Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is a botanical garden in Humble near Houston that covers 393 acres separated by Aldine Westfield Road. The east side features designed theme gardens while the west side showcases natural woodland trails and specialized plant collections including a hickory bog and cypress swamp.

Thelma and Charles Mercer purchased about 14.5 acres of woodland along Cypress Creek in 1949 and developed the land. The site became a county park in 1974, which ensured its preservation and allowed the collections to grow over time.

The gardens display plant species from many climates and serve as a learning place for visitors interested in nature. Families and groups often come to understand more about the plants and habitats found in the region.

The grounds are open during daylight hours and feature well-marked paths that help visitors navigate easily. Wheelchair-accessible paths are available throughout much of the park, though some natural areas have less even terrain.

The grounds feature specialized collections such as the Jake Roberts Maple Collection that displays uncommon maple species. This collection shows how the park focuses on preserving knowledge about specific plant groups through dedicated exhibits.