Scenic Lake Plaza, renovated in 2008, is situated along the eastern edge of McGovern Lake and is adjacent to the main entrance to the Houston Zoo. The Plaza includes Kinder Station (the main station for the Hermann Park Train), the Hermann Park Conservancy Gift Shop, Pinewood Cafe, public restrooms, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Bridge, a pedal boat lagoon, and landscaped promenades around McGovern Lake.
Located in the heart of Houston, Hermann Park welcomes an estimated six million visitors a year. Thanks to its proximity to downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, and the Museum District, this 445-acre urban park is an important resource for many Houstonians.
While visitors come from across Houston and even from outside the city limits, the Park’s most frequent visitors come from its surrounding neighborhoods, which represent a diverse cross-section of Houston. As a free, safe, and enjoyable public space, Hermann Park brings people together and fosters a strong sense of community.
Hermann Park was recently named one of America’s great public spaces by the American Planning Association and the Park’s McGovern Centennial Gardens was honored with the Landmark Award from Keep Houston Beautiful (Mayor’s Proud Partner Awards). Hermann Park is a wonderful place to spend a day. Whether you wish to ride the train along the Hermann Park Railroad, pedal around in a pedal boat on McGovern Lake, jog along the trails, or enjoy a peaceful moment in the Japanese Garden, Hermann Park offers countless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
HOURS
Hermann Park
Monday - Sunday: 6 am - 11 pm
Japanese Garden
Monday - Sunday: 9 am - 6 pm
McGovern Centennial Gardens
Monday - Sunday: 9 am - 8 pm
Pinewood Cafe
Monday - Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
Pedal Boats
Monday - Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm
Railroad
Monday - Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
The Hermann Park Railroad, pedal boats, Pinewood Cafe, and McGovern Centennial Gardens are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Hours for the train, boats, and cafe are subject to change based on weather conditions and change seasonally.
The McGovern Centennial Gardens stay open later during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day and close earlier during the shorter winter months.
Parking
Free parking is available at the Sam Houston Monument (Lot A), the large central parking lots in front of the Houston Zoo (Lots G and F) and across the street (Lot H), near Miller Outdoor Theatre (Lots E and D). Parking Lot C, previously accessible off Hermann Park Drive has been replaced with a new lot located off Hermann Drive with entrances at Crawford and Jackson Streets. New pedestrian walkways enable easy connection to Miller Outdoor Theatre. Free parking is available for golfers only at the golf course clubhouse located at the corner of Almeda and MacGregor and at the Bayou Parkland Pavilion (Lot P). A for-pay parking garage is available at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Please note: head in parking on the east side of Caroline is no longer available.
