Hermann Park Railroad
 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Current operator | Hermann Park Conservancy |
| Stations operated | 4 |
| Locale | Hermann Park Houston, Texas |
| Dates of operation | 1957 (Opened) 2008 (Renovated) |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 2 feet (610 mm) |
| Length | 1.8 miles (2.9 km) |
The Hermann Park Railroad is a 2-foot (610 mm) narrow-gauge railroad located within Hermann Park in Houston, Texas. The 1.8-mile (2.9 km) 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
[edit]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
[edit]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 |
|
References
[edit]- ^ "Train, Pedal Boats & Carousel". Hermann Park Conservancy. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
- ^ Glentzer, Molly (March 11, 2014). "Hermann Park train now chugs through whimsical tunnel". Houston Chronicle. Hearst Communications.
- ^ Schkloven, Emma (February 4, 2021). "Here's Why the Hermann Park Railroad Tunnel Now Looks Like a Comic Book". Houstonia. SagaCity Media. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
- ^ Turner, Allan (December 18, 2007). "Bigger, ritzy Hermann Park train in works". Chron. Hearst Corporation.
- ^ "Popular mini-train to return to Hermann Park". ABC13 Houston. ABC Owned Television Stations. March 6, 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
- ^ Turner, Allan (April 17, 2009). "New at spiffier Hermann Park: train station, dining plaza". Chron. Hearst Corporation.
External links
[edit]
- Train, Pedal Boats, and Carousel - Hermann Park Convervancy
| Points of interest | |
|---|---|
| Public art | |
| Festivals | |
| History | |
29°43′01″N 95°23′21″W / 29.71682°N 95.3892°W
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