New
Braunfels, Texas
was established
in 1845 on the
Comal River, the
shortest river
in the U.S. It
rises from a
cluster of
springs in the
northwest part
of town and
remains entirely
within the city
limits until it
spills into the
much longer
Guadalupe River
flowing south
below Canyon
Dam. New
Braunfels, Texas
became the
county seat in
1846, and it has
grown into a
bustling,
thriving town
with much
historic
interest; here
you can dine in
biergartens and
dance to oompah
music to your
heart's content.
General - Seat of Comal
County, established 1845 on Comal River by
German settlers led by Prince Carl of
Solms-Braunfels. Successful farming, ranching,
abundant water from large springs contributed to
early prosperity of settlement. German influence
in tradition, culture and language still
prominent; famous for sausages, breads, and
popular river
resorts. Mill Store Plaza is one
of state's largest factory-direct stores with
some 50 manufacturers selling direct. Plaza is
open at 9 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. daily except 6 p.m.
Sun. Exit I87 or I89 on I-35. Wurstfest (Sausage
Festival), 10 days early Nov., salutes the best
of the wurst. Features singing societies,
traditional German bands, dancing groups and
sausage of every description. Historical
exhibits, art shows and special events.
Alamo Classic Car Museum
- Take a trip down memory lane among dozens of
classic and vintage cars. Open daily 10 a.m.-
6:30 p.m. On I -35 south near city limits, exits
180 or 182.
Baetge House - Good
example of fachwerk construction, two-story
house was built in 1852. Furnishings on first
floor predate 1860; second floor allows
inspection of construction technique. Open Sat.,
Sun. 2-5 p.m. 1370 Church Hill Dr.
Gruene - German
immigrants, established village before 1850;now
part of New Braunfels. Historic structures, both
ruins and restored, include old homes, stores,
art gallery, winery, ice cream parlor, and
rustic beer hall, circa 1880, still popular for
weekend dances. On Guadalupe River, Gruene Rd.
off N. Loop 337.
Guadalupe Valley Winery -
No vineyard; grapes purchased from Texas
vineyards and brought to winery in restored
cotton gin, listed on National Register of
Historic Places. Tasting room and gift shop open
Mon.- Fri. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- 5
p.m.; Sun. Noon- 5 p.m. Tours of winery offered
during summer months Sat., Sun. Noon- 4 p.m.;
Sept.- May, third Sat. of month. Group tours of
10 or more year round by appointment. Tour fee.
1720 Hunter Road in Gruene. 512/629-2351.
Historic Inns -
Faust Hotel - Restored
1920's hotel with ornate, decorative tile,
ceiling fans, and candlestick telephones in each
room. Verandah Restaurant features Texas and
German-style fare; 62 rooms with baths, 240 S.
Seguin St. Prince Solms Inn
- Small plain-Texan exterior; exquisite antique
furnishings, 14-foot ceilings, orange bronze
hardware, garden, and patio flagged with huge
stones from the Comal County Jailhouse. The
Uptown Piano Bar is in basement. Eight rooms
with baths and two suites, 295 E. San Antonio
St.
Landa Park -
Exceptionally scenic city park around crystal
springs heading the Comal River. Towering trees,
spring-fed swimming pools, tubing, picnicking,
boating, bicycling,
hiking and golf. Largest
springs in state (more than 8 million gallons an
hour) form state's shortest river- 2.5 miles.
Miniature train ride winds through park.
Lindheimer Home -
Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer (1801-1879) was first
to classify much of native Texas flora; more
than 30 varieties bear his name. The house,
circa 1852, displays the fachwerk construction
German settlers adapted to Texas cedar and
limestone. Many original furnishings. Open May-
Aug. daily except Wed. 2- 5 p.m.; Sept.- Apr.
Sat., Sun. 2- 5 p.m.; 419 Comal St.
Museum of Texas Handmade
Furniture - Housed in historic (1858)
Andrea's Breustedt home; displays include dozens
of furniture pieces handcrafted in Texas during
1800s. English ironstone, pewter, and other
artifacts from 1700s. One-room log cabin
features furnishings and tools. Open Memorial
Day- Labor Day, Tues.- Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
Sun. 1-4 p.m.; Labor Day- Memorial Day, Sat.,
Sun. 1-4 p.m. 1370 Church Hill Dr.
Natural Bridge Caverns -
Vast subterranean maze on ranch land some 17
miles west, designated a U.S. Natural Landmark.
Gigantic rooms and corridors stretch more than a
mile, leading to underground Purgatory Creek and
awesome cave formations. 12 mi. west via Texas
46 & F.M. 1863. Open daily except Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year's; tours every half-hour.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
- 200-acre drive-through preserve spreading over
picturesque Texas Hill Country where exotic
animals, birds, and Texas wildlife roam freely.
Be sure to get a container of complementary
food; some animals (African ostrich, Sable
antelope, yak and others) will actually put
their heads into car window for their treat.
Extra feed sold in visitor center for two
petting zoos. Snack bar, picnic area. Open daily
9 a.m.- 5 p.m. ( Jun. - Aug. 9 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.);
closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
Near Natural Bridge Caverns FM 3009.
River Camps - River
camps/resorts have been popular for decades.
Clear, cool spring-fed pools, tubing chutes,
rapids, and exceptionally scenic settings for
family recreation. Family groups abundant during
summer; visitors from northern states during
winter. See Visitor Information (below).
River Guides Outfitters -
Several New Braunfels outfitters provide raft
and canoe rentals, plus guided float trips here
and in Big Bend region of far West Texas. See
Visitor Information (below).
Scenic Drives - Any of
several highways into the Hill Country are
scenic. R.M. 32, the "Devils Backbone,"
northwest of Canyon Reservoir is exceptionally
beautiful, as is county road from New Braunfels
to Sattler along Guadalupe River.
Schlitterbahn - (Slippery
Road) Water Amusement park highlighted by water
slides from German-style castle tower; also tube
chutes, swimming lagoon, sand beach, bumper
boats, giant hot tub, and children's water play
areas. Open weekends in May and Sept., daily
Memorial Day- Labor Day, 400 N. Liberty St.
Sophienburg Museum - On
hilltop site where Prince Carl of
Solms-Braunfels built a log fortress. Displays
many of the nobleman's personal effects, Indian
artifacts and household items of pioneer era.
Open Mon.- Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. 401 W. Coll St.
at Academy Ave.
Visitor Information -
Details and free literature about New Braunfels
historic sites, river camps and river
outfitters, accommodations, and current local
events available at chamber of commerce, 309 S.
Seguin St. Open Mon.- Fri. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sat.
9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
