Big Spring International Park, Shoals Travel Guide

4.8 (4670)

Discover Huntsville's birthplace at Big Spring International Park, a serene downtown oasis with international charm and historical significance.

Home
Travel Guides
Alabama
Shoals
Big Spring International Park

Big Spring International Park, located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, is a verdant oasis built around the city's original water source, the Big Spring. Featuring a serene lagoon, iconic red Japanese bridge, and gifts from around the world, it's a beloved spot for relaxation and community events.

A brief summary to Big Spring International Park

200 Church St SW, Huntsville, Quigley, Alabama, 35801, US
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Big Spring International Park.

Visit during the Panoply Arts Festival in April or Concerts in the Park during the summer for lively cultural experiences.
Bring quarters to purchase food to feed the ducks and koi fish in the lagoon.
Explore the park at night during the holiday season to experience the Tinsel Trail, a display of decorated trees.
Take a stroll along the Indian Creek Canal, which connects the spring to the Tennessee River.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

The Rolling Stones in the Shoals in 1969 Historic Marker

Belle Mont Mansion

Old Railroad Bridge

Old Railroad Bridge Historic Marker

Sheffield Standpipe

Explore Big Spring International Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Big Spring International Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Huntsville Museum of Art, exit the museum and walk north towards the large fountain. Continue along Church Street SW, and you'll see the park entrance on your left. The red bridge is a short walk into the park. No cost involved.
Public Transport

Huntsville's public transportation system, the Huntsville Orbit, has several bus routes that stop near Big Spring International Park. Check the official Huntsville Orbit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. A single ride fare is $1.25 [https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/departments/public-transit/].
Parking

Several parking options are available near Big Spring International Park. Street parking is available, but can be limited, particularly during events. Parking garages are located nearby, including the Huntsville Parking Garage at 300 Church Street, with rates around $2 per hour. Free parking is available at the City of Huntsville Garage M, located off Clinton Street between Monroe Street and Church Street, for Concerts in the Park events. During Panoply, the city opens various garages and lots around the park. Check for signage and any event-specific parking information.

Discover more about Big Spring International Park

Big Spring International Park, often called Big Spring Park, marks the very spot where Huntsville, Alabama, began. In 1805, Revolutionary War veteran John Hunt chose this location because of the reliable flow of fresh water from the Big Spring. The spring, which produces 7 to 20 million gallons of water daily, became the lifeblood of the community.Over the years, the park has evolved from a simple water source to a beautifully landscaped international showcase. In the late 1890s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, led by Hiram Chittenden, renovated the area around the spring, transforming it into a park. Today, the park features gifts from various countries, including a light beacon and fog bell from Norway, a sundial from Germany, and a bench from the United Kingdom. The most recognizable feature is the iconic red Japanese bridge, a gift from Japanese Major General Mikio Kimata.Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along paved walkways, feed the ducks and koi in the lagoon, and admire the international contributions. The Huntsville Museum of Art and the Von Braun Center are located adjacent to the park, making it a central hub for cultural activities. The park also hosts numerous events, including the Panoply Arts Festival and Concerts in the Park. During the holiday season, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with the Tinsel Trail, a display of decorated trees.