Hermann Park is located in one of the most picturesque areas of Houston. Nestled in between the Museum District, the Texas Medical Center and Rice University Hermann Park provides Houstonians with plenty of greenspace to enjoy Houston's temperate climate. Hermann Park is one of Houston's premiere parks. It is also one of it's oldest parks with a rich history of it's own.
In 1914 Board of Parks Commissioner, George H. Hermann, donated 285 acres of land for the creation of a park. A year later, in 1915, Houston Mayor Ben Campbell encouraged the city to add to the acreage by purchasing an additional 122 acres.
The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Main St. and Montrose Blvd. Upon arriving at Hermann Park the visitor is greeted by a statue of one of Houston's founders, General Sam Houston. He points in, towards the park, leading the park visitor in the direction of it's many amenities. The park has a bountiful assortment of entertainment, from a golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a beautiful rose garden, picnic spaces, a butterfly exhibit and even a museum! There is plenty to see and do in Hermann Park.
After 50 years making memories for countless Houstonians, the Hermann Park train has gotten an update! The construction of the new train ride is to be completed in 2 phases. Phase I expanded the train route to 1.8 miles and introduced the new larger 24 gauge train, accessible to riders with wheel chairs and parents with strollers, to the public. Phase I is complete and was inaugurated in grand style on March 7, 2008. The first public rides began March 8 and cost $2.50.
On March 25, 2008, construction began on Phase II of the Hermann Park Master Plan with a $15 million renovation of Lake Plaza. The plan will almost double the size of the plaza and will bring improved access to the Houston Zoo and provide a new depot for the Hermann Park Mini-Train with satellite stations around the park, a renovated pedal boat facility with a new boathouse, a new food pavilion featuring a shaded terrace for dining and conversation, a restroom facility, and a new bridge across the lake. McGovern Lake and the pedal boats will remain open during construction. The construction project is a partnership between the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Hermann Park Conservancy. It is expected to be finished in March 2009.
On March 25, 2008, construction began on the next phase of improvements at Hermann Park. A $15 million renovation of Lake Plaza will bring about improved access to the Houston Zoo, a new depot for the Hermann Park Mini-Train, a renovated pedal boat facility, a new food pavilion and restroom facility, a bridge across the lake, and, of course, a much larger plaza. Construction should be finished by March 2009. In the meantime, a protected pedestrian walkway from the parking lot will provide access to the Zoo. McGovern Lake and the pedal boats will remain open during construction.
The original Houston Garden Center was erected in 1941 and was managed by the Houston Federation of Garden Clubs.
In 1961, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department took over the management of the center.
The Japanese Garden is an island of serenity nestled in a pine grove near the Sam Houston Monument. Designed by world-renowned Japanese landscape architect, Ken Nakajima, the garden was built to symbolize the friendship between the United States and Japan, and to recognize Houston's thriving Japanese community. Mr Nakajima based his design in Zen philosophy stating, "We must work with nature, to create a new space and a sense of beauty." The garden is built on 5 acres and combines a traditional Japanese Garden design with a touch of Texas.
A monument to Dr. Mahatma Gandhi stands next to the Garden Center. Donated by the Government of India and the local Indian community, it was dedicated on his birthday, October 2, 2003, and honors his non-violent revolution against British colonialism.
Nearby, the International Sculpture Garden displays a series of busts representing other heroes of independence and democracy, including the Great Liberator of South America, Simon Bolivar.
There are a number of venues surrounding Hermann Park that add to its popularity ...
Including:
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, founded in 1909, is one of the most visited museums in the country. Located inside of Hermann Park, adjacent to the Sam Houston Monument, the museum is a 5-venue complex. It houses the Challenger Center, the Wortham IMAX Theater, the Burke Baker Planetarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Exhibit. An additional 4 floors of natural science halls and exhibition space allow the museum to serve its mission to “Preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science; to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects; and to maintain and promote a museum of the first class.”
The Miller Outdoor Theatre is an open-air theatre where you can watch a concert or play while picnicking in one of Houston’s most popular parks.
The theatre opened in 1969 and has played host to a variety of multi-cultural events. The theater was renovated in 2000 and holds a wide variety of family-friendly performances each year rain or shine, including Cinco de Mayo and Fourth of July festivities.
You can also catch Shakespeare in the Park, the Houston Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera performances at Miller. For a complete listing of these events navigate to the Miller Outdoor Theater Calendar of Events.
The Houston Zoo transports park visitors to lands beyond Houston’s city limits with its menagerie of animals that include lions, tigers and bears as well as reptiles, primates and elephants.
Founded in 1922, this exciting recreational destination serves 1.4 million guests annually and is set in a lush 55-acre landscape right in the middle of Hermann Park. The Houston Zoo is home to more than 3,100 exotic animals representing more than 500 species.
It is one of the largest collections in the nation and is considered one of the best-maintained zoos in the country.
After 50 years making memories for countless Houstonians, the Hermann Park train has gotten an update! The construction of the new train ride is to be completed in 2 phases. Phase I expanded the train route to 1.8 miles and introduced the new larger 24 gauge train, accessible to riders with wheel chairs and parents with strollers, to the public. Phase I is complete and was inaugurated in grand style on March 7, 2008. The first public rides began March 8 and cost $2.50.
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A monument to Dr. Mahatma Gandhi stands next to the Garden Center. Donated by the Government of India and the local Indian community, it was dedicated on his birthday, October 2, 2003, and honors his non-violent revolution against British colonialism. 
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