Neighborhood Highlights
Space Center Houston
The Space Center is one of Houston’s most popular attractions. At the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, you can explore everything from a replica of America’s first space station to one of the space shuttle Independence. You can even touch an authentic moon rock. You might meet an astronaut if you visit on a Friday around noon. Learn about upcoming NASA missions, including planned ones to Mars. If you want to see where astronauts train, take the Johnson Space Center tram tour. Visitors will even get to see real rockets on display.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
One of the top museums of its kind in the United States, Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts lets you peruse a sprawling collection of 63,000 pieces spread out over two structures, both connected by the unique and interesting Wilson Tunnel.
The museum’s focus is on French and Italian Impressionist Renaissance paintings, fine sculptures, and European and American decorative arts. Be sure to view the wonderful collection of pre-Columbian and African items made of gold. If you want to wander at your own pace, you’ll find lots to keep you interested and entertained. But if it all seems a bit overwhelming, sign up for a tour to see the highlights. If you find yourself in the River Oaks suburb, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a satellite gallery featuring furniture, decorative arts, and paintings.
Hermann Park
At more than 400 acres, Hermann Park is an awesome natural wonder. It’s got everything from beautiful installations to stunning flora, fauna, and open sky. Situated in the city’s museum district, the park is maintained with such meticulous care, especially with its gardens, that it can’t help but mesmerize and astonish. There’s also a fantastic display of sculptures, including one in honor of General Sam Houston. On a nice day, take a ride on the Hermann Park railroad or voyage across the waters on a pedal boat.
Houston History
Houston was founded in 1837 and named after General Sam Houston. It was the temporary capital of the Republic of Texas after the successful Battle of San Jacinto, after which Texas gained independence from Mexico. Brothers Augustus and John Allen spent less than $10,000 to purchase over 6,000 acres along the Buffalo Bayou banks. The Allen brothers were recognized as Houston’s founding fathers. Houston has grown into one of the country’s most populous cities since its early days as a struggling trading post.
Over the decades, Houston has gained a stronghold in different fields. The 1960s Manned Spacecraft Center started a command post for American astronauts. This helped cement Houston as the capital of the United States’ space program. A subsequent economic boom in the 1970s followed due to Houston's investments in energy. Energy-related businesses became the largest contributor to the local economy, especially after oil pursuits started declining in the 1980s. Although Houston has experienced its share of ups and downs over time, the city always rebounds.
