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 so many things to do in New Braunfels, an 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 paddle boats, 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.

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.

The Guadalupe River and the Comal River provide excellent water recreation for visitors. The Guadalupe, located between Canyon Lake 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.

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.

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