Region: New Braunfels

New Braunfels Conservation Society Cover

New Braunfels

For travelers seeking the best tourist attractions in Texas, there are many New Braunfels tourism spots to hit.

New Braunfels

History:

New Braunfels was founded by German farmers and craftsmen in 1845, giving it the distinctly German names and decor around the city. The destination is centrally located, only a few miles from other major cities in the state, making it a popular place to visit.

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.

Historic Downtown, another big attraction, is home to the Main Plaza building (built in 1845). The Fountain, built in 1895, marks 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 historical attractions in the Texas Hill Country.

Tradition:

Wurstfest is one of the largest German festivals in the US, making it one of the top Hill Country attractions at the end of October. Participants eat a variety of traditional German food as well as drink German beer and wine.

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.

– Lindheimer Home

Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer (1801-1879), the first to classify much of the native Texas flora, 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.

Recreation and Relaxation:

Sitting on the mouth of the Comal and Guadulupe Rivers, there are a variety of water activities which tourists love to engage in while visiting. During the summer months, one of the major New Braunfels tourist attractions is Schlitterbahn, where these water activities are the major appeal to travelers as well as locals.

Landa Park is another “must see” in the city. Visitors can take a miniature train ride through the park. 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 in New Braunfels.

Nature:

Because of the fantastic rivers, and the love for water sports and activities, many visitors love to go river tubing or renting canoes and paddle boats for the afternoon. Many also enjoy traveling to one of the spring-fed pools for an afternoon swim on a hot day.

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, the city requests that you please respect the property rights and also help preserve this natural resource. Strict enforcement of laws and regulations apply to the river areas.

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.

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Fun Stuff

There are plenty of opportunities for day trips from the New Braunfels area.

Enjoy a relaxing drive through the spectacular Texas Hill Country on wide-open roads lined with breath-taking flowers and trees. Relish views only available in the Hill Country. You’ll feel like you’re light years away from a crowded freeway…because you are.

And, you won’t have to pick up and move. No packing and unpacking. You can make yourself at home and still experience a multitude of adventures that are fun for the whole family.

Here are just a few of the possibilities: