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Big Spring International Park: Huntsville's Historic Heart

Discover Huntsville's historic heart at Big Spring International Park, a tranquil downtown oasis with international flair and family-friendly attractions.

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Big Spring International Park, located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, surrounds the Big Spring, the city's original water source. This beautifully preserved green space offers a tranquil escape with international features, friendly wildlife, and a rich history dating back to Huntsville's founding in 1805.

A brief summary to Big Spring International Park

  • 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 the annual Panoply Arts Festival in April for a vibrant celebration of art, music, and culture.
  • Enjoy free Concerts in the Park every Monday evening from June to August.
  • Bring breadcrumbs to feed the ducks, geese, and koi that inhabit the park.
  • Explore the Tinsel Trail during the holiday season, featuring illuminated trees from Black Friday to New Year's Day.
  • Take a stroll along the Indian Creek Canal, which once facilitated cotton transportation to the Tennessee River.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Huntsville Museum of Art, exit the museum and walk north. Big Spring International Park will be directly in front of you. The entrance is adjacent to the museum's parking lot. No cost involved.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville Shuttle Route 2 stops at Church & Clinton NB, a short walk from the park's main entrance. From the bus stop, walk south on Church Street towards the Big Spring International Park. The park will be on your right. A single ride fare is $1.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available near Big Spring International Park. Street parking is available but can be limited. Several parking garages are also nearby, including Garage M, located off Clinton Street between Monroe Street and Church Street. Garage M offers free parking for Concerts in the Park attendees. Parking costs in garages typically range from $1-3 per hour. Special event parking may cost $5.

Unlock the Best of Big Spring International Park

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Discover more about Big Spring International Park

Big Spring International Park, often called the "crown jewel" of Huntsville, is more than just a park; it's a living testament to the city's history and a vibrant hub for community life. Located in the heart of downtown, the park surrounds the Big Spring, the natural limestone spring that lured settlers to the area over two centuries ago. In 1805, John Hunt, the city's founder, established his residence near the spring, recognizing its vital importance as a water source. From the early 19th century until the mid-20th century, the Big Spring provided the city's water. The park's grounds also once housed the Fearn Canal, constructed in the 1820s to facilitate cotton transportation to the Tennessee River. The park's transformation into its current form began in 1898. During the Spanish-American War, Col. Chittenden of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recognized the need to protect the city's water supply. He and his men removed the old pumphouse, installed a fountain, and lined the canal, laying the foundation for the park we see today. The park expanded in 1968 and again in 2005, adding a lagoon and a canal alongside the Von Braun Center. Big Spring International Park is renowned for its international features, showcasing gifts from various countries. The most recognizable of these is the iconic red Japanese bridge and cherry trees, presented by Japanese Major General Mikio Kimata. Other gifts include a light beacon from Norway, a bench from the United Kingdom, and a sundial from Germany. Today, the park hosts numerous events, including the Panoply Arts Festival, Concerts in the Park, and Food Truck Rallies. Children will love the famously friendly ducks, geese, and koi that call the Big Spring home. The Huntsville Museum of Art and the Von Braun Center are located within the park's boundaries.

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