Memorial Park is one of America’s largest urban park expanses, and is a well-loved getaway for Houstonians. Located a short hop west of downtown, the park offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Often referred to as one of the crown jewels in the Parks Department’s inventory, Memorial Park is rich in history as well as greenspace. Our master plan details the plans that are in store for this lush urban gem.
Much of the Park is located on the grounds of a World War I military facility known as Camp Logan. The camp served as home and training facility to thousands of soldiers from 1917 to 1919, when it was turned over to the U.S. Public Health Service. When Camp Logan and its successor closed, The property was bought by the Hogg family. By 1922, most of the camp structures had been removed. In 1925, the City of Houston purchased the land from the Hogg family, at favorable cost, for park use only. The land would become Memorial Park, and was to serve as a “memorial” to the soldiers who lost their lives serving in World War I.
Memorial Park is located at 6501 Memorial Drive, near the I-10 & I-610 West Loop intersection. Facilities for jogging, tennis, hiking, biking, picnicking, and wildlife- and people-watching are all readily available, and one of the city’s premiere golf courses is in Memorial Park.
PICNIC LOOP:
The Memorial Park Picnic Loop gives riders a smooth surface for their daily ride. This multi-use trail is open for use by road bikers, in-line skaters, traditional roller skate enthusiasts, and hikers during regular park hours. Automobile traffic is allowed Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and weekends and holidays only. Picnic facilities and restroom facilities are available along the loop.
Mountain bikers will find some of the best trails in the area for off-road biking at Memorial Park. Numerous ravines and slopes along Buffalo Bayou relieve Houston’s relentless flatness and provide the adventurous with challenging terrain. And those out for a leisurely ride will not be disappointed.
Please remember that these trails are two-way multi-use trails so be mindful of others, including hikers. Be sure to call "RIDER!" when rounding a blind turn so people will know you are coming. Likewise, be sure to yield when you hear another biker yell.