Louisville is the nearest major city. It is home to the Kentucky Derby and museums dedicated to the Derby, Muhammad Ali and Louisville Slugger bats.
Cincinnati is home to Kings Island, Cincinati Museum Center and nearby Newport Aquarium.
Indianapolis is the state capitol and home to the Indy 500 and Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts.
Just east of Madison are Belterra and Grand Victoria Casinos along the Ohio River.
Across the Ohio River from Belterra is Kentucky Speedway, one of NASCAR's newest tracks, hosting Trucks, Indy Cars and Busch races.