Federal Reserve Bank
Federal Reserve Bank
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
7 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
txpeach2014
Houston, TX8 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
This tour was a complete surprise. I watched as this building was being built in early 2000 and onwards. The materials used and the time it took were extrordinary. I moved away just as it was completed, and didn't give it another thought until invited on a tour of the facility with a local community group when I returned.
The facility is massive. It sits on Allen parkway in Houston, near the main downtown area, but in an area that affords more security options than the original building, which sat on the street in downtown Houston exposed to foot traffic and public access without a perimeter.
The building that stands now is a structure built to withstand weather, terror, or other disaster related events. It has systems in place which allow it to function regardless of outside interruptions or outages.
The structure is impressive and contains a firing range (they have 80 police agents for protection) with a water cooled system to remove target and bullet residue. It contains a vault where the money from all the south texas banks is funnelled, counted and recounted stored, and stacked. Almost all of this is automated, although there are some workers directing the enormous sums of cash being moved from place to place. There is also a large conference area which overlooks Allen Parkway and the downtown area which affords the Reserve to hold important conferences and economic summits. It has layers of vestibules and small rooms which need to be passed through in other to access each area. This is for security purposes, and acts as a deterrent to any possible breaches.
This tour was given by one of the senior bank personell which made it very informative and he gave us great insights into the Fed and it's purpose as well as a bit of the economic picture. There is a historical review in the public reception area before groups are permitted to enter the inner building spaces.
This was well worth the time. They have a website with contact details to make arrangements for a tour. School groups are welcome and it is free. The public can park on Taft to the West side of the building, and the public entrance is on Allen Parkway.
There is no gold kept at this facility, however, so a trip to New York will have to be next on the list!
The facility is massive. It sits on Allen parkway in Houston, near the main downtown area, but in an area that affords more security options than the original building, which sat on the street in downtown Houston exposed to foot traffic and public access without a perimeter.
The building that stands now is a structure built to withstand weather, terror, or other disaster related events. It has systems in place which allow it to function regardless of outside interruptions or outages.
The structure is impressive and contains a firing range (they have 80 police agents for protection) with a water cooled system to remove target and bullet residue. It contains a vault where the money from all the south texas banks is funnelled, counted and recounted stored, and stacked. Almost all of this is automated, although there are some workers directing the enormous sums of cash being moved from place to place. There is also a large conference area which overlooks Allen Parkway and the downtown area which affords the Reserve to hold important conferences and economic summits. It has layers of vestibules and small rooms which need to be passed through in other to access each area. This is for security purposes, and acts as a deterrent to any possible breaches.
This tour was given by one of the senior bank personell which made it very informative and he gave us great insights into the Fed and it's purpose as well as a bit of the economic picture. There is a historical review in the public reception area before groups are permitted to enter the inner building spaces.
This was well worth the time. They have a website with contact details to make arrangements for a tour. School groups are welcome and it is free. The public can park on Taft to the West side of the building, and the public entrance is on Allen Parkway.
There is no gold kept at this facility, however, so a trip to New York will have to be next on the list!
Written July 9, 2015
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.
realst8ace
Sugar Land, TX969 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
My organization took a group tour. It was pre-arranged through the website: https://www.dallasfed.org/microsites/houston/tours_hou.cfm . We got to see the building as well as learn about the Federal Reserve in general and the Houston Branch in particular. It was very informative and included a peek at how money is counted and bundled. You even get a sample of $100 (although it is shredded). There is a very interesting short film that explains how the system works that was included in the tour. There is also a gift shop on the premises. It's a great outing for a small group (15 - 20 people). The parking lot (included the handicapped spots) is pretty far away from the entrance, so if you have anyone handicapped or not capable of taking a long walk, you might want to drop them off at the entrance (facing Allen Parkway), and then park.
Written March 12, 2015
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.
LTay1234
Orange, TX166 contributions
Jun 2017
Free but must be arranged in advance. I visited with a group as part of a corporate meeting. They have a visitor's area on the first floor where they have many interesting facts and you are also able to see the employees handling the currency. Make sure you pick up a free sample of Unfit Currency as a souvenir before you leave.
Written June 8, 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.
Karen B
Spring Valley Village, TX1 contribution
Mar 2016 • Solo
Very interesting. I was at the reserve building for a meeting and took time to walk through the exhibits. I do plan on trying to do a tour. There is parking off of Taft street. Best part is that it is free.
Written March 21, 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.
imdarkside
Fountain Inn, SC709 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
There is so much to see in this area of Houston. The building is really nice but see the sindial on the west side
Written December 1, 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.
Mary M
Houston, TX427 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
As a Houston resident, I've been lucky enough to attend several functions at this building - luncheons, lectures, etc. I know they give general tours, but be prepared - they are strict with security - be prepared for the "inspection" process, but it's worth it. The building is beautiful, you'll probably walk out with a tube of shredded money, and here's a "fun fact" they won't want to tell you: the building was originally named the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank until our city protested and had the name changed on the marquee! Thank goodness!!
Written September 13, 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.
Montecore
Houston, TX589 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
I didnt even know they offered tours of this bank. We decided to go and booked in advance. Actually had a good time and found it very interesting
Written July 14, 2015
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.
Keriann W
New Mexico30 contributions
I only see the guided tours listed (that must be booked in advance.) Are there areas to look around without taking the tour? We also have an 8 year old, 10 year old, and a toddler. Our entire party would also include 3-4 adults. Is there enough to pique the kid's interest?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Federal Reserve Bank
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Federal Reserve Bank Information
Excellent Reviews | 5 |
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Very Good Reviews | 2 |
Federal Reserve Bank Photos | 2 |