Madison, Mississippi: 10 Best Things To Do Nearby

10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Madison, Mississippi (Madison County)

Planning a trip to central Mississippi and wondering what to do near Madison? Or maybe you just moved to the area and want to explore your new backyard? You’re in the right place. Madison, Mississippi (in Madison County) sits just north of Jackson and offers a great mix of small-town charm, outdoor fun, local food, and easy day trips. Whether you’re traveling with kids, visiting friends, or road tripping through the South, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Below are 10 things to do in and near Madison, MS that locals love and visitors shouldn’t miss.

---

1. Stroll, Shop, and Dine at the Township at Colony Park

If you want to get a feel for modern Madison, start at the Township at Colony Park. This walkable area mixes:

• Local shops and boutiques
• Restaurants and cafés
• Sidewalks, fountains, and green spaces

You can grab a coffee, browse gifts and clothing, then sit outside and people-watch. On nice evenings, it’s not unusual to see families walking dogs, kids running around the lawn, and couples enjoying dinner on a patio. If you’re staying nearby, this can easily be your “home base” for:

• A relaxed first night in town
• A simple date night without a long drive
• Meeting up with friends for drinks or dessert

---

2. Catch a Movie and Shop at Renaissance at Colony Park

Just down the road from Madison, in nearby Ridgeland, you’ll find Renaissance at Colony Park, a popular open-air shopping center that feels like a little European village. Here you can:

• Watch the latest movie at the theater
• Shop national brands and local stores
• Enjoy a sit-down meal or grab a quick bite
• Walk around under the string lights in the evening

The architecture, fountains, and brick walkways make it feel more special than your average strip mall. If you’re traveling with teens, this is a great place to let them roam a bit while you relax at a restaurant.

---

3. Get Outside at the Natchez Trace Parkway (Ridgeland Area)

One of the biggest perks of staying in Madison is how close you are to the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic route managed by the National Park Service. The Trace passes just west of Madison and Ridgeland and offers:

• Peaceful drives with almost no billboards
• Pull-offs with short hiking trails
• Picnic spots with pretty views
• History markers about Native Americans, early travelers, and Civil War stories

If you don’t have all day, you can still enjoy a short stretch of the Parkway. Drive 15–30 minutes, stop at a few overlooks, snap some photos, and head back into town. It’s a simple way to unwind after a busy day of shopping or city sightseeing.

---

4. Enjoy the Water at Ross Barnett Reservoir

About 10–15 minutes from Madison, you’ll find the Ross Barnett Reservoir, a large lake that locals just call “The Rez.” This is where central Mississippi goes to cool off and relax. Depending on what you like, you can:

• Rent a boat or jet ski from local marinas
• Fish for bass, crappie, and catfish
• Have a picnic at one of the public parks
• Walk or bike the multipurpose trail near the water
• Enjoy sunset drinks or dinner at a waterfront restaurant

On a warm evening, the breeze off the water feels amazing. If you’re looking for a classic “Mississippi sunset,” this is where you’ll find it.

---

5. Visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (Jackson)

If you’re traveling with kids or you’re just a curious adult, take the short drive from Madison into Jackson to visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. This museum is:

• Educational, but fun and hands-on
• Great for families on a hot or rainy day
• Set inside a state park with walking trails

Exhibits usually include:

• Aquariums with local fish and turtles
• Dinosaur and fossil displays
• Interactive exhibits about Mississippi’s wildlife and ecosystems

Plan for about 2–3 hours, then head back to Madison for dinner. It’s an easy half-day trip that feels like a mini-adventure.

---

6. Explore Downtown Madison’s Small-Town Charm

Don’t skip downtown Madison itself. It’s not huge, but that’s part of its charm. You’ll find:

• Locally owned restaurants and coffee shops
• Specialty stores and boutiques
• Pretty landscaping and small-town architecture

If you time it right, you may catch:

• A community event or festival
• A holiday market
• Live music in the area

Try planning a slow morning:

• Start with breakfast or coffee
• Walk around the shops
• Pick up a souvenir or local gift

It’s a nice way to see how locals really live in Madison, Mississippi.

---

7. Take the Kids to Local Parks and Playgrounds

If you’re traveling as a family, one of the easiest things to do in Madison is visit the local parks and playgrounds. They’re clean, safe, and very family-friendly. Look for:

• Parks with walking tracks and open fields
• Playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing areas
• Seasonal sports fields and community ball games

Parks around Madison and greater Madison County are perfect for:

• Letting kids burn off energy during a road trip
• Stretching your legs after a long drive
• Enjoying a casual picnic lunch with sandwiches and snacks

If you’re staying with friends or family in the area, ask them which park they like best—locals always know the hidden gems.

---

8. Food Crawl: Sample Madison’s Local Restaurants

One of the best “things to do” in Madison is simply to eat your way around town

Catfish and hushpuppies

BBQ plates with ribs, pulled pork, and baked beans

Burgers and fries done the old-fashioned way

Crawfish (in season), shrimp, and other Gulf Coast flavors

If you like to plan ahead, you could:

• Pick one place for appetizers
• Another restaurant for your main course
• And a final stop just for dessert or ice cream

It turns dinner into a fun little food tour of Madison, Mississippi.

---

9. Take a Day Trip to Downtown Jackson for Arts and History

Because Madison sits just north of the state capital, it’s easy to turn your stay into a day trip to Jackson. Depending on your interests, you can visit:

• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum – powerful, moving, and very well done
• Museum of Mississippi History – learn how the state grew and changed over time
• Mississippi State Capitol – walk the grounds and view the building
• Art galleries and murals around the city

Then, after a full day in the city, you can head back to the quieter, more relaxed pace of Madison for a calm evening.

---

10. Enjoy Seasonal Events and Festivals in Madison County

Throughout the year, Madison County hosts community events that give you a real taste of local life in Mississippi. Depending on the season, you might find:

• Fall festivals with pumpkins, hayrides, and live music
• Holiday light displays and Christmas markets
• Spring or summer concerts in parks or shopping areas
• Local farmers markets with fresh produce and handmade goods

If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking community calendars or local tourism sites to see what’s happening during your visit. A simple weekend can turn into something special if you land on the right event.

---

Tips for Visiting Madison, Mississippi

To make the most of your trip to Madison and Madison County, keep these quick tips in mind:

• Rent a car: Public transit is limited, and most attractions are spread out.
• Plan for the heat: Summers in Mississippi get hot and humid. Bring water, sunscreen, and light clothing.
• Enjoy slower pacing: This area isn’t about rushing. Take your time, chat with locals, and relax.
• Combine city and country: Use Madison as a base and mix city attractions in Jackson with outdoor time on the Natchez Trace and Ross Barnett Reservoir.

---

Ready to Explore Madison, MS?

Madison, Mississippi may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of travel, but that’s part of its charm. It’s:

• Relaxed and family-friendly
• Close to big-city culture in Jackson
• Surrounded by lakes, scenic drives, and green spaces

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, visiting relatives, or just passing through on a longer road trip, these 10 things to do near Madison will give you a solid starting point. Now it’s your turn: Have you visited Madison or Madison County, Mississippi? Did I miss one of your favorite spots? Share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please pass it along to a friend or share it on your favorite social platform to help others discover Madison, MS too.