West 11th Street Park

A Green Retreat in the City

Tucked inside Houston's 610 Loop, the Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve (also known as West 11th Street Park) offers a precious 20.2-acre touch of native Texas forest. As the largest natural woodland added to Houston's Parks and Recreation Department in recent years within this area, it's a genuine breath of fresh air amid the urban landscape.

Wander through this little woodland sanctuary and you'll find yourself surrounded by rapidly growing understory and peaceful wooded paths. It's amazing how quickly the sounds of the city fade as wildlife takes center stage.

Wild Houston at Its Best

The forest floor crunches pleasantly underfoot with fallen leaves as old oak and pine trees tower overhead, creating a natural canopy.

The biodiversity here is honestly impressive. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the 153 bird species that call this place home - including great horned owls if you're lucky! Butterfly enthusiasts can spot up to 44 different species fluttering about, while plant lovers will appreciate the roughly 200 plant species thriving here, with vigorous second-growth deciduous trees creating a lush environment.

Beyond the Woods

While nature is the main attraction, the park balances wilderness with recreation by including a baseball field for those looking to get active. This thoughtful layout means you can enjoy both a spirited game and a peaceful nature walk in one visit.

What to Expect

For nearly twenty years, this urban forest has been a permanent nature preserve, with many people visiting throughout the year. More than one mile of nature trails winds through the property, making it great for a quick escape from city life.

A notable feature is the Wireless Wilderness audio tour. Across the park, you'll spot signs with a phone number and stop codes - call in, enter the number for any of the 16 stops, and you'll get fascinating insights about the ecology around you. It's like having a naturalist in your pocket!

Note that after rainfall, mosquitoes can be quite enthusiastic here, so tossing some insect repellent in your bag is a smart move before hitting those wooded trails.