New Braunfels - Jump In!
New Braunfels area visitors can find Canyon Lake & Guadalupe River updates
here.
For travelers seeking the best tourist attractions in Texas, there are many New
Braunfels tourism spots to hit. The popular tourist town was founded by German farmers
and craftsmen in 1845, giving it the distinct names and German decor around the
city. The New Braunfels tourism destination is centrally located, and only a few
miles from other major cities in the state, making it a popular destination to visit.
Sitting on the mouth of the Comal and Guadulupe Rivers, there are a variety of water
sports and activities which tourists will love to engage in while visiting. During
the summer months, one of the major New Braunfels tourism attractions is Schlitterbaun,
where these water activities are the major appeal to travelers, as well as the locals.
You will find so much to see and do in this historic town located in the heart of
the Hill Country. With its rich German history, unique architecture and one-of-a-kind
culture, it is a must-see destination.
Wurstfest is one of the largest German festivals in the US, making it one of the
top attractions at the end of October.
Landa Park is another "must see" in the city. Visitors can take a miniature train
ride through the park, and for those who love golfing, the park is home to an extremely
challenging 18 hole golf course. There are also several scenic tours which one can
take in the park, making it one the biggest tourist attractions.
Because of the fantastic rivers, and the love for water sports and activities, many
visitors love renting paddleboats, river tubing, or renting canoes for the afternoon.
Many also enjoy traveling to one of the spring-fed pools for an afternoon swim on
a hot day.
Historic Downtown
Another big attraction is Historic Downtown: home to the Main Plaza building (built
in 1845), and the Fountain, built in 1895, marking the 50th year anniversary of
the city. In 1905 the Bandstand was added as another historical landmark.
The city's Comal County Courthouse, which takes on a Romanesque revival style design,
is also located across the Main Plaza, making the entire Historical area one of
the most visited attractions.
Other pastimes include taking a walking tour of the city center, antiquing and enjoying
great Texas food. Whether you plan to visit just for a day or two, or plan to spend
a week or more exploring the Hill Country with your family, you will find plenty
of activites to keep you entertained.
Looking for that dream home, ranch or have other real estate needs? Be sure and
visit the
New Braunfels Real Estate Guide.
The Guadalupe River and the Comal River provide excellent water recreation for visitors.
The Guadalupe, located between Canyon Dam and New Braunfels is famous for its exciting
rapids and sparkling clear waters. It is very popular with tubers. Much of the land
along the river is private: thus, we request that you please respect the property
rights and also help preserve this natural resource. Strict enforement of laws and
regulations apply to the river areas.
Gruene (pronounced "green") was established by German immigrants before 1850; it
is now part of New Braunfels. Historic structures, both ruins and restored, include
old homes, stores, an art gallery, wineries, an ice cream parlor and a rustic beer
hall circa 1880, still popular for weekend dances.
Discover New Braunfels
Conservation
Plaza
These priceless treasures are owned by the New Braunfels Conservation Society. A
fine example of fachwerk construction is found in the Baetge House. The Baetge House
is a two-story home built in 1852 by Carl Baetge, a German engineer. It was originally
constructed 26 miles northwest of town, then dismantled and reconstructed in 1975
on the Plaza. Furnishings reflect the period and are mostly of German or Texas origin.
Other buildings on the Plaza include the Lohse-Fischer Home, the Rose Conservatory
and the Star Exchange, the Jahn Home, the Jahn Cabinet Shop, the Haelbig Music Studio
and the Church Hill School. You will find the Plaza at 1300 Church Hill Drive. There
is an admission fee. Operating hours are Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; and
Saturday & Sunday 2 - 5 p.m.
Lindheimer Home
The first to classify much of the native Texas flora, Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer
(1801-1879) has more than 30 types of flowers bearing his name. His home was built
around 1852 and demonstrates the fachwerk construction that the German settlers
modified to adapt to Texas limestone and cedar. Many pieces of original furniture
occupy the home.The address is 491 Comal Street. The Conservation Society owns part
of the collection.
Wagenfuehr
Home and Buckhorn Barbershop Museum
Yet another historic property owned by the local Conservation Society, this home
is a collector’s dream and even includes a 1900’s barbershop. Handcrafted jewelry,
pictures made from rocks, hand-carved miniature circus animals, dolls from around
the world and many other treasures are featured in the museum. An admission fee
applies. The address is 521 W. San Antonio Street.You will find the museum open
daily from Memorial Day through August from 2 - 5 pm. The museum is closed Wednesdays.
In the winter, it is open weekends from 2 - 5 pm.
You'll Want to Visit All the Great Hill Country Cities/Areas
Hill Country | Bandera | Blanco | Boerne | Buchanan Dam | Burnet | Canyon Lake | Comfort | Concan | Fredericksburg | Frio River/Canyon | Gruene | Guadalupe River | Highland Lakes | Horseshoe Bay | Hunt | Ingram | Johnson City | Junction | Kerrville | Kingsland | Lake Buchanan | Lake LBJ | Lake Medina | Lake Travis | Lakeway | Leakey | Llano | Lost Maples Area | Marble Falls | Mason | New Braunfels | San Marcos | Spicewood | Utopia | Vanderpool | Wimberley
