More than 50 years ago, insightful Houstonians began building the foundation for the network of the 42-member medical care institutions that comprise Texas Medical Center. Today there are 13 hospitals and several medical schools within its borders. Patients come from around the globe to the center for state-of-the-art procedures, quality care and medical breakthroughs. With the largest air emergency system in the nation, the center performs countless trauma-related procedures yearly, as well as a record number of heart surgeries.

The Houston Happy Hikers are happy to host 3 events in and around the Houston Medical Center area, including Rice University and Hermann Park.

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 6800 Main Street, Houston, TX  77030. ( 713) 528-7744.  Ask the Front Desk staff for the "Walk Box".

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites has generously agreed to offer their assistance in administering the walk.  Please be considerate and appreciative of their help. There may be times when the staff is busy with customers, so please be patient and let them finish their business first.  An additional "thank you" would be to patronize their facilities whenever possible.

-- OR -- Take the MetroRail train to the Dryden stop.  Walk west along Dryden to Main Street.  Cross Main Street at the light and turn left, following Main Street south to Holcombe.  The Holiday Inn is on your right, before the Main/Holcombe intersection.

One IVV event credit per the first six months of the year (before July 01) and a second credit for the last six months (after June 30). There are no limits to the distance credits you can earn, but $3.00 must be paid each time the course is walked for credit except that a trail may be walked twice on the same day for one fee.

COURSE 1 - Rice University (AVA-071) - The flat (rating = 1, easy), 11 kilometer (6.8 miles) course is interesting and varied. The trail follows shaded paved streets and sidewalks with some curbs, suitable for strollers, past Houston's world-famous Medical Center, the charming shops and restaurants of the Village, the renowned Art Museums and Sculpture Gardens, scenic residential area and through the beautiful campus of Rice University. 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS              MUSEUMS

COURSE 2 - Hermann Park (AVA-Y0143) - The flat (rating = 1, easy), 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) course pass several things to do when you aren't volkswalking - golf, zoo, museums and theaters. The trail is opposite Main Street from the YRE 1 trail and also follows shaded, paved streets and sidewalks with some curbs, suitable for strollers. Take your time and enjoy the hike and bike trails introduced on the route. Come back after the walk to participate in the many activities in and around Hermann Park.   

SPECIAL PROGRAMS             MUSEUMS

COURSE 3 - Medical Center (AVA-Y1388) - Another flat (rating = 1, easy),  (what else in Houston!) 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) walk that takes you through the inner courtyards and past the fountains and statues of the world famous Texas Medical Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Woman's University's Houston Center, and Methodist and St. Luke's Hospitals.  Then through an attractive residential district on its way back to the medical center.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS        

For course #1, the checkpoint is at DNR European Fast Food.  Additionally, there are many restaurants in the West University area.  Course #2 has several opportunities for water and restroom stops along the way, including the zoo and the checkpoint at the amphitheater.  Course #3 has a convenience store and gasoline station along the way.

There is no pre-registration.  All participants register at the front desk and pick up a start card.  The start cards and fees are:

"B" award & IVV credit: $4.00               IVV credit only: $3.00

No refunds for inclement weather.  All participants must carry a start card and return it when finished.  NOTE:  IVV record books are NOT available at the Start/Finish.

These events are open to the public and all ages are welcome. Family participation is encouraged but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Wheelchairs and strollers may be used on all 3 walks.

Contact:  Patsy McLean

(713)774-5377, e-mail:  hhhmedctryre (at) houstonhappyhikers (dot) org

Houston Info

http://www.houston-guide.com/

http://www.houstontx.gov/