One of the highflying residents of Madison_photo courtesy madisonfl.org
“Our attraction is only natural.” Madison’s slogan, proudly emblazoned on the official tourism website, explains why this north Florida town is often overlooked by the tourist hordes yet wholeheartedly embraced by the visitors who have discovered this hidden gem.

Forget the gauntlet of theme parks, roadside attractions and souvenir shops that sprawl through Florida’s more popular tourist destinations. You’ll find no neon billboards flashing discount fun or cheap T-shirts here. Instead, you can expect a leisurely, back-to-nature experience well seasoned with historic charm, down-home culture and welcoming locals wherever you go. For thrill-seekers, there’s always the giant water slide at the local RV park … but more about that later.


NATURAL MADISON

There are a variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Madison County:

Paddle down the Aucilla River Canoe Trail. Expect a moderately difficult but maximally rewarding canoe ride. Trip lengths vary from four to 27 miles, so you could go for a morning or make it a full-day excursion. Download trail maps, trail lengths and trailhead GPS locations at www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Aucilla_guide.pdf to plan your adventure.

Explore the Four Freedoms Trail — a 12-mile, multi-use recreational trail that begins in Madison and extends to the Withlacoochee River at the Florida/Georgia border. Walk, bike or horseback ride on this inviting, paved nature trail. There are six covered picnic areas along the way. Download a trail map at www.madisoncountyfl.com/cd-recreation.aspx.

Ladell brothers trailhead_photo courtesy madisonfl.org

Visit the Ladell Brothers Outdoor Environmental Center (www.nfcc.edu/community-programs/nature-center). Located on the campus of North Florida Community College, this preserve is physically in town but definitely back to nature. There is no admission fee to walk the trails or use the picnic facilities. Be on the lookout for native and migratory birds, raptors, foxes and other woodland critters. Restrooms are available on campus at the Tech Center. A map of the 1.5-mile trail system and facilities can be downloaded from the Web site. The Center is located at 325 NW Turner Davis Dr., Madison, Fla. 32340. GPS: 30.474928, -83.422124. Call 850.973.1645.

Bird-watch along the Twin Rivers Birding Trail (www.floridabirdingtrail.com), one section of the 2,000-mile trail that connects more than 500 official birding sites in Florida.

MADISON HISTORY & CULTURE

Stop by the Treasures of Madison County museum (www.treasuresofmadisoncounty.org) for a better historical understanding of this charming little town. Open Tuesday through Saturday, the museum is located at at 200 SW Range Ave., Madison, Fla. 32340. Call 850.973.3661.

Go to jail. The recently renovated and restored county prison is now a historic Jail Museum. The place has a Wild West feel, and we were hardly surprised to learn the last public hanging in Madison County happened in the yard outside in 1902. Located at 405 W. Pinckney St., Madison, Fla. 32340. Call 850.973.3661.

Four Freedoms Park offers natural and artistic views. Visitors are surrounded by majestic live oaks and handsome period architecture, while monuments and a gazebo provide great photo ops. The park is bordered by Range, Marion, Shelby and Base streets and located in Downtown Madison, Fla. 32340.

Historic downtown Madison_photo courtesy madisonfl.org

Tour 20 historical monuments and markers throughout the area. Get information for each and a handy map at the Chamber of Commerce: 248 SW Range Ave., Madison, Fla. 32340. Call 850.973.2788.

About a mile northeast of town you’ll find O’Tooles Herb Farm (www.otoolesherbfarm.com). This certified organic nursery and garden sells plants, fresh-cut herbs, greens and mushrooms. There are also two gift shops selling, among other things, herbal products and regional art. Open “by luck and by appointment.” Located at 305 NE Artemesia Trail, Madison, Fla. 32341. Call 850.973.3629.


SPECIAL EVENTS IN MADISON

What is that thing...it's a steam engine_photo courtesy madisonfl.org
One of the largest draws in town is the annual Madison Down Home Days (madisonflevents.com/events/downhomedays.html) event. This two-day party, usually held in mid-April, includes a festival, parade and rodeo. The central attraction here is the rodeo. And, though it may be touted as “down home,” the riding is certifiably first class. Producer Bo Campbell began competing professionally at age 17 and has been co-producing events since he was 23. You can bet Bo knows how to put on a good show. The events leading up to the rodeo are eclectic and as “hometown Americana” as you can get. Among the highlights:

  • A classic car show
  • A craft fair, quilt display and flower show
  • A dessert bake-off (yum!)
  • Bounce houses
  • Book signings by local authors
  • A live “Walk Thru History” presented by the Rural Area Theater troupe (www.rattpact.com)
  • And the truly “down-home” watermelon-seed spittin’ contest

Four Freedoms monument with historic courthouse_photo courtesy madisonfl.org

Other local happenings include the Hickory Grove Founders Day celebration in nearby Pinetta, the Farmers & Friends Festival in Madison and two holiday events: the Light Up Madison Christmas Festival and Greenville Country Christmas. For dates and details on upcoming events, visit www.madisonflevents.com.

BEFORE YOU GO

Visit the Greater Madison County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism online at www.madisonfl.org for information on annual festivals and other local news and events.

If you’d to learn about what you’re seeing while you drive around town, you can purchase an audio guide to Madison at Treasures of Madison County, or order a copy in advance through the museum’s online store at www.treasuresofmadisoncounty.org.

SIDE TRIPS

Ray Charles Childhood Home and Statue (www.mygreenvillefl.com)

Visit the nearby town of Greenville to see the childhood home of music superstar Ray Charles. A certified legend, he recorded 18 Billboard Top 100 songs in four different genres — R&B, rock, jazz and country — and influenced countless musicians. The tour is in two parts; in addition to the house, you’ll find a statue of Ray at Haffye Hayes Park in downtown Greenville. Visit Ray’s former home at 443 SW Ray Charles Ave., Greenville, Fla. 32331. Call 850.948.2251.

Suwanee River State Park (www.floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver)

A sunny day on the river_photo courtesy madisonfl.org

Located 18 miles southeast of Madison, this state park is located near the intersection of the Withlacoochee and Suwanee Rivers. A walk here is a hike through history. The park is home to Civil War era earthworks, one of the state’s oldest cemeteries and a paddlewheel shaft from a wrecked steamboat. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking. For location and additional details, see the RV Campground listing below.

Madison Blue Spring State Park (www.floridastateparks.org/madisonbluespring)

About a 15-minute drive from downtown Madison, you will find one of Florida’s newest state parks. The central attraction here is the 25-feet-deep, crystal-clear, spring-fed swimming hole. Other recreational opportunities include canoeing and kayaking, fishing, picnicking and SCUBA diving. Public showers are available for visitors. The park is located at 8300 NE State Road 6, Lee, Fla. 32059. For additional info, call 850.971.5003.

RV CAMPGROUNDS NEAR MADISON

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp-Resort (www.jellystonefla.com)

Camping at Jellystone

This place is part theme park, part summer camp and all fun. It features a giant water slide, a lake and pool for swimming, miniature golf, an arcade/game room, Yogi Theatre, sand volleyball and plenty of room to just roam. Sites are close enough to walk to all the activities but separate enough to keep some of the noise down on busy days. If being surrounded by happy, active kids is not your thing, you may want to keep on truckin’. However, children of all ages — and the young at heart — will have a blast here.

  • Full hookups: water, sewer and electric (30- and 50-amp)
  • No cable
  • Wi-Fi available, but not always reliable
  • Pull-through sites and big rig access
  • Lakefront sites
  • Tons of family-friendly amenities
    Jellystone waterside playground and giant slide
  • Pet-friendly

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp is located just off I-10 at 1051 SW Old St. Augustine Rd., Madison, FL 32340. GPS: 30.394197, -83.369579. For reservations or more information, call 800.347.0174 or 850.973.8269.


Suwanee River State Park (www.floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver)

This state park is a beautiful, natural spot with a well-kept, full-facility campground. See above for activities and historical attractions. The campground offers:

  • Full hookups: water, sewer and electric (50-amp)
    Camping at Suwanee River State Park_photo courtesy Florida State Parks
  • No cable or Wi-Fi
  • Pull-through sites with big rig access (some sites are tighter than others)
  • Family- and pet-friendly

Located southeast of Madison at 3631 201st Path, Live Oak, Fla. 32060. GPS: 30.38583, -83.16917. For reservations, book through the park Web site or call 800.326.3521.

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