The Water Works and Cistern

The Water Works is the best central orientation point for the Cistern, visitor services, restrooms, pavilion, nature play area, parking, and trail access.

Metered spaces between Sabine and Taft are $1 for up to three hours. Additional signed parking is near City Lot H and Allen Parkway; never park on grass or flood-control access.

Open daily 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Cistern tours, visitor facilities, rentals, food, and programs use separate schedules.

The Water Works restrooms are generally open 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Lost Lake restrooms generally operate 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Long trail sections have no nearby restroom.

General park, trails, playground, dog park, skatepark, lawns, gardens, and public art are free. Parking, Cistern tours, rentals, food, permits, and events may charge.

Paved trails and plazas serve major destinations, while sand, grass, slopes, wet steps, and flood-prone low routes vary substantially.

Leashed dogs are allowed generally; Johnny Steele Dog Park is the designated off-leash area and may close independently after flooding or water-quality concerns.

The nature play area and designed stream are strong family draws, but Buffalo Bayou itself is active floodwater and is not a swimming or wading area.

The Water Works is the best central orientation point for the Cistern, visitor services, restrooms, pavilion, nature play area, parking, and trail access. Low trails, underpasses, paddling access, and the dog park can close after storms, high water, sediment, or contamination. Obey barriers and use upper routes.

METRO Route 20 follows Memorial Drive near the park; enter the exact destination because the corridor stretches for miles.