Hermann Park has a bountiful assortment of entertainment: a golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a beautiful rose garden, picnic spaces, a butterfly exhibit, and even a museum on 445 acres
Hermann Park, presented to the City of Houston by George Hermann in 1914, is Houston’s most historically significant public green space. Over the years, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and Hermann Park Golf Course, one of the first desegregated public golf courses in the United States, all have added to the Park’s importance as a recreational destination.
Hermann Park, located minutes from downtown Houston, is a cultural and recreational hub surrounded by the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, the Museum District, and various residential neighborhoods. 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.
McGovern Centennial Gardens and the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion:
Renovated in 2015, the Centennial Garden has completely transformed the original 15-acre Garden Center site into a stunning attraction for Park visitors.The Gardens feature a Family Garden, Centennial Green, 30’ Garden Mount, Celebration Garden, Rose Garden, and the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion. As you explore the Gardens you will come across 490+ new trees of over 50 different species, 760 hedge shrubs, 350 new roses in the Rose Garden, 106,875 other shrubs and perennials of 199 varieties, 115 new camellias and 650 new azaleas in the Woodland Garden and so much more.
Japanese Garden:
An island of serenity nestled in a pine grove near the Sam Houston Monument, the garden was designed by world-renowned Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima and built to symbolize the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. Recognizing Houston’s thriving Japanese community, the garden is built on 5 acres and combines a traditional Japanese Garden design with a touch of Texas.
Miller Outdoor Theatre:
A free, open-air theatre, host to a variety of multi-cultural events, allows visitors to catch a concert or play while picnicking in one of Houston’s most popular parks. Rain or shine, a wide variety of family-friendly performances include Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July festivities, Shakespeare in the Park, the Houston Ballet, and the Houston Grand Opera performances.
Houston Zoo:
Founded in 1922, this 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.
Hermann Park Golf Course:
In 1922, the lush and scenic 18-hole Hermann Park Golf Course was built, starting a rich tradition of golfing excellence that has prospered for more than 70 years. The golf course was the first public golf course in America to welcome all races. Play golf under the majestic emerald canopy of stately oak trees and its manicured, plush Bermuda greens. Unwind on the airy veranda of the historic clubhouse, and satisfy your appetite with delicious food, combined with impeccable service.
McGovern Lake:
This 8-acre masterpiece is newly restored and expanded, creating two new islands for migratory birds, and a third island that the miniature train travels. Pedal boats are available to rent at the boathouse and catch-and-release fishing available for children under 12 and senior citizens over 65 at Bob’s Fishing Pier.
Activities:
* Fishing
* Boating (pedal boat rentals available)
* Miniature Train
* Golf
* Japanese Garden
* Hike and Bike trails
* Miller Outdoor Theatre
* Houston Zoo
