring the historic sites of Madison, Georgia.
If you’re into amateur astronomy, you may enjoy the High Level Cosmological Observatory. This state park was acquired by the state in 1825 and was designated a State Forest Park in 1927. It is a great place to spend a few days fishing in its two stocked lakes, as well as visiting the archaeological site of the Seven Mounds. It also features an open-air market and an old packing house dating from the early nineteenth century. The park also features the nation’s largest Civil War exhibition, Turning Point.
If you want to experience a day on the water, Madison offers many lakes and streams for outdoor recreation. There’s Lake Burton, a recreational lake owned by Georgia Power Company. A. H. Stephens State Park’s Lake Burton offers excellent fishing conditions. Aside from Lake Burton, another popular lake in the area is Lake Rabun, which is eighty-four acres in size and borders Alabama. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also operates Lake Sinclair, a 37,500-acre recreational lake that is popular with locals and visitors alike.