Madison County - 8 Attractions You Must Visit

Bonar Hall, is a charming and picturesque antebellum mansion built in 1862 near the Oconee River. The hall was named for William Bonar, the former owner, and for generations has been home to various cotton farmers. Today, it stands as a restored example of Southern hospitality and historical architecture: a reminder of simpler times gone by. Boasting three stories that stretch across nearly 5,000 square feet of living space.

The beautiful Broad River Wildlife Management is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located between the main stem of the Broad River and two oxbow lakes, the area provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities. It consists mostly of mature hardwood forests with some small clearing for native grasslands and wetlands. The scrub pine flatwoods along the rivers also provide habitats for many plant and animal species.

Hard Labor Creek State Park is an ideal spot for those who enjoy the outdoors. Situated on 6,000 acres along the shores of Lake Rutledge, visitors can explore a variety of nature trails and waterways. Some popular activities include camping, hiking, fishing, boat rentals, swimming and picnicking. The park also has an 18-hole championship golf course with a large pro shop and driving range.

The Madison-Morgan Cultural center, is a beautiful performing arts and education center that provides exciting programs and activities year-round. It offers a 250-seat theater with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, as well as workshops for aspiring performers. Programs include drama and music classes, summer camps for kids, performances by local artists, special movie nights, holiday events, art exhibitions, and more.

The Madison Welcome Center, is a great resource for visitors and locals alike! Located at the intersection of I-85 and Winder Highway featuring breathtaking views of vineyards and rural landscapes, the Welcome Center has something for everyone. A gift shop with unique crafts and novelty items beckons visitors in search of souvenirs or conversation pieces. Concise travel advisories can help guests plan for their trips to take full advantage of all that the region has to offer.

Rogers House Museum is a stunning historic home built by William Dudley Rogers for his family in 1901 and is currently administered by the Madison Morgan Cultural Center. Drawing upon its rich history and cultural significance, Rogers House Museum offers a unique glimpse into early 20th century life complete with original furnishings and artifacts from the time period. Visitors can take guided tours of the house to learn about the history of local families.

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is an impressive site that captures the very essence of southern art and culture. The museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits from a variety of talented artists, all of which resonate with the local heritage. Works span American portraits and landscape paintings, as well as early European representations in oil, watercolor, wood carving, plus sketches and drawings.

Watson Mill Covered Bridge, is one of the last remaining covered bridges in the United States. Built by local master bridge builder Evans Hurt in 1885, this 283-foot long bridge stands tall over the scenic Watson Mill Pond and serves as a reminder of what times used to be like over 140 years ago. Not only is it an iconic structure but it is also one of the longest covered bridges east of the Mississippi River.