Lakes & Trails

Explore six interconnected lakes and the trails, gardens, and wildlife habitats that surround them. With over 8 miles of accessible walking paths, wayfinding signage, and dozens of amenities, Willow Waterhole offers an outdoor experience unlike any other in Houston. Designed to manage stormwater while supporting native ecosystems, the park invites visitors to move through a landscape that blends conservation, recreation, and discovery.

Explore the Lakes

Willow Waterhole Map – Lakes, Trails, and Amenities

Triangle Lake

🌿Loop Trail: Brown Foundation Trail

Overview

Completed in 2011, Triangle Lake spans 23 acres and was one of the first excavation sites at Willow Waterhole. The lake is surrounded by prairie habitat, native trees, and accessible trails that connect to other areas of the park. The site includes environmental features, educational spaces, and community memorials used regularly by school and scout groups.

Highlights & Features

Willow Waterhole sign
Outdoor classroom under ancient oak with stone circle seating
Kennedy Scout Pavilion
Jack Rafferty Memorial
Prairie garden and wildflowers
Arboretum Trail with native Texas plants
Birding Center, houses and monthly Audubon counts
Picnic tables and benches

Location and Parking

📍 Surrounded by Gasmer Drive to the north, South Willow Drive to the west, and Ricecrest Street to the east

🅿️ Street parking is available along Ricecrest Street, between South Willow and Gasmer. A paved trail leads directly to Triangle Lake’s loop trail and amenities.

Spotlight Features

Outdoor Classroom

This space includes circular stone seating for group instruction, nature talks, and student-led programs. It’s a popular location for school field trips, scout meetings, and environmental education.

Willow Waterhole Sign

Installed in 2016, the large letter Willow Waterhole sign near Triangle Lake has become a recognizable landmark and photo spot for park visitors. It anchors the lake’s northwest entrance and signals arrival into the park from South Willow Drive.

Jack Rafferty Memorial

The memorial honors long-time supporter Jack Rafferty and was installed near the trail loop in memory of his commitment to the park and Westbury community. It serves as a reflective spot within the prairie garden.

Westbury Lake

🌿Loop Trail: Kevin Shanley Trail

Overview

Westbury Lake is the most visited area of the park, home to the Conservancy’s central gathering space and most public-facing features. With an ADA-accessible trail loop, shaded seating areas, and public art installations, it’s a key destination for events, recreation, and enjoying the water views.

Highlights & Features

Bob Schwartz Gazebo and central event lawn
Flagpoles and raised walkway at the main entrance
Scenic overlook with ADA compliant fishing pier
Trails: Karankawa, Akokisa, Ellis Island, Karen Cullar, Pier, West Airport
Naturescape wood animal sculptures (installed 2021)
“Flowers for a Lady” butterfly sculptures (installed 2013)
Elevated Overlook trail with views across the lakes and skyline
Capital Campaign recognition plaque
Picnic tables and benches
Central hub for community events and programs

Location and Parking

📍 The official entrance to the park from Dryad Drive to the west, Gasmer Dr to the north, and Hwy 90 to the south, this lake is at the heart of the park and connects directly to the central parking area and Bob Schwartz Gazebo.

🅿️ Main parking is located at 5300 Dryad Drive, with additional street parking nearby on Ricecrest. Trails lead to the gazebo and lakefront features.

Spotlight Features

“Flowers for a Lady” - Butterfly Sculptures

Three vibrant butterfly sculptures titled Flowers for a Lady installed in 2013 by artist Rosalinda R. Toro. They honor Kathleen Tinsley Ownby’s dedication to Houston parks and symbolize transformation and beauty.

Bob Schwartz Gazebo & Flag Plaza

A community gathering spot dedicated in 2016, this covered structure is used for performances, ceremonies, and everyday shade. It anchors the lake’s western edge and serves as a photo-worthy focal point.

Fishing Pier - ADA Complient

Installed in 2023, this pier offers scenic lake views and an accessible spot for casual fishing. All lakes at Willow Waterhole are connected, providing consistent access to stocked waters.

Scout Lake

5400 S Willow Dr, Houston, TX 77035

At 10 acres, Scout Lake may be the smallest of Willow Waterhole’s six interconnected lakes, but it plays a crucial role in the park’s flood control and ecosystem. Excavated in 2003, Scout Lake is located just westof The Gathering Place on S. Willow Dr. and is the first lake to receive stormwater from Willow Waterhole Bayou during high-water events.

Water flows over the bayou’s weir into Scout Lake, where it is held before being routed through the basin’s network of lakes. From here, the stormwater continues to Triangle Lake and spreads out through the entire basin system, reducing the risk of flooding in nearby neighborhoods.

Beyond its functional role, Scout Lake is a serene spot for visitors to enjoy. You can take the short Bayou Trail from the nearby parking lot for a closer view of the concrete weir and experience the subtle beauty of this important natural and engineered water feature.

Heron Lake

5202 S Willow Dr, Houston, TX 77035

Spanning 18 acres, Heron Lake is one of Willow Waterhole’s most scenic and ecologically vibrant lakes. Completed in 2019 and renamed from "Dog Lake" in 2022 to reflect its popularity among birdwatchers, Heron Lake has become a hotspot for both wildlife and visitors. Nestled just northeast of The Gathering Place, this lake is directly connected to the Willow Waterhole Bayou through the basin’s second weir, playing a vital role in the park’s flood management system.

A recent trail extension now runs north of The Gathering Place, connecting Scout Lake to Heron Lake, making it easier for visitors to explore both lakes while enjoying the serene landscape. This enhancement offers a seamless path for walking, jogging, or birdwatching along the water’s edge.

During high-water events, floodwaters are channeled from Willow Waterhole Bayou into Heron Lake, helping to regulate water flow throughout the basin network. The lake’s strategic location and design help manage stormwater, preventing floods in surrounding neighborhoods while also supporting a diverse array of wetland habitats.

Heron Lake’s tranquil waters and lush surroundings make it a favorite destination for birdwatchers, who often spot a variety of species, including herons, egrets, and migratory birds. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, birdwatcher, or just looking to relax by the water, Heron Lake offers a peaceful escape into the natural beauty of the greenway.

Triangle Lake

11350 Ricecrest St, Houston, TX 77035

Completed in 2011, Triangle Lake spans 23 acres and is aptly named for its location at the intersection of S. Willow Dr.and Gasmer Dr. As one of the key lakes in Willow Waterhole, Triangle Lake offers a serene environment surrounded by unique natural and ecological features. The iconic Willow Waterhole sign was installed in 2016 near the lake, serving as a welcoming landmark for visitors entering the park.

Located near the lake is the Native Prairie Garden, where visitors can explore a variety of indigenous plant species that support local wildlife. Additionally, one of the park’s four ancient live oak trees stands proudly near the lake, offering a glimpse into the area’s natural history.

Just east of Triangle Lake, visitors can enjoy the peaceful Arboretum Trail, a crushed-granite path that winds through a small wetlands area and features more than 100 native Texas plants and trees. The nearby Birding Center makes Triangle Lake a prime destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

5300 Dryad Dr, Houston, TX 77035

Westbury Lake

As the largest lake in the Willow Waterhole Conservancy, spanning 109 acres, Westbury Lake serves as the central hub for both recreation and community events. Completed in 2013, the lake is located just south of Gasmer Dr. and southeast of Westbury High School. Its expansive layout and family-friendly attractions make it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

With ample parking, access to various attractions, and a family-friendly environment, Westbury Lake truly is the heart of the Willow Waterhole Conservancy.

Prairie Lake

The iconic Bob Schwartz Gazebo, nestled along the lake’s edge, hosts many of the Conservancy’s events, offering a perfect gathering space with panoramic views of the water, small islands, and scenic footbridges that crisscross the lake. Families can enjoy a stroll along the walkway surrounding the gazebo, taking in the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere.

The Naturescape Garden, located near the parking lot, features intricately carved tree trunks and overlooks the lake, providing an inviting space for children and families to explore. The area also boasts a cross-country racing trail and walking trail that circle the lake, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Adding to the charm, three large butterfly sculptures—“Flowers for a Lady”—were installed in 2013 by sculptor Rosalinda Toro to honor Kathleen Tinsley Ownby for her support of art installations across Houston. These vibrant sculptures add a creative touch to the natural beauty of the area.

Westbury Lake also features a newly installed ADA-compliant pier, completed in early 2023, which extends 46 feet into the lake, with a 90-degree turn and an additional 32 feet. This pier, located near the Dryad Dr. parking lot, is enclosed by a custom safety railing and will soon be accessible via an ADA-compliant concrete trail leading from the top of the hill down to the water’s edge. The pier provides an ideal spot for fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the beauty of the lake.

Completed in 2015, Prairie Lake stands out as the only water compartment located east of S. Post Oak Rd., offering a stunning and uninterrupted view of its 73 acres of tranquil water and the surrounding native prairie preserve. At the lake’s southeast edge, where Gasmer Dr. dead-ends, visitors can take in the expansive beauty of the lake, which is framed by vibrant native plant life.

This lake is home to one of Texas' rarest natural treasures—the endangered Texas prairie dawn flower (Hymenoxys texana), which grows along the lake’s edge. The surrounding area is designated as a Prairie Management Area, preserved by the Harris County Flood Control District. Encompassing 15 acres, this protected zone supports over 300 coastal prairie species, with 244 species native to Texas, making it a vital area for biodiversity and conservation.

Although access to the Prairie Management Area is currently restricted, the future promises even more opportunities for visitors to explore and appreciate this unique ecosystem. Planned enhancements include trails, benches, a footbridge, scenic viewing areas with picnic tables, and an outdoor classroom, all designed to immerse visitors in the natural beauty of the area while providing educational experiences.

Prairie Lake not only serves as an important flood control reservoir but also as a thriving habitat for native plants and wildlife, preserving a crucial slice of the region’s natural heritage.

Hymenoxys Texana

is a rare species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. The tiny yellow plant, which blooms in early spring, is known by the common names Texas prairie dawn-flower and Texas bitterweed. Endemic to Texas, it is found only in the general vicinity of Houston, where it is threatened by the loss of its prairie habitat.

4700 Gasmer Dr, Houston, TX 77035

Just east of Triangle Lake, visitors can enjoy the peaceful Arboretum Trail, a crushed-granite path that winds through a small wetlands area and features more than 100 native Texas plants and trees. The nearby Birding Center makes Triangle Lake a prime destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.