A Walking Tour of Hermann Park

Jones Reflection Pool

Just south of the Sam Houston statue is the Jones Reflection Pool. It is a 740 foot long rectangular pool that is one of the most popular sites in the park. The length of the pool is lined by promenade paths on either side, as well as numerous benches and large oak trees to provide shade.

Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is found in a wooded area of Hermann Park, just west of the Jones Reflection Pool. It features a small pond, several waterfalls and bridges, and a tea house at the center. Walking paths wind throughout the garden, which offers many serene and somewhat hidden areas to rest and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

Pioneer Memorial Obelisk

The Pioneer Memorial Obelisk is a 50 foot tall granite obelisk that stands at the south end of the Jones Reflection Pool. It was placed in 1936 to celebrate 100 years since the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The monument is meant to honor the early pioneers that founded the city of Houston. It was created by Frank Teich, the same German immigrant that sculpted the granite arch that supports the Sam Houston statue.

McGovern Lake + Pedal Boat Rental

McGovern Lake is an 8-acre lake at the center of Hermann Park. There are three islands in the lake, one of which is connected by bridges for access to walking paths while the remaining two islands are inaccessible to guests and provide habitat for migratory birds. McGovern Lake also offers recreational activities like catch-and-release fishing and pedal boat rentals.

Houston Zoo

Much of the southern half of Hermann Park is taken up by the 55-acre Houston Zoo. The Houston Zoo is a private, non-profit organization that is home for over 6,000 resident animals. Some highlights include specialized exhibits focusing on Texas wetlands, the Pantanal region of South America, and a new area highlighting species unique to the Galapagos Islands that is set to open in early 2023.

Hermann Park Railroad

The Hermann Park Railroad offers a 15-20 minute ride and follows a track that winds around the entirety of the park. It has been a favorite for guests of Hermann Park for over 50 years and typically operates daily from 10am to 6pm. The central station for the railroad is Kinder Station where tickets can be purchased and guests can visit the Hermann Park Conservancy Gift Shop.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

The Miller Outdoor Theatre is an open-air amphitheater that offers rows of covered seating, as well as an expansive upper lawn. The theatre operates over an 8-month season which includes a diverse selection of performances from music to dance to Shakespearean plays and even classic films. Events at the Miller Outdoor Theatre are always free and open to the public.

McGovern Centennial Gardens

McGovern Centennial Gardens was opened in 2014 in honor of the 100th birthday of Hermann Park. The Gardens are found on the site of the former Houston Garden Center and feature a combination of both modern and traditional garden styles. A central lawn runs down the length of the gardens between the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion at one end and The Mount at the other.

Family Garden

Family Garden is a collection of raised garden beds that focus on edible produce. The garden was designed to showcase fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are all able to be grown in the local Houston climate.

The Mount

When entering McGovern Centennial Gardens, your eye will quickly be drawn to The Mount: a 30 foot grass-covered mound with a walking path spiraling its way to the top. Adding to the spectacle is a rushing waterfall that runs from the top of the mount to its base. It is a short trek to the top of The Mount and it offers 360 views of the surrounding park.

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

McGovern Centennial Gardens also features a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The figure was made by Ram Vanji Sutar in 2003 and rests atop a granite base that features a short inscription describing Gandhi as an “apostle of truth, peace, and non-violence”.