About this tour
In 1914 a Houston native named George Hermann deeded hundreds of acres to the city, saying he wanted to promote the health, comfort, and happiness of its citizens — and in doing so he gave Houston the green heart it still gathers in today. Hermann Park grew into a landscape of grand entrances, a reflecting basin, a lake, gardens, an outdoor theater, and a zoo that opened its gates in 1922 and has been delighting the city for a century since. This walk traces the park from its formal entrance and its monument to Sam Houston down through the lake and gardens to the zoo, telling the story of how a single gift became the place where Houston plays. Bring water, plan for a leisurely pace, and let the live oaks do their work.