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In 1954 Hermann Park, a greenspace jewel in Houston Southeast, inaugurated a train ride. It was just two little coaches pulled by a tractor trailer and went around the park at two miles an hour. But it was wildly popular. So much so that by 1958 tracks were laid and the rubber tires retired so it was an actual miniature train. It was called the Hermann Park Special.

Fast forward to 2008 when the Hermann Park Conservancy upgraded again and added new stops. And now, there’s been another upgrade: two brand new shiny electric locomotives.

“The John P. McGovern Foundation supported the original upgrade to the Hermann Park Railroad in 2008, naming a locomotive the Dr. Jack Express,” recalls Conservancy president and CEO Cara Lambright. “They were eager to continue this legacy in the Park by sponsoring one of the new locomotives so that the Dr. Jack Express could continue to make its trips throughout Hermann Park, according to the wishes of Dr. McGovern’s wife Kathrine.”

The other locomotive was donated by ExxonMobil, which contributed to the Commons project, and is called the Exxon Mobil Express.

“The new electric locomotives replaced those that were diesel-powered, now offering a zero-emission ride that eliminates pollution that the railroad used to produce,” Lambright says. “We are proud to make this change as a major step in our commitment to environmental stewardship throughout the Park.”

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Since the Conservancy took over operations of the Railroad in March 2008, more than five million riders have experienced a scenic loop around the Park. In addition to providing a unique visitor experience in the Park, Railroad operations bring in more than $1.2 million annually to support the Conservancy’s mission to maintain and improve Hermann Park. Three substations around Hermann Park provide access to the McGovern Centennial Gardens, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Rice University, the Japanese Garden, the new Commons, and make for an easy connection to Houston’s METRORail system. You can purchase Hermann Park Railroad tickets online here.

“The new electric locomotives were designed to match the previous diesel trains, all modeled after 1863 C.P. Huntington locomotives, so Park visitors may not notice the change right away, but I think they will see the difference during their ride,” says Lambright. “While one of the big benefits of the new electric locomotives is the environmental aspect, other bonuses improve the ride as well. The trains are programmed for safer and quieter rides plus designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions, which we believe will enhance the visitor experience as they take a lap through the Park.”

So, all aboard to check out the new ride at the Park!

Hermann Park
Hermannpark.org
1700 Hermann Drive
713.524.5876

by Marene Gustin
credit photos to: Voltz Photography