Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Houston Parks, Gardens and Zoos

Hermann Park
Hermann Park, with its 545 acres of trees, lawns, and duck filled reflecting pools picnic areas and 18 hole golf course, is only a short drive south of downtown on Main Street. The Houston Zoological Gardens include a primate rain forest, petting zoo and aquarium. The excellent Museum of Natural Science includes the Baker Planetarium, cockerel Butterfly center and Waltham IMAX Theatre.

Memorial Park, several miles west of downtown between the 610 Loop and South Shepherd Drive has 1500 acres of mostly virgin woodland – prime territory for walking, jogging and biking. An Arboretum and Nature Center creates a sanctuary for native spices. The small downtown Sam Houston Park, bounded by Bagby, McKinney, and Dallas streets is a green space where several of the city’s 19th century buildings have been moved. Tickets for guided tours are available at the Heritage Society, on the Bagby side.

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