Accessible Travel in Madison and Morgan County, GA
Madison, Georgia is a one-of-a-kind southern town where visitors from around the world come to experience small town charm and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We are proud to share some of our favorite destinations in and around historic Madison that are accessible for visitors of all abilities. From peaceful days in the great outdoors to fascinating art and history museums, there are accessible travel activities to interest almost anyone in Madison and Morgan County.
Getting Started
The Madison-Morgan County Welcome Center is the perfect place to kick off a small town escape. The welcoming and knowledgeable staff is on hand 360 days a year to assist you in planning your time in Madison. Accessible parking and bathrooms will make your visit as easy as it is informational. If you are unable to come in or want to plan ahead, give the Welcome Center a call at (706) 342-4454 or email [email protected] for support.
Discover Historic Madison
The Madison Historic District Walking Tour is one of the most popular ways to discover the beautiful architecture and storied history of Madison. For those unable to walk the almost two-mile distance of the self-guided tour, much of it can be experienced by vehicle. This free, self-guided tour provides recorded narrations of historic descriptions. The staff at the Welcome Center is happy to help get you started on the tour if technical assistance is needed or a map of the area.
Town Park is the perfect greenspace for a picnic or simple afternoon. The park is the site for a variety of the town’s favorite festivals and concerts throughout the year. You’ll find convenient accessible parking and paved entrances, ramps to all levels of the plaza and promenade and accessible tables. During events, a wheelchair lift is even available for those who need to be on the Neoclassical Harris Bicentennial Pavilion. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful Cooke Fountain, abundant flora and the charming retail district that surrounds the park.
Visit an Historic Home
One of the best ways to discover the long and captivating history of Madison is touring the inside of a historic home, three of which are open to the public. Heritage Hall, a prominent Greek Revival home built in 1811, is a testament to 19th century life in Madison. Heritage Hall is partially wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair access at the back of the house. While accessibility is limited to the first level, a book detailing the second level is available downstairs to those that are unable to climb the stairs.
Rose Cottage was the home of Ms. Adeline Rose, an African American woman born into slavery who was determined to build a beautiful home to raise her family. You’ll learn her inspiring story during the tour of this quaint cottage, built in 1891. Rose Cottage is wheelchair accessible.
Madison’s oldest house museum, Rogers House, is partially wheelchair accessible. Built circa 1809, the Piedmont Plain home still stands in its original location and showcases the standard for middle-class houses of the era. The wheelchair accessible entrance is located in the rear of the house and requires entry through a narrow entrance.
For tickets or to inquire further about accessibility at the three house museums, contact the Morgan County Historical Society at (706) 342-9627.
Experience Morgan County’s Vivid Culture at a Museum
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is located in an elegantly restored Romanesque Revival school building constructed in 1895. Visitors will enjoy a completely restored and furnished 1895 schoolroom exhibition and exhibits on art, history, local architecture, and other rotating collections. All galleries and restrooms at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center are wheelchair accessible and ample wheelchair accessible parking spaces are available. An elevator, a permanent ramp in the auditorium, headsets for the hearing impaired and large-print programs make the Center more accessible for visitors with all types of abilities. The elevator may be accessed from the rear of the building. For more information, visit the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center accessibility information or reach them by telephone at (706) 342-4743.
The Morgan County African-American Museum operates out of what was the 1895 tenant house of John Wesley Moore, an African American man born in the last years of slavery. Visitors can discover this proud history through a diverse collection of historic artifacts, artistic displays and exhibits sharing the accomplishments of some of Morgan County’s most honored residents. The museum is wheelchair accessible via a ramp at the front entrance.
The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is one of less than 20 “single artist” museums in the nation, proudly displaying the works of one of Atlanta’s most esteemed artists – Steffen Thomas. Just seven miles from downtown Madison in Buckhead, Georgia, the museum displays more than 400 pieces of the renowned German-born artist. The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is wheelchair accessible.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Hard Labor Creek State Park, located near the historic community of Rutledge, is Georgia’s second largest state park.
Explore trails using an all-terrain chair (ATC) provided by the Aimee Copeland Foundation’s All Terrain Georgia program in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. An ATC allows people with mobility impairments to access the outdoors. The ATC is available to rent after completing a course for user safety. Visit or call the Hard Labor Creek State Park Trading Post for more information.
The park is home to an ADA accessible kayak ramp. The ramp allows a person in a wheelchair to move from the chair, to the kayak and into the water, and back out, without the aid of another person. Morgan County is proud to share this addition to Hard Labor Creek State Park that makes the beauty and serenity of a day on Lake Rutledge more accessible than ever. Visit the park online to rent kayaks seasonally, learn more about the ramp or plan your trip to Hard Labor Creek State Park.
Want to stay a night (or two!) to explore more? Hard Labor Creek State Park offers several ADA compliant cabins and campgrounds for an easy escape in the great outdoors.
Relax in Comfortable and Accessible Accommodations
At the end of each exciting and rejuvenating day in Madison, find comfort in these accessible hotels’ offerings. Note, this is just a selection of ADA accessible accommodations in Madison and Morgan County. It is always best to call the business you may be interested in visiting to find out more about specific ADA options available or potential changes since this listing was created.
Madison
- Holiday Inn Express Madison, one of the area’s top-rated hotels, details their accessible offerings including amenities for mobility and vision accessibility in the Amenities & Service section of Holiday Inn Express Madison’s site.
- Hampton Inn Madison provides a range of guest rooms with both mobility and hearing accessibility offerings. View full details and booking information for Hampton Inn Madison’s accessible rooms and suites.
- James Madison Inn, located in the heart of the Madison Historic District, offers a handicap-accessible Luxury King Room with views of Madison’s Town Park. Learn more about the room’s accessibility features and booking information.
- Rodeway Inn offers mobility accessible rooms and parking, with more accessible amenity details available in All Amenities.
Morgan County
- Hard Labor Creek State Park offers several ADA compliant cabins and campgrounds. Check out Hard Labor Creek State Park’s full list of accessible offerings, as well as those of other Georgia State Parks.
Explore Georgia
Georgia is one of the nation’s top states for tourism, home to destinations that will interest each and every traveler. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Golden Isles, there are countless world-class accessible attractions in the Peach State. After your time in Madison, visit Explore Georgia and their Accessible Travel Guide to find your next unforgettable trip in Georgia.