A Weekend in Vevay, Madison and New Albany, IN
The Indiana river towns of Vevay, Madison, and New Albany combine vibrant culture, serene landscapes, and lively annual events that promise to unfold local traditions and authentic community spirit. Begin your adventure in Vevay, a town rich in Swiss heritage and winemaking history, where you can explore its steamboat-era past, local art scene, and the charming lore of a beloved town goat. Journey west to Madison, where the majestic Clifty Falls State Park offers stunning waterfalls and rugged hiking trails. Experience the Madison Farmers Market, the oldest in Indiana, wander through the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the U.S., or take a scenic Ohio River boat tour. Finally, discover New Albany's blend of historical roots and modern energy with recent development projects. Bike along the Ohio River Greenway, explore the famous fossil beds at Falls of the Ohio State Park and stroll past historic mansions.
Recommendations
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Life on the Ohio River History Museum, Vevay - Showcasing Vevay's river heritage through steamboat exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
Clifty Falls State Park, Madison - A renowned state park next to the Ohio River with scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, a nature center, recreational activities, and more.
The Ohio River Greenway, New Albany - A 7.5-mile multi-use path linking the riverside towns of Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany, Indiana.
Falls of the Ohio State Park - Discover famous fossil beds from over 390 million years ago while embarking on scenic hikes and taking in gorgeous views of the Ohio River.
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Vevay Swiss Wine Festival, Vevay - An annual event with regional wine tastings, music, food, and community events along the scenic riverfront.
Crystal Beach Aquatic Park, Madison - A newly renovated pool and water park that’s open to the public during the summer months.
Madison Farmers Market- The oldest farmers market in Indiana, which sells fresh produce, meat, and handmade arts and crafts.
Madison National Historic Landmark - The largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the U.S., with 133 historic blocks and three National Landmarks.
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Roxano’s Italian Restaurant, Vevay - Casual Italian dining with specialty pizzas and famous breadsticks.
River Oak Chophouse, Madison - Located in historic downtown Madison, River Oak Chophouse offers woof-fired, chef-inspired creations and curated cocktails.
The Crêperie - Situated within Gallery 115, serving one-of-a-kind crepes and other extravagant breakfast dishes.
Hinkle's Sandwich Shop, Madison - A legendary diner established in 1933 serving fresh hamburgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
Coffee Crossing, New Albany - Serves coffee, teas, pastries, and light bites in a community-focused space.
The Exchange Pub + Kitchen, New Albany - An elevated gastropub with a diverse chef-infused menu and outdoor patio.
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Pleasants Rose Mansion Inn, Vevay - A historic riverfront Bed & Breakfast located right amidst all Vevay has to offer.
The Chandler Hotel, Madison – This new boutique hotel in Madison’s historic downtown has grand suites, luxurious decor, and the town’s only rooftop terrace.
Clifty Inn, Madison - Located within Clifty Fall State Park, the inn overlooks the Ohio River with pet-friendly and accessible rooms available.
Friday
11:00 a.m. Explore the Swiss countryside… in Indiana
Historic downtown Vevay, Indiana
Vevay’s annual Swiss Wine Festival
Tucked within the rolling hills of Indiana’s countryside, along the serene banks of the Ohio River, lies the picturesque town of Vevay. It was originally established by Swiss immigrants in 1802 with the dream of cultivating grapes for winemaking— it even proudly holds the title of “home to the first commercial winery in the United States.” Every late August, the town comes alive with the Swiss Wine Festival, celebrating its heritage with entertainment, grape stomping, and the chance to sample over 100 of Indiana’s finest wines.
Year-round, though, visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s storied past by embarking on a self-guided historic walking tour. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Vevay has 300 treasured historic buildings spread across 100 acres.
As you stroll through downtown, don’t miss the unique antique shops and the Community Art Center which brings together the work of local Switzerland County artists. From paintings and jewelry to decorated guitars and pottery, the Art Center offers a collection of handmade creations, all crafted within a 60-mile radius of Vevay.
12:00 p.m. Say “Hi” to Vevay’s goats
Fred the Goat in Vevay, Indiana
If there’s one thing you’ll notice walking the streets of Vevay, it’s the collection of adorned goat statues scattered throughout downtown. These statues pay homage to Fred the Goat, the original town mascot. Fred was a spunky, white billy goat who escaped from a 4-H property and roamed the hillsides of Vevay for years. He was frequently spotted on what locals call "Vevay Hill" off State Road 56. Although Fred passed away in 2013, his spirit remains an integral part of the town, and many local businesses display decorated goat statues next to their storefronts.
1:00 p.m. Try Roxano’s famous breadsticks
Roxano’s Restaurant in Vevay, IN
For casual Italian dining, visit the popular Roxano’s. People travel hours for their famous breadsticks, which you can order in several different styles, like drenched in garlic butter or sweet and spicy with vanilla icing. You’ll also find specialty pizzas with housemade sauce, fresh salads, pasta, and more. Dine in or take it to go for a picnic at the nearby Paul Ogle Riverfront Park, where you can relax and watch the river from one of the many picnic tables.
2:00 p.m. Uncover Vevay’s river history
Life on the Ohio River History Museum in Vevay, Indiana
Situated along the Ohio River, Vevay flourished during the steamboat era, becoming a lively center of trade and culture. Visitors can learn all about the river's crucial role in the town's history at the Life on the Ohio River History Museum, featuring exhibits on majestic steamboats, bustling river commerce, and the spirited community along the waterfront. Dive into the tales of those who navigated and thrived by the river and how Vevay continues to ripple through its historic currents. (Open noon- 4 p.m. every day.)
If you want to learn more about Vevay, you can also stop by the Switzerland County Historical Museum housed inside an 1860 Greek Revival Presbyterian Church. Visitors can explore exhibits on Swiss heritage, indigenous artifacts, military history, and more. Highlights include Indiana's first piano, the Markland Post Office, and heirlooms from the Paul Ogle family.
4:00 p.m. Make your way to Madison, Indiana
Madison, Indiana
Drive 20 miles west on the Ohio River Scenic Byway toward Madison, Indiana, a picturesque small river town with charming storefronts, historic architecture, and idyllic streets lined with mighty trees, antique lamp posts, and seasonal flower planters and lights. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Madison Regatta, Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues, and the Chautauqua Festival of Art, attracting visitors from all across the country.
Check in to The Chandler Hotel, a boutique gem in historic downtown Madison that was originally built in 1870 and renovated to its beauty today. It blends modern decor with elegant touches of its storied past, featuring grand suites and the town’s only rooftop terrace. (There are also other wonderful options for staying in Madison for every taste and budget.)
6:00 p.m. Indulge in decadent wood-fired creations
Try wood-fired creations at River Oak Chophouse
Located on West Main Street in historic downtown Madison, River Oak Chophouse offers a sophisticated dining experience. The menu showcases the finest locally sourced beef and fresh seafood, cooked to perfection on a wood-fired grill. Begin your meal with tasty appetizers like the seafood dip or the unique moonshine mussels. For the main course, savor the rich flavors of the 18-ounce bone-in ribeye, the tender sugar-cured pork tenderloin, or the zesty garlic citrus salmon. Seafood lovers will enjoy the pan-roasted branzino. Don't miss their signature cocktails and indulgent desserts, including the banana fosters cheesecake and the three-layer chocolate cake. Make a reservation here.
River Oak Chophouse in Madison, Indiana
7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening on the river
The Ohio River in Madison, Indiana
After dinner, take a brief stroll to Madison’s revitalized riverfront to witness a stunning sunset over the Ohio River. At Lamplighter Park, you'll find a charming gazebo surrounded by numerous benches and swings. Don’t forget to bring some quarters to use the “Big Binoculars” at the Riverfront Overlook for an enhanced view. Or, if you're looking to get some extra steps in, walk across the iconic Milton-Madison Bridge, a continuous truss bridge that carries over the Ohio River, linking Madison to Milton, KY.
Madison is always buzzing with events and entertainment, especially during the summer months. For example, from June to September, on the second Friday of each month, you can enjoy Music in the Park, a free concert series held right on the riverfront. Follow the Visit Madison events calendar to stay up to date!
Saturday
8:00 a.m. Start your day at Indiana’s oldest farmers market
Madison Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning, Madison comes alive with vendors and merchants at the Madison Farmers Market. Established in 1809, it’s Indiana's oldest farmers market and a hub for community spirit and local goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to honey, flowers, and art. Rain or shine, the market is held year-round at the Broadway Fountain April - October and occasionally moved inside Trinity Methodist Church on Broadway Street during inclement weather or the winter months.
For breakfast, stop inside Gallery 115 and head to the back for unforgettable crepes at The Crêperie. Their superpower comes from their unique recipes with out-of-the-box ingredients that pair remarkably in unison, like their "Golden Pig" with pork tenderloin, roasted apricots, pistachios, and cantaloupe microgreens, or their "Sunset in Milan" with chocolate custard, blood orange curd, and candied walnuts. Aside from their renowned crepes, they feature other savory and sweet breakfast dishes, a full espresso bar, and fine tea.
10:00 a.m. Take a scenic river tour
Rockin’ Thunder River Tours on the Ohio River
Spend a unique adventure on Rockin’ Thunder River Tours —a jet boat ride along the scenic Ohio River that offers breathtaking views. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll learn about the river's rich history, from steamboat-era tales to its diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and blue herons. The Scenic River Tour is two hours long and covers 40 miles of the River, which is not viewable by any other mode except by boat. Make sure you book your ticket in advance, as they fill up quickly.
12:00 p.m. Get outdoors at the renowned Clifty Falls State Park
Clifty Inn at Clifty Falls State Park
Madison is framed by Clifty Falls State Park—a 1,416-acre park with acclaimed nature trails, iconic waterfalls, and tons of year-round events and guided hikes. At the park, you’ll uncover ancient shale and limestone formations, marine fossils dating back 425 million years, plus 15 miles of trails, ranging from moderate to extremely rugged, offering stunning views of the park's four major waterfalls, best seen from December through June.
One highlight is the 1852 abandoned railroad tunnel, now a bat habitat, cutting through the hillside beneath Oak Grove. Visitors can also enjoy the historic stonework of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps. With vibrant spring wildflowers and diverse wildlife, including songbirds, deer, and wild turkeys, Clifty Falls State Park offers a memorable outdoor adventure.
You can choose to spend the entire day here exploring all Clifty Falls has to offer. Set up camp in one of their designated campgrounds or stay at Clifty Inn, where you can book their Riverview rooms and suites overlooking the Ohio River. For lunch or dinner, visit The Falls Restaurant (open to the general public and Clifty Inn guests) for homemade, Hosier-style dishes.
3:00 p.m. Explore the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the U.S.
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site in Madison, Indiana
If you head back to Madison after spending the day in Clifty Falls, you must explore Madison’s historic landmarks. With over 133 historic blocks, Madison boasts the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the U.S.
Discover the town’s three National Historic Landmarks: the elegant Shrewsbury-Windle House, the stately Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, and the impressive Historic Eleutherian College.
Prioritize embarking on one of Madison’s many tours—self-guided, guided, or even by carriage ride—to delve deeper into its unique history. If you’re looking to learn more about Madison, check out the Jefferson County Historical Society, established in 1850, where exhibits cover topics from the Civil War to the town’s steamboat history along the Ohio River. There’s also The Railroad Station Museum, featuring a model of Madison’s early railroad and a 1918 caboose. (Admission is $7 to visit both museums; children five and under are free.)
Railroad Station Museum in Madison, Indiana
7:00 p.m. Savor timeless comfort food
Hinkle’s Sandwich Shop established in 1933
No trip to Madison would be complete without a visit to Hinkle's Sandwich Shop. Established in 1933, Hinkle's is renowned for its classic American diner fare and nostalgic atmosphere. Famous for its juicy, made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries, this iconic eatery also serves delicious breakfast items, sandwiches, and over 40 different kinds of creamy milkshake flavors. The friendly service and vintage charm make Hinkle's a can’t-miss experience.
8:30 p.m. Try Indiana wine
Lanthier Winery in Madison, IN
Lanthier Winery is a beloved local winery and distillery located in a historic 18th-century building. With tours and tastings of their signature 15 varieties of wine, it's a wonderful place to stop for a few hours or spend the whole day with the family (even your pet!). However, if you're short on time and still want to try local Indiana wine, stop in for an evening glass at Thomas Family Winery. It's another great family winery located right downtown in Madison with complimentary wine tastings, Meade, hard ciders, old-world salamis and charcuterie, in-house hearth-baked bread, and live music. They're open until 11:00 p.m. on Saturday nights, making it the perfect late-night spot.
Sunday
9:00 a.m. Discover New Albany, Indiana
Ohio River Greenway in New Albany, Indiana
From Madison, hop on the Ohio River Scenic Byway toward New Albany, a town in the midst of a dynamic transformation that blends its historical roots with modern development. The expansion of the New Albany Shoreline and Ohio River Greenway, alongside the future South Monon Freedom Trail, introduces exciting new outdoor and river recreation opportunities. The town’s newly built boat ramp is the first phase of their River Recreation Site that the city has been working on to develop into a waterfront park along with the New Albany Flow Park, a skateable work of art, and the Silver Creek Landing & Kayak Launch.
9:30 a.m. Bike along the Greenway
Coffee Crossing in New Albany, Indiana
Stop for a coffee, tea, or quick bite to eat at Coffee Crossing (which was once a former oil service station) before heading out on the Ohio River Greenway bike trail to Falls of the Ohio State Park.
The Ohio River Greenway, a 7.5-mile multi-use path, connects the bustling riverside towns of Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany, Indiana. Following the scenic banks of the Ohio River, the Greenway offers stunning river access from each community. In New Albany, the trail begins at Silver Creek, tracing an old railroad route along the Loop Island Wetlands—a premier nature and wildlife preservation with year-round wildlife viewing.
Ohio River Greenway biking and walking path
10:30 a.m. Explore famous fossil beds and epic river views
Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana
Falls of the Ohio State Park Interpretive Center
Hop off in Clarksville at the Falls of the Ohio State Park. This sprawling state park, situated next to the Ohio River, offers a culmination of natural history and outdoor adventure. It is famous for the largest naturally exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world, dating back 390 million years. The park's scenic hiking trails weave through lush landscapes, perfect for birdwatching and capturing stunning river views.
Tour inside the Interpretive Center with immersive, award-winning exhibits on the area’s geology, ecology, and history. There are even river and wildlife observation rooms that offer a serene place to sit and enjoy unobstructed views. (Visit fallsoftheohio.org for current visiting hours and admission fees.)
12:00 p.m. Explore more river towns on the Greenway
Big Four Bridge over the Ohio River
From Falls of the Ohio State Park, you can choose to explore more river towns by heading up toward Jeffersonville—a vibrant residential and commercial district that includes historic homes, boutique shops, locally-owned restaurants overlooking the River (like Upland Brewing Co. and KingFish), and the whimsical NoCo Arts & Cultural District. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, definitely add Schimpff’s Confectionery to your list. Located within walking distance of the Ohio River Greenway and Big Four Bridge, Schimpff’s has been around for 130+ years and offers free tours of their candy museum and candy-making demonstrations. Check their tour schedule for availability.
From here, you can access the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge from Pearl Street, a mile-long pedestrian and biking bridge connecting to Louisville’s Waterfront Park.
Upland Brewing Company in Jeffersonville, Indiana
1:00 p.m. Lunch on the patio at The Exchange
The Exchange patio in New Albany, Indiana
If returning to New Albany after visiting the state park, enjoy lunch at The Exchange Pub + Kitchen, a rustic-chic gastropub that serves locally sourced ingredients and diverse, elevated dishes. Originally built in 1875, the building now housing The Exchange has lived many lives—from a Stable and Livery to the Hendricks Poultry Company to a tire warehouse. After sitting vacant for nearly 15 years, the team at The Exchange has worked hard to revive its history into the modern day. The same owners also recently opened Outcast Fish & Oyster Bar if you’re looking to try fresh, sustainable seafood, like wood-grilled oysters, lobster rolls, or tuna poke.
2:00 p.m. Walk along Mansion Row
Culbertson Mansion in New Albany, Indiana
New Albany’s Mansion Row Historic District is a stunning showcase of 19th-century grandeur and architectural elegance. This historic district, located along Main Street, features a remarkable collection of beautifully preserved mansions that reflect the wealth and opulence of the city’s early residents. Strolling down Mansion Row’s lush, tree-lined streets, you'll notice intricate designs and stately facades, which include styles ranging from Greek Revival to Italianate.
Among the notable residences is the Culbertson Mansion, a magnificent three-story structure built in 1867, now a state historic site open for tours. Its lavish interior, adorned with frescoed ceilings and hand-carved woodwork, offers a glimpse into the life of one of Indiana’s wealthiest families.