McGovern Centennial Gardens: Visiting Houston’s Hermann Park Gardens

McGovern Centennial Gardens sits within Hermann Park, at 1500 Hermann Drive. The eight-acre garden was created on the former Houston Garden Center site to mark the park’s centennial in 2014, and it opened to the public on December 22 that year.

The Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion serves as the main entrance. Architect Peter Bohlin designed the pavilion, which provides a recognizable starting point for a walk through the garden areas.

If you’re planning a broader park visit, the Hermann Park gardens, trails and getting-there guide can help you connect the gardens with other parts of the grounds.

The gardens combine several distinct planted areas with walks and open lawn. Named garden areas include the Arid Garden, Rose Garden, Celebration Garden, Woodland Garden and an educational Family Garden, where seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruit trees grow.

Other features include Centennial Green, the Mount, Hawkins Sculpture Walk, Pergola Walk, Tudor Family Pine Hill Walk and Friendship Pavilion. Across the grounds, plantings include more than 490 new trees representing over 50 species, 760 hedge shrubs, 55,000 perennial bulbs and 650 azaleas, alongside 4.5 acres of grass.

For a relaxed circuit, start at the pavilion, then follow the walks between the themed gardens and open spaces. The Family Garden adds an educational stop among the planted areas.

The gardens are free and open to the public, with daily hours that change between spring and summer and fall and winter.

Opening hours

• Monday to Sunday: 9 AM–7 PM

Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.

• Spring and summer: 9 am to 7 pm; last entry is at 6:45 pm.
• Fall and winter: 9 am to 5 pm; last entry is at 4:45 pm.

The hours are based on Daylight Saving time. The gardens close on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Check the official site before you go; the operator is Hermann Park Conservancy.

Groups of 15 or more need to register by submitting a reservation form. Dogs must stay leashed on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and owners must clean up after them. Leave flowers and plants in place, stay out of planting beds, and walk bicycles; scooters, skateboards and skates are not allowed.

Active or team sports, exercise groups, open flames and barbecues are prohibited. Stay out of cascades, pools and fountains. Weddings require a reservation, and the Celebration Garden and Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion are available as rental venues.

The Hermann Park Railroad’s MD Anderson Station is across from McGovern Centennial Gardens and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The train takes a 20–25 minute journey around Hermann Park, and you can board or leave at any station. To continue after leaving the train, exit at Kinder Station before re-entering.

Hermann Park is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, while the gardens follow their own seasonal schedule and holiday closures.

You can pair a garden walk with the park railroad, or make Miller Outdoor Theatre another stop; its parking areas include Lots E and D. The Miller Outdoor Theatre guide to shows, tickets and getting there covers that venue.

Is McGovern Centennial Gardens free?

Yes. Admission is free, and the gardens are open to the public.

Can you bring a dog into the gardens?

Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Owners must clean up after them.

Can groups visit the gardens together?

Groups of 15 or more must register their visit by submitting a reservation form.

Can you ride the Hermann Park Railroad from the gardens?

Yes. MD Anderson Station is across from the gardens. The railroad makes a 20–25 minute journey around Hermann Park.