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.
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.
The Woodlands Waterway Is...
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.