Memorial Park
Memorial Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, spanning nearly 1,500 acres of forest, trails, and recreation areas just minutes from downtown Houston. Originally a World War I-era training camp (Camp Logan), the land was purchased by the Hogg family in the 1920s and donated to the city, creating a vast green sanctuary in the heart of the nation's fourth-largest city.
The park is undergoing a transformative $200+ million master plan led by the Memorial Park Conservancy. The centerpiece is the Eastern Glades — a restored 100-acre wetland and prairie ecosystem with a central lake, boardwalks, and native plantings that opened in 2020. The recently completed Land Bridge connects the north and south sides of Memorial Drive with a dramatic 70-foot-wide structure covered in native prairie grasses and trees, creating safe wildlife corridors.
For active visitors, the park offers over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails ranging from paved paths to challenging mountain bike single-track. The Memorial Park Golf Course, recently redesigned by Tom Doak, is a world-class municipal course. The park also features tennis courts, volleyball courts, a running track, a fitness center, and a swimming pool.
The Arboretum Loop trail is the most popular route — a 3-mile paved path through towering pine forest that's perfect for running, walking, or cycling.
Visitor Tips: The mountain bike trails (maintained by the Houston Area Mountain Biking Association) range from beginner to expert. The Eastern Glades are stunning at sunrise. The golf course now requires advance tee time reservations. Parking can be tight on weekends — arrive early or use the lots on Memorial Drive.
