Hermann Park was ranked the fifth best park in the nation by Homes.com. With this accolade we decided to highlight Houston’s 445-acre park and all it’s attractions.


Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children – Most equipment at the playground is handicap accessible, and the interactive water playground is a hit with kids in hot weather.

Hermann Park Golf Course – Redesigned in 1997 by Carlton Gibson, this 18-hole challenge is one of Houston’s oldest and most popular municipal courses.

Hermann Park Jogging Trail/Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail – Walk, run, or jog under the shade of mature Live Oak trees along this roughly two mile path through the Park.The trail is named for Marvin Taylor, a community leader who helped organize runners and neighbors to clean up Hermann Park.

Hermann Park Railroad – The Hermann Park Railroad has been entertaining visitors for over 50 years! Recently expanded, the ride takes visitors on a scenic tour throughout the Park.

Houston Museum of Natural Science – This science museum is the nation’s fourth most highly attended museum in the country. Enjoy the Wortham IMAX Theater, Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Burke-Baker Planetarium, or one of the permanent exhibits.

Houston Zoo – Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, Houston Zoo is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species.

Japanese Garden – With its waterfalls, bridges, and stone paths that wander among crepe myrtles, azaleas, Japanese maples, dogwoods, and cherry trees, the Japanese Garden is a peaceful hideaway in the Park.

Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool – One of the most prominent features of Hermann Park, the pool measures 740 feet long and 80 feet wide, and displays sculpted stone edges, a black bottom for maximum reflection, and a “white water” cascade. Both sides of the Pool are flanked by beautiful allees of mature Live Oak trees.

McGovern Lake – The 8-acre lake includes three islands, including two islands for migratory birds. Catch-and-release fishing is available for children under 12 and senior citizens over 65 at Bob’s Fishing Pier. Pedal boats available for rental in Lake Plaza.

Miller Outdoor Theatre – Miller Outdoor Theatre offers the most diverse season of professional entertainment of any Houston performance venue, and it’s free! Relax in the covered seating area or enjoy a pre-performance picnic on the hillside. All performances at Miller are family-friendly.

Sam Houston Statue – The bronze equestrian statue of Sam Houston stands at the front the landscaped traffic circle. The statue by sculptor Enrico F. Cerracchio has been an iconic symbol of Houston since 1925.
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