Houston may be a large and populous city, but that doesn’t mean residents can’t get away to a quiet place in the great outdoors. There are several state parks in and around Houston where you can swim, go fishing, and spot wildlife as much as you like. Add these three parks to the top of your to-visit list.
Galveston Island State Park
Located one hour south of Houston, Galveston Island State Park covers 2,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, and beach. If you’re into birdwatching, this is the place for you — more than 300 species of birds can be seen in the area. Explore the 4 miles of biking and hiking trails. Cool off with a swim on the bay or beach side of the park. Want to make it a weekend trip? You can also book a campground or rent a cabin. This park is open daily. Entry fees are $5 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under.
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
If you don’t want to drive too far from home, come to Garrett Road at the eastern edge of Houston. This 2,800-acre park consists of marshes, lakes, restored prairies, and 28 naturalized ponds. It’s a family-friendly place for fishing, thanks to the two ponds where children may try catch-and-release fishing for free. You can also take out your boat or stay on shore to fish from the bank.
What makes this park stand out from the others is the 82-foot high John Jacob Observation Tower. Take the stairs or climb the solar-powered elevator to the two observation decks at the top, and take in the view. If you’re lucky, you may see one of the bald eagles that occasionally pass through the area.
The park is open daily, while the environmental center is open from Tuesday through Sunday. Certain trails are closed due to flooding, but the rest of the park is open. Entry is free.
Lake Livingston State Park
Head one hour north of Houston, and you’ll find Lake Livingston State Park on the edge of the East Texas Timber Belt. The high amount of rainfall here supports the growth of wildflowers like trumpet creeper and scarlet sage. Kids and adults alike can enjoy identifying the many types of plants. Native wildlife includes southern flying squirrels, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and sometimes coyotes.
Visitors can swim, fish, camp, and rent a kayak or canoe if desired. Did you forget your fishing gear at home? Stop at the store and make use of the Tackle Loaner Program, which allows you to borrow fishing rods and other gear. This state park is open daily, and the store is open Thursday through Sunday. Entry is $5 for adults and free for children ages 12 and under.
These three state parks also offer scheduled events such as winter birding hikes and archery lessons. And — as you may have guessed — alligators live in the area, so follow the alligator safety tips! Get away from the city and visit one of these state parks.
Image “DSC02868” by Shiva Shenoy, used under CC BY 2.0
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