Things to Do in Madison
A fast-growing city west of Huntsville, with a small historic downtown and a ballpark.
See top-rated activities »About Madison
Madison sits just west of Huntsville, and the two have grown together so closely that most visitors cross the line without noticing. It started as a stop on the railroad in the 1850s and remained a small farm town for more than a century before the aerospace and research jobs of the Huntsville area turned it into one of Alabama's fastest-growing cities.
The old heart of town is a short stretch of Main Street near the railroad tracks. Its brick buildings now hold restaurants, a brewery and small shops. Old Black Bear Brewing makes beer and serves food with a biergarten out back, and Main Street Cafe occupies Madison's former city hall and jail from the 1950s, where diners can sit in the old cells. The street fills for festivals and seasonal events, and it is a pleasant place for a slow lunch or an evening beer after a day at the Space and Rocket Center.
For most visitors, though, Madison means baseball. Toyota Field, opened for the 2021 season, is home to the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels in the Southern League. The team name was chosen by a public vote before the first season, and games are a cheerful, affordable night out with fireworks on some evenings. The ballpark also hosts concerts and events outside the season.
Between Madison and Huntsville, Bridge Street Town Centre is an outdoor shopping district around a lake near Cummings Research Park, with a hotel, a cinema and many chain restaurants. Madison is also convenient to Huntsville International Airport and Interstate 565, which makes it a practical base if you are combining the Space and Rocket Center with a game. Hotels near the interstate and the ballpark are newer and often less expensive than downtown Huntsville on busy weekends.
Don’t Miss
Home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Double-A Southern League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, since 2021.
A short Main Street of brick buildings by the railroad, with restaurants, a brewery and seasonal festivals.
A Main Street brewery and restaurant with a biergarten; Cave City Lager is its flagship.
An outdoor shopping and dining district around a lake near Cummings Research Park, between Madison and Huntsville.
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Get free trip quotes »Madison — FAQ
Where do the Rocket City Trash Pandas play?
The Trash Pandas play at Toyota Field in Madison, just off Interstate 565 west of Huntsville. The season usually runs from April through September.
Is Madison part of Huntsville?
No, Madison is a separate city, though the two border each other and share many services, and part of Madison lies in neighboring Limestone County.
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