George Hermann gave the city his pine-studded land in 1914, and the park that grew from it now covers 445 acres and draws an estimated six million visits a year. Start at the grand entrance on Main Street, where Sam Houston sits astride his horse Saracen atop a massive granite arch, a bronze by Enrico Cerracchio unveiled in 1925. From there the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool runs 740 feet under a double row of live oaks, its black bottom holding the sky. It ends at the Pioneer Memorial obelisk and McGovern Lake, eight acres with three islands, two kept for migratory birds, and pedal boats for rent. Slip into the free Japanese Garden, designed by Ken Nakajima, with its teahouse, waterfalls and cherry trees. At night, spread a blanket on the hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre, where every performance is free.
What to expect
- On weekends and holidays the lots fill and parking gets hard; METRORail helps.
- Leashed dogs are welcome; McWilliams Dog Park is the only off-leash area.
- Alcohol is allowed, but no glass containers anywhere in the park.
- Sunday Press and Koko Cafe sell food, and food trucks come on weekends.
- Public restrooms are at Scenic Lake Plaza, beside the train's Kinder Station.
What to do
- Walk from the Sam Houston Monument the full length of the Jones Reflection Pool
- Rent a pedal boat on McGovern Lake ($14.50 per boat for 30 minutes)
- Catch a free evening show from the hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre
- 445 acresSize
- 1914, by George HermannGifted to city
- 740 ft x 80 ftReflection Pool
- 8 acres, three islandsMcGovern Lake