Overview

Hidden in the trees north of Houston is one of the city’s crowning neighborhoods: The Woodlands. The community has earned an impressive number of awards and accolades since its establishment in 1974. Its continual growth and development have made it one of the most popular master-planned communities in Greater Houston.

History

The lumber industry thrived in Montgomery Country through the 1970s. Much of what became The Woodlands was owned by the Grogan-Cochran Lumber Company. When George Mitchell bought the land for development, he decided to incorporate the remaining woods left in the area into a new master planned community. Three villages (Grogan’s Mill, Grogan’s Point, and Cochran’s Crossing) in The Woodlands are named after the lumber company.

Est. 1974

Schools

Covering more than 40 square miles, The Woodlands dips into several counties. The majority of students are served by Conroe Independent School District, but some are zoned for Magnolia Independent School District or Tomball Independent School District. Notable alumni of The Woodlands schools include country singer Jack Ingram, “General Hospital” actor Chad Brannon, and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Buddy Dial.

Shopping

Market Street

For a more luxurious shopping experience, head to Market Street. The open air shopping center has a collection of upscale boutiques, stores, and eateries. You can even catch a movie at the Cinemark theatre. Market Street also hosts many music, art, and hobby events throughout the year.

The Woodlands Mall

More than 160 stores fill over 1.3 million square feet of retail space in The Woodlands Mall. The two-story mall is mostly indoors, with one area dedicated to upscale courtyard shopping. Several sit-down restaurants are conveniently near the courtyard. The food court on the second floor features a carousel as well as indoor and outdoor seating.

Recreation

Nature Preserves

There are two nature preserves easily accessible from The Woodlands: William Goodrich Jones State Forest and George Mitchel Preserve. Jones State Forest is one of the largest working urban forests in the country. It features approximately 15 miles of nature trails and is home to a large population of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. George Mitchel Preserve offers a two-mile trail loop and a three-mile biking trail full of twists and turns.

Public Art

The Woodlands is home to an impressive collection of more than 50 large installations of public art. Each sculpture is prominently placed throughout the residential and commercial areas. Residents and visitors alike can appreciate the art on their ventures through the many trails, during their morning or afternoon commute, or on the weekends during their shopping trips. Many of the pieces have nature or family-oriented themes, reflecting the spirit of the community.