Madison Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, hiking trails, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options for your trip to Madison, NJ.


Introduction to Madison

Located in Morris County, in the Skylands region of New Jersey, Madison is a charming borough in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Settled by European colonizers in the 1700s, Madison is steeped in history and natural beauty. Visitors to Madison can enjoy a blend of cultural landmarks, outdoor recreation, and a thriving food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Madison

There are numerous places to visit in Madison, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
  • Drew University Museum
  • Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
  • Madison Historic District
  • The Hartley Dodge Memorial

Natural Attractions of Madison: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Loantaka Brook Reservation
  • Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
  • Lewis Morris County Park
  • Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
  • Tourne County Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Madison

Madison offers several hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in Madison are:

  • The Patriots Path
  • Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail
  • The African Queen Trail
  • Columbia Trail State Park
  • Morris County Park Commission Trail System

Best Things to Do in Madison: Activities and Tours

Madison offers a wide range of activities and tours to suit every taste. Some of the must-try things to do in Madison include:

  • Take a guided tour of the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
  • Visit the Drew University Museum
  • Enjoy a theatrical performance at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
  • Attend the Bottle Hill Day festival in September
  • Rent a bike and explore the Patriots Path

Week-Long Itinerary for Madison

Day 1: Visit the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, explore the Madison Historic District, and enjoy dinner at Nautilus Diner.

Day 2: Take a guided tour of Drew University Museum, enjoy lunch at 54 Main Bar & Grille, and explore Loantaka Brook Reservation.

Day 3: Explore the wildlife at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and take the African Queen Trail.

Day 4: Visit the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and enjoy lunch at Takuma Japanese Restaurant.

Day 5: Rent bikes and explore the Patriots Path, have a picnic at Madison’s Community Garden, and watch a movie at The Rose Theater.

Day 6: Have a fun day at Morris County Park Commission and explore the natural beauty of the Pyramid State Park.

Day 7: Visit Tourne County Park and have dinner at The Belmonte.

Food and Drink Scene of Madison

Madison’s food and drink scene is a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. You’ll find a range of dining options from fine dining restaurants, farm-to-table cafes, and gastropubs.

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Original Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
  • Salted Caramel Donuts from Glaze Donuts
  • The Big Apple from The Bagel Chateau
  • Chicken Francaise from Nicky C’s
  • Fried Chicken from Madison Market

Local Beverages

  • Bring your favorite wine to David’s Wine Cellar and receive complimentary glasses.
  • Enjoy a signature cocktail at Poor Herbie’s Restaurant
  • Taste local craft beer at the River Grille

Where to Stay in Madison: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Madison offers several options for accommodation. Listed below are some of the best places to stay in Madison.

  • The Madison Hotel
  • The Hyatt House Morristown
  • Hilton Short Hills
  • Marriott Hanover
  • Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel and Conference Center

What to Buy in Madison: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

For great souvenir items, check out the Madison Farmers Market and shop here for the following:

  • Knives from Madison Cutlery
  • Stangl Pottery from Rose City Framemakers and Gallery
  • Jersey-made candles from Cameo Curio
  • The honey selection at Alstede Farms
  • Madison t-shirts from the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Madison

Madison locals are known for their hospitality and respect towards visitors. The town’s culture is a blend of modernity and history. Dress code in the borough is casual, with the dressier options being acceptable only at some of the classier restaurants or events.

Best Time to Visit Madison

The best time to visit Madison is from May to October when the weather is warm and favorable for outdoor activities. During the summer season, Madison offers numerous cultural festivals, concerts, and events. Winter is chilly, but provides a great opportunity to take part in winter sports activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Madison

Do:

  • Do try the original Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
  • Do explore the natural beauty of Loantaka Brook Reservation, Pyramid Mountain, and Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Do visit the Madison farmers market

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter
  • Don’t ignore red lights while crossing the road

Safety and Health

Safety in Madison

Madison is a safe borough, but taking general precautions such as being aware of surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night is still advised.

Health in Madison

Madison has several medical facilities in its vicinity. In case of an emergency, one can head to Morristown Medical Center, The Madison Health Department for health concerns and rehabilitation.

Getting to Madison: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Madison

The nearest airport to Madison is Newark Liberty International Airport(18 miles) .

Bus Stations Near Madison

Madison is accessible via the NJ Transit bus routes at Coach USA Suburban Transit and Lakeland Bus.

Other Options

The train is also a great option to get to Madison. NJ Transit’s Morristown Line trains stop at Madison Station, located on the Westbound end of Kings Road, in the heart of Madison’s downtown business district.

How to Get Around in Madison

To get around the borough, you can use several modes of transportation, such as:

  • Biking
  • Walking
  • Taxis
  • Car Hire

Where to Go Next from Madison: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Madison is located in close proximity to several exciting destinations that are worth exploring. Here are a few nearby excursions:

  • Morristown National Historic Park
  • The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
  • Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
  • The Stickley Museum
  • Willowwood Arboretum

Conclusion

Madison is a picturesque borough filled with a rich history and natural beauty. From its cultural landmarks to its outdoor recreation options, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or with friends, Madison is a must-visit destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.