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The Woodlands, Texas, and The Woodlands® Resort proudly celebrate their 50th anniversary!

By: The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton | Published 08/08/2024

We commemorate a remarkable half-century journey marked by vision, innovation, and excellence, paving the way for a promising future in our award-winning and nationally recognized master-planned community.

In 1974, The Woodlands Township, The Woodlands® Resort, The Woodlands Fire Department, and Interfaith of The Woodlands were launched as part of Texas developer George Mitchell’s visionary plan. He aspired to create a place intricately connected to nature, business, and community. Over the years, this vision has flourished, transforming into one of the country’s most successful and awarded master-planned communities.

The Woodlands® Resort Timeline

1970
George Mitchell envisioned The Woodlands

1974
The Woodlands Inn, a 218-room property, was developed. (now The Woodlands® Resort)

1980
The Woodlands Inn quickly became a social and business hub and was rebranded as The Woodlands Inn & Country Club.

1981
The Woodlands Inn & Country Club gained an affiliation with IACC, International Association of Conference Centers

1989
The Woodlands Inn & Country Club was renamed as The Woodlands® Resort & Conference Center

1989-2002
Gained additional investments, grew in guestrooms, added public areas, and created function space – including the Shell Learning Center which provided 35,000 sq. ft. of dedicated meeting and event space for the sole use of Shell Oil Company

2002
Revealed the $28 million Forest Oasis Waterpark; featuring double helix waterslide, splash pad, pools & fountains, as well as poolside guestrooms

2013-2015
$75 million renovation to renovate 222 guestrooms, add 184 new guest rooms, add a stand-alone restaurant, and add a 1,005-foot lazy river to the waterpark

2021
The Woodlands® Resort became the first Hilton Curio Collection resort in Texas

2023
Completed a nearly $30 million renovation to update guestrooms, public spaces, and meeting spaces, and add three new food and beverage outlets

Entering its 50th year with a refreshed look and offerings befitting one of Texas’ most iconic resorts, the legendary property stands as a true destination embodying its Woodlands location.

Surrounded by parks, pathways, golf courses, lakes, and forest preserves, it remains a beacon of luxury and tranquility. Nearly five decades since its opening, the original vision of creating a space for connection – with nature, friends, family, colleagues, or new experiences – remains central to The Resort. It shines with a brilliant luster, crafted from the collective memories of those who have experienced its magic over the years.

50 years later, and The Woodlands is thriving. It has been ranked the #1 Community to Live in America in 2021 and 2022. We look forward to celebrating five decades of diversity, innovation, and community pride!

Interfaith of The Woodlands

The Woodlands® Resort is proud to be a partner with Interfaith of The Woodlands, a non-profit social service agency that continues to provide family, child, work, and senior program and services to the surrounding area. Interfaith of The Woodlands has the exclusive ability to design and sell The Woodlands official merchandise. The Woodlands Style can be purchased in The Spruce Market located in the conference center of The Woodlands® Resort. The collection is a celebration of hometown pride featuring everything from stylish t-shirts to tumblers and tote bags. All proceeds from The Woodlands Style sales go directly towards vital community programs and services at Interfaith.