Hermann Park

08/14/03

This shady public space offers trails, picnic areas, a golf course, an amphitheater and the zoo.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Background
From Fannin Street near the Medical Center, you can see the bronze statue of George Hermann standing on a granite-paved court. Hermann donated 278 acres for the city's first public park, along with $2.5 million to build nearby Hermann Hospital.

The Appeal
The park rests on 401 acres in the heart of the Museum District. Joggers, cyclists and skaters make use of the many paths and trails, while picnicking families flock to the park on weekends. The live oaks and huge grassy areas invite an afternoon with the kids and a Frisbee. Things to see within the park include the Kipp Aquarium, Houston Zoological Gardens, Miller Outdoor Theater, Houston Garden Center, Japanese Garden, a public golf course, the equestrian statue of General Sam Houston, and the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors' Plaza.