Sesquicentennial Park
Sesquicentennial Park
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Neighborhood: Downtown
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
17 reviews
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5
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7
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1
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0
yellowrose
Houston, TX1,710 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
This park is located near the downtown Aquarium in the theater district of Houston. It's actually located below street level so you don't really notice it from when you're driving along the street unless you're actively looking for it. There are many ways to access this park but mainly all consist of going down some stairs. We found metered street parking near Preston Street so we parked the car and started exploring. There are lots of walking trails/paths. We took off down the stairs off of the Mosbacher bridge on Preston street. From there we had to go down some more somewhat narrow stairs. Once we were level with the Bayou, I noticed that there is no barrier to avoid accidentally falling into the Bayou. Best to keep an eye on the little ones near this part of the walking trail. It looked kind of unkept and it also smelled like urine down here.
As we continued walking along the trail, we noticed a lot of bikers passing by so it must be a popular bike trail. We also noticed a few other people out for an evening stroll in workout gear. There were some nice concrete rails at this point of our walk so we continued onward rather than going back up to street level. I imagine it looks slightly better during the daytime as opposed to how it looks at sunset/dusk. As we kept moving westward, we eventually came upon the Wortham theatre waterfall. We also saw a homeless person washing his face (or taking a drink) in the pool of water at the bottom of the waterfall. We went up the steps alongside the waterfall up to street level at this point. We actually walked back towards Preston street and then re-entered the park through the Baker Common. Before we entered the park again though, we had to "burp the bayou". There's a somewhat hidden red button along one of the alcoves on Preston street. Once pushed, it will enable a spot in the Bayou nearby to "bubble up". Kids may enjoy this little activity.
Back to Baker Common. This is where they have a monument of James A. Baker III and there are all these interesting facts about him and his predecessors inscribed in stone for all visitors to see. There's a large rolling lawn here which my son enjoyed running up and down on. At the bottom is where you can take up the walking trail along the Bayou. There is a set of stone steps spread out to where you can come down for lunch if you're in the area and have a peaceful time away from the sounds of the city above. It's fascinating to have these trails travel along the bayou's winding path and underneath bridges that fill with traffic along the northern edge of downtown Houston. Across the Bayou, as you're walking back up (along Bagby street) is a monument of George Bush. Back on the southern side of the Bayou are benches along the upper part of the lawn and walking path which also leads to a ramp that gets you up back up to street level (at Congress?). The only bad thing about Sesquicentennial park is that there are no bathrooms (hence the urine smell along the bayous edge underneath the bridges) and it doesn't seem to be a very popular park. There aren't any events held here that I've heard of and it's away from the general public since it's below street level. I wouldn't come here by myself since it seems a bit secluded. It does seem popular for bikers and runners but I've noticed that runners/walkers seem to come in pairs or groups, never alone. This is more type of park used for exercising than bringing little children to. I wouldn't recommend it to tourists unless they just had nothing else to do. This is more of a discover-your-own-city type park, not a must-see or must-visit type park.
As we continued walking along the trail, we noticed a lot of bikers passing by so it must be a popular bike trail. We also noticed a few other people out for an evening stroll in workout gear. There were some nice concrete rails at this point of our walk so we continued onward rather than going back up to street level. I imagine it looks slightly better during the daytime as opposed to how it looks at sunset/dusk. As we kept moving westward, we eventually came upon the Wortham theatre waterfall. We also saw a homeless person washing his face (or taking a drink) in the pool of water at the bottom of the waterfall. We went up the steps alongside the waterfall up to street level at this point. We actually walked back towards Preston street and then re-entered the park through the Baker Common. Before we entered the park again though, we had to "burp the bayou". There's a somewhat hidden red button along one of the alcoves on Preston street. Once pushed, it will enable a spot in the Bayou nearby to "bubble up". Kids may enjoy this little activity.
Back to Baker Common. This is where they have a monument of James A. Baker III and there are all these interesting facts about him and his predecessors inscribed in stone for all visitors to see. There's a large rolling lawn here which my son enjoyed running up and down on. At the bottom is where you can take up the walking trail along the Bayou. There is a set of stone steps spread out to where you can come down for lunch if you're in the area and have a peaceful time away from the sounds of the city above. It's fascinating to have these trails travel along the bayou's winding path and underneath bridges that fill with traffic along the northern edge of downtown Houston. Across the Bayou, as you're walking back up (along Bagby street) is a monument of George Bush. Back on the southern side of the Bayou are benches along the upper part of the lawn and walking path which also leads to a ramp that gets you up back up to street level (at Congress?). The only bad thing about Sesquicentennial park is that there are no bathrooms (hence the urine smell along the bayous edge underneath the bridges) and it doesn't seem to be a very popular park. There aren't any events held here that I've heard of and it's away from the general public since it's below street level. I wouldn't come here by myself since it seems a bit secluded. It does seem popular for bikers and runners but I've noticed that runners/walkers seem to come in pairs or groups, never alone. This is more type of park used for exercising than bringing little children to. I wouldn't recommend it to tourists unless they just had nothing else to do. This is more of a discover-your-own-city type park, not a must-see or must-visit type park.
Written June 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valiant C
New Orleans, LA5 contributions
Sep 2021
Great running trails stretching all the way to Memorial Park! I was able to get 20 miles in during my stay.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
badmintontim
Hastings, UK4,530 contributions
May 2019
We thought that this park would be quite large and worth a visit but found it to be just like any other that is stuck in the middle of the city as busy as Houston is. okay of you want a walk away from the large buildings but that is about all.
Written October 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aalbrecht1
Terre Haute, IN135 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
The park is located downtown and does have a few cool attractions. There is a hidden button on a bridge that makes something happen in the water. The water level was low so the reaction was not impressive. The waterfall stair are very cute and you can walk out on them for pictures. There is also a lot of architecture and history tiles. It is quiet and very close to the aquarium. It would be a nice walk and probably more popular in the summer months.
Written December 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
careclare
Houston, TX25 contributions
If you like places that give you a glimpse into a previous time, this park is it. Even tho' it is placed in the center of the Houston hubbub, it gives that glimpse into early Texas. Charming houses/buildings from previous centuries moved to this space surrounded by the 21st century. Just go before the summer heat hits!
Written May 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExpoNationals
Bakersfield, CA5,327 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Not the nicest psrk in Houston. It is in downtown Houston so you do get a good view of the Houston skyline. Would not go out of my way to visit, though.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Delnor N
Houston, TX580 contributions
Oct 2018
Sesquicentennial Park is not that large and a bit of a challenge to find, but it is worth a visit. Over the years the City of Houston has made a positive effort to utilize and maximize green spaces and parks. The George Bush statue is informative and worth the visit.
Written August 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moved2Texas
Austin, TX2,528 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We were passing through Houston and ended up in surface streets when we came upon the George Bush Monument in Sesquicentennial Park. With the flags still at half staff following his passing and funeral, this was an unexpected find.
The statue depicts George Senior standing and facing the downtown skyline as if to show his pride in the progress of the city. For me it was an emotional moment to remember his presidency and the city he loved so close to his passing.
The statue depicts George Senior standing and facing the downtown skyline as if to show his pride in the progress of the city. For me it was an emotional moment to remember his presidency and the city he loved so close to his passing.
Written December 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SWB
Sydney, Australia1,117 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
It's an okay place for a walk or run but not especially scenic. It's mostly concrete and brick with a few statues and some historical information to read. Could do with a spruce up.
Written May 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
~Michelle My Belle~
Houston, TX1,001 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Wonderful way to discover Houston. Great pic opportunities! Right on the bayou, which is always hosting something. Nice picnic area, statue of daddy Bush. Lots of metered parking. Have fun and enjoy! Just follow the path!
Written March 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shead1
Humble, Texas
Is there adequate parking or do you have to park somewhere else and walk to the park?
Written July 6, 2016
Check corner of Bagby St & Franklin St
Written October 6, 2016
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