The Woodlands Waterway is an iconic water feature that flows through The Woodlands' Town Center, from Lake Woodlands to The Woodlands Mall. Through the years, it's been the backdrop for family photos, engagement proposals, weekend walks, and annual events like Lighting of the Doves and Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas. What began as a small drainage ditch has grown into an anchor in our community, drawing in visitors from near and far to enjoy art, attractions, and waterfront views.
The Woodlands Waterway began as a small drainage system.
Photo Courtesy Howard Hughes Corporation (circa 1990s).
Now, The Woodlands Waterway is home to art, attractions, and national events like Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas.
HISTORY OF THE WOODLANDS WATERWAY
1972: Robert Heineman, retired Vice President of Planning & Design for Howard Hughes, draws a sketch of Town Center with a transit corridor running through it. This was the first conceptualization of The Woodlands Waterway, which lived on paper for 27 years before becoming a reality.
1999: Construction begins on The Woodlands Waterway.
2002: A Grand Opening celebration is held for The Woodlands Waterway.
2004: An extension of The Woodlands Waterway to The Woodlands Mall opens.
2009: The section of The Woodlands Waterway extending from the turning basin to Lake Woodlands is completed.
2017: The final extension of The Woodlands Waterway to Hughes Landing opens.
WINDING THROUGH THE WOODLANDS' TOWN CENTER
The Woodlands Waterway Is...
1.8 miles long
5 feet deep
97 feet wide at its widest part (South of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion)
29 feet wide at its narrowest part (at Six Pines Bridge)
With 17.6 million gallons of water flowing through it
WATER RECREATION
Riva Row Boat House is along The Woodlands Waterway, located just past the turning basin. Along the upper half of The Waterway, guests can rent Swan Boats to paddle from Riva Row to The Woodlands Mall and back. Along the lower part of The Waterway, from Riva Row to Lake Woodlands, guests can choose between kayaks and standup paddleboards.
10 Swan Boats at Riva Row Boat House
14 Tandem Kayaks
15 Single Kayaks
11 Stand-Up Paddle Boards
Approximately 24,000 rentals per year
ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE WATERWAY
18 different restaurants are near The Waterway, including 6 with waterfront dining.
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is on The Waterway, and there's often live music at restaurants near The Waterway on weekends. Waterway Square also comes alive with music during Waterway Nights (an annual concert series during the spring and summer).
Two parks sit along The Waterway: Town Green Park and Waterway Square. Both are great places to enjoy an outdoor picnic.
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival turns The Waterway into an outdoor art gallery each year.
Fireworks over The Woodlands Waterway during Red, Hot, and Blue make for a picture perfect Fourth of July.
Visit The Woodlands is the official destination management organization responsible for promoting The Woodlands to leisure and business travelers. Our mission is to establish The Woodlands, Texas as a beautiful, lively, and welcoming destination recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally for first-class business, convention, and leisure travel.
