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Big Spring Park East: Huntsville's Historic Heart

Discover Huntsville's birthplace at Big Spring Park East, a historic green space in the heart of downtown.

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Big Spring Park East, located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, is a historic park built around the city's original water source, Big Spring. It offers green spaces, walking paths, and a connection to the city's past.

A brief summary to Big Spring Park East

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during one of the park's many festivals or events for a lively atmosphere.
  • Take a stroll along the Indian Creek Canal to appreciate the park's historical significance.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the park's green spaces.
  • Check out the expansion plans for Big Spring Park East, promising new amenities and improvements.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Huntsville Museum of Art, walk east along Church Street SW. Big Spring Park East will be on your right, just past the intersection with Monroe Street SW. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the Huntsville Transit Center, take any Orbit bus heading towards downtown. Get off at the stop closest to the Madison County Courthouse and walk one block east on Clinton Avenue, then turn right onto Church Street. Big Spring Park East will be on your right. A single ride fare is $1.

  • Driving

    From I-565, take the Church Street exit and head north. Continue on Church Street into downtown. Big Spring Park East will be on your right. Parking is available in several nearby garages and lots. Metered street parking is also available for $0.50 per hour on weekdays. Garage parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $4 per day. Special event parking can cost $5.

Unlock the Best of Big Spring Park East

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Discover more about Big Spring Park East

Big Spring Park East is a significant landmark in Huntsville, Alabama, marking the spot where the city began. The park's namesake, Big Spring, provided a vital water source that drew early settlers to the area. In 1805, Revolutionary War veteran John Hunt established a community around the spring, initially known as Hunt's Spring. The park has evolved over the years, serving various roles from the city's primary water source to a recreational space. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under Hiram Chittenden, renovated the spring site in the late 1890s, enhancing its appeal and sanitation. The Indian Creek Canal, completed in 1830, connected the spring to the Tennessee River, facilitating cotton transportation and trade. Today, Big Spring Park East offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy walking along the canal, relaxing by the water, and appreciating the park's role in Huntsville's development. The park also hosts events and festivals, making it a vibrant gathering place for the community. Recent expansions promise even more amenities and improved connectivity between the park's east and west sections, ensuring its continued importance as a cultural and recreational hub.

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