The original water source around which Huntsville was established more than 200 years ago — still flowing, still gathering the city around it.
Big Spring International Park — known simply as Big Spring Park — is built around its namesake "Big Spring," the original water source around which the city of Huntsville was established more than 200 years ago. Just off the courthouse square, the spring played a crucial role in early Madison County's development, shaping the very layout of the city itself.
The spring's waters fed the Indian Creek Canal — the first canal in Alabama — carrying the young city's early promise outward from this very spot.
Today the park is often described as Huntsville's front door — the place where the city comes together, celebrates, and slows down beside the water.
One of the park's most popular community events, drawing the city together around art and creativity beside the spring.
The free concert series takes place on the Huntsville Museum of Art's outdoor stage in the park — music under open skies, at no cost.
The spring's residents are famously friendly: ducks, geese, and koi that call the water home and happily greet visitors.
Big Spring Park is currently expanding by 2.4 acres between Church Street and Fountain Circle, at the site of the former City Hall — and it is expected to serve as the trailhead for the future Singing River Trail.
A 70-mile bicycling and walking trail — starting at the spring where Huntsville began.
Two centuries after a city gathered around this water, it's still gathering. Catch a free concert, wander a festival, or simply stop by and say hello to the ducks, geese, and koi.
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