Madison, Alabama
Madison is a big city situated in Madison and Limestone Counties close to the northern boundary of the US State of Alabama. Madison is entirely surrounded by Huntsville, with some small unincorporated parts within and around Madison in both Madison and the Limestone counties. Madison was initially a small city for many years until the Redstone Arsenal was established nearby. This development attracted many people to the area for jobs and rapidly increased the city’s population, as well as stimulated the economic growth of the area. Madison is, at present, the second-biggest city north of the Tennessee River.
Geography And Climate Of Madison
Madison covers a total area of 78.96 sq. km, of which 78.62 sq. km is occupied by land, and 0.34 sq. km is covered by water. Downtown Huntsville is situated approximately 18 km east of Madison's center, although it borders Madison on the south and west sides. Athens is located about 27 km to the northwest, and Decatur is about 26 km southwest of Madison across the Tennessee River. The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most well-known natural reserves in the area. Some famous parks in Madison include Dublin Memorial Park, Mill Creek Park, Palmer Park, etc.
Madison experiences a humid subtropical climate with long, hot and wet summers, and short, cold winters, The temperature typically varies from 1 °C to 32°C over the course of the year, and rarely drops below -8 °C or rises above 35 °C. The ideal times of year to visit Madison are from early May to late June followed by mid-August to mid-October. Madison receives comparatively more snow than other Alabama areas, due to its location in the state's northern portion.
History Of Madison
The area was originally occupied by the Koasati people prior to European colonization. Madison’s first settler resident was John Cartwritght who settled in the area in 1818. The town started to form after the Memphis and Charleston Railroad Company placed the rail tracks. From its initial name of Madison Station, the town's name was changed to Madison in the late 1860s.
Population And Economy Of Madison
As per the latest US Census, Madison has a population of 56,933 people. The top ethnic groups in Madison include White (non-Hispanic) at 65.33%, African American at 14.7%, Native American at 0.31%, Asian at 7.77%, Pacific Islander at 0.13%, Other races at 5.99% and Hispanic group at 5.78%. The same census also revealed that the median household income of the city was roughly $94,241 with a poverty rate of 5.64%. The median age in Madison was 39.6 years of age, and the median property value set at around $263,800.
Attractions In Madison
From a variety of interesting, eclectic storefronts, restaurants and breweries, parks and trials, including dog parks, and entertainment venues, Madison Alabama has something for all visitors. Some of these attractions include:
Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail
A moderately challenging, but incredibly popular tourist destination, the Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail is a 2.4km loop trail that is dog-friendly (with specific off-leash areas.) Beautiful to visit any time of year, visitors are likely to encounter other hikers throughout their adventure.
Insanity Complex
The Insanity Complex is a multi-purpose entertainment center perfect for families. This complex is host to eight different attractions: a 4,000 square foot laser tag arena with a multi-level playing field suitable for team-based gameplay of up to 24 players, two roller skating rinks, a two-story rock climbing wall, an arcade with 45 games, an outdoor, top quality 38,000 square foot skateboard park, a 27-hole miniature golf course, and seven batting cages. The roller skate rink also features a pro shop, offers lessons, and is a host to a number of competitive skating teams for both inline skating and roller derby.
Toyota Field
A baseball park serving as the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the relocated minor league team known formerly as the Mobile BayBears, a team which plays in the Southern League. Toyota Field was meant to open on April 15th, 2020 however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the United States, the minor league baseball season was canceled that year, delaying the team’s opening game until May 11, 2021.
Bradford Creek Greenway
A partnership between the City of Madison and the Land Trust of North Alabama, the greenway is managed and maintained by the City of Madison. Located along the Bradford Creek, this paved trail is intended for both bikers and pedestrians alike and provides scenic views of the creek, hardwood forests along the banks, and wetland areas which supports fish, wildlife, birds and a variety of plants.
