Hermann Park Railroad Explained

Railroad Name:Hermann Park Railroad
Locale:Hermann Park
Houston, Texas
Gauge:2feet
Length:1.8miles
Dates: (Opened)
(Renovated)
Operator:Hermann Park Conservancy
Stationsop:4

The Hermann Park Railroad is a 2feet narrow-gauge railroad located within Hermann Park in Houston, Texas. The 1.8miles route travels throughout the park with stops at major attractions.

A round trip takes about 18 minutes.[1] The track passes through a tunnel containing "Destination Mound Town", a pair of murals by Houston-based artist Trenton Doyle Hancock.[2] [3]

History

The Hermann Park Railroad was first opened in 1957. The train was owned by the park and privately operated. In June 2007, the Hermann Park Conservancy assumed operation of the train.[4]

On January 1, 2008, the train was temporarily closed for a $4 million renovation, which replaced and extended the track to its current length and gauge. In March, the train was reopened with one temporary stop near the Miller Outdoor Theatre.[5] In April 2009, the Conservancy completed a renovation of the original station and opened three additional stops throughout the park.[6]

Stations

Following the 2008-09 renovation, the railroad has four stations. Riders may board at any station but are required to disembark at Kinder.

!Station!Points of interest
Kinder
MD Anderson
Sunset
Fannin/Cambridge

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Train, Pedal Boats & Carousel . 2024-06-28 . Hermann Park Conservancy.
  2. News: Glentzer . Molly . 2014-03-11 . Hermann Park train now chugs through whimsical tunnel . . Hearst Communications.
  3. Web site: Schkloven . Emma . 2021-02-04 . Here's Why the Hermann Park Railroad Tunnel Now Looks Like a Comic Book . 2024-06-28 . . SagaCity Media . en-US.
  4. News: Turner . Allan . 2007-12-18 . Bigger, ritzy Hermann Park train in works . . Hearst Corporation.
  5. Web site: 2008-03-06 . Popular mini-train to return to Hermann Park . 2024-06-28 . . . en.
  6. News: Turner . Allan . 2009-04-17 . New at spiffier Hermann Park: train station, dining plaza . . Hearst Corporation.