The Madison County Historical Society will be the first to tell you that the history of Madison County, VA land and farms is the history of Virginia. Madison Farmers Market is one of the most popular destinations in Madison County and its producer-only policy means that almost all products offered are grown or made by the person selling it. Agriculture is the heart of Madison County, VA with Madison County farmers producing over $28 million in sales annually, from over 500 locally owned farms. Madison County, VA land and farms are taxed based on their land value instead of their market value, which help keep rural taxes down. County kids often spend their afternoons and summers at activities hosted by Madison County’s six 4-H clubs, which offer education on everything from dairy farming to horseback riding to public speaking. Madison County Public Schools are fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education, with students regularly scoring in the 90s on Virginia Standards of Learning exams.
Land in Madison County, VA sits at the edge of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, with a significant portion of the county taken up by Shenandoah National Park. Madison County is home to some of the park’s most popular tourist destinations, including hiking destinations Hawksbill Mountain and Old Rag Mountain, as well as the historic Rapidan Camp, built by Herbert Hoover. Hoover built the camp at the perfect elevation to avoid mosquitoes while fishing and Madison County continues to be renowned for its native brook trout waters, as well as its expansive hunting lands. After days of exploring the beauty of Shenandoah National Park, Madison County, VA residents can sit back and relax with a glass of wine or beer from one of the county’s internationally recognized wineries and brewing companies, or explore the historic downtowns of Madison or Luray.
