Historic Madison, Indiana Named Best Small Town in the Midwest

Second Consecutive Year

Madison, Indiana {April 9, 2025} – Madison, Indiana, has done it again! For the second consecutive year, our beloved river town has been named the #1 Best Small Town in the Midwest by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This back-to-back win underscores Madison’s vibrant culture, rich history, and thriving tourism scene.

The recognition results from a rigorous selection process involving a panel of esteemed experts followed by four weeks of intense public voting. Madison emerged victorious, reaffirming its status as a premier Midwest destination. "We are thrilled and deeply honored by this recognition," said Andrew Forrester, Executive Tourism Director for Madison. "This accolade is particularly meaningful because it reflects the voices and hearts of our residents and visitors, showcasing the genuine affection and enthusiasm they hold for our town."

Mayor Bob Courtney echoed these sentiments: "This is an incredible honor, and we couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of our community and visitors. Madison’s charm, events, ambassadors, and welcoming spirit continue to make it an extraordinary place to visit and live."

In addition to this recognition, Madison recently received the distinguished 2024 Great American Main Street Award, honoring its exemplary commitment to historic preservation and community revitalization. Furthermore, Madison was celebrated as Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the town’s outstanding economic growth, quality of life, and vibrant community engagement.

Madison continues to innovate and offer visitors exciting experiences. This year, visitors can look forward to an all-new trolley program featuring guided tours, special experiences, and private rentals. The complete rebrand and programming details will be unveiled in the coming weeks, coinciding with National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW).

Additionally, Memorial Day weekend will feature the inaugural Rumble on the River on May 25, transforming Madison’s riverfront with classic and custom vehicles. The celebration extends into May 26 with a special commemorative ride on REVerie Roads, inviting motorcycle and driving enthusiasts to discover the regions winding roads and scenic beauty firsthand.

With summer festivals, live music, history tours, outdoor adventures, and being home to the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the United States, Madison remains a captivating destination.

“We extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who voted and supported Madison in achieving these prestigious awards,” Mayor Courtney continued. “These honors truly celebrate the special bond shared by our residents, visitors, and dedicated community members who continually showcase what makes Madison exceptional.”

Experience firsthand why Madison, Indiana, is the Best Small Town in the Midwest—two years running! For more information about Madison, Indiana, and to plan your visit, go to www.VisitMadison.org.

About USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards: The USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards celebrates excellence in travel destinations across the globe. Nominees are carefully selected by a panel of experts and put to a public vote, allowing travelers to have their say in recognizing the best of the best. With a commitment to providing original, unbiased, and experiential travel content, USA Today 10Best is a trusted resource for travelers seeking inspiration and guidance.