NEW BRAUNFELS

Population 28,686

Altitude 720

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General

Seat of Comal County, it was established in 1845 on the Comal River by German settlers led by Prince Carl of Salms-Braunfels. Successful farming, ranching, abundant water from large springs contributed to early prosperity of the settlement. German influence in tradition, culture and language still are prominent; famous for sausages, breads, and popular river resorts.

Mill Store Plaza is one of the state's largest factory direct stores with some 50 manufactures selling direct.

Plaza is open at 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wurstfest (Sausage Festival), 10 days early November salutes the best of the wurst. Features singing societies, traditional German bands, dancing groups and sausages of every description. Historical exhibits, art shows and special events.

ALAMO CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM

BAETGE HOUSE

THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

GRUENE

GUADLUPE VALLEY WINERY

HISTORIC INNS

New Braunfels Wine Cellar

LANDA PARK

LINDHEIMER HOME

MUSEUM OF TEXAS HANDMADE FURNITURE

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS

NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH

RIVER CAMPS

RIVER GUIDES AND OUTFITTERS

SCENIC DRIVES

SCHLITTERBAHN

SOPHIENBURG MUSEUM

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Attractions

• ALAMO CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM - Take a trip down memory lane among dozens of classic and vintage cars. On I-35 south near the city limits, exits 180 or 182.
• BAETGE HOUSE - Good example of fachwerk construction, two story house was built in 1852. The furnishing on the first floor predate 1860; the second floor allows inspection of construction technique. 1370 Church Hill Drive.
• THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - Children of all ages enjoy hands-on exhibits which include CMN-TV studio, a puppet palace, and other creative areas. 183 I-35, McQueeny Exit.
• GRUENE - German immigrants established the village before 1850. It is now a 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. It is still popular for weekend dances. Located on the Guadalupe River, Gruene road off North Loop 337.
• GUADLUPE VALLEY WINERY - No vineyard; the grapes purchased from Texas vineyards and brought to the winery in restored cotton gin, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tasting room and gift shop. 1720 hunter road in Gruene.
• HISTORIC INNS; Faust Hotel - Restored 1920s hotel with ornate, decorative tile, ceiling fans, and candlestick telephones in each room. Veranda Restaurant features Texas and German style fare. 62 rooms with baths. 240 South Seguin Street.
• 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 the summer, visitors from northern states during the winter.
• RIVER GUIDES AND OUTFITTERS - Several New Braunfels outfitters provide raft and canoe rentals, plus guided float trips here and in the Big Bend region of far West Texas
• 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. The largest springs in the state (more than 8 million gallons an hour) from the state's shortest river - 2.5 miles. Miniature train ride winds through the  park.

• LINDHEIMER HOME - Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer (1801-1879) was the first to classify much of native Texas flora; more than 30 varieties bear his name. The house, circa 1852, displays the eachwerk construction German settlers adapted to Texas cedar and limestone. Many original furnishings. 491 Comal Street.
• MUSEUM OF TEXAS HANDMADE FURNITURE - House in historic (1858) Andreas Bruestecdt home, displays include dozens of furniture pieces hand-crafted in 'Texas during the 1800s. English ironstone, pewter, and other artifacts from the 1700s. One-room log cabin features furnishings and tools. The houses and furniture on display here have been around a long time and were very craftily made, so well made in fact that they may outlast some of the modern day rattan garden furniture we see so much of. The classic styles we see in the furniture here is what helped us to develop the furniture we use today.  1370 Church Hill Drive.
• 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 miles west via Texas 46 and F.M. 1863.
• 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 container of complimentary food; some animals (African ostrich, sable antelope, yak and others) will actually put their heads into car window for their treat. Extra feed is sold in the visitor center for two petting zoos. Snack bar and picnic area. Natural Bridge Caverns on F.M. 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 the summer, visitors from northern states during the winter.
• SCENIC DRIVES - Any of several highways into the Hill Country are scenic, R.M. 32, "Devil's Backbone," northwest of Canyon Reservoir is exceptionally beautiful, as is county road from New Braunfels to Sattler along the 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 boas, giant hot tub, and children's water play areas. 400 North Liberty.
• 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 the pioneer era. 401 West Coll Street at Academy Avenue.

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This file was last modified Thursday, 12-Oct-95 01:43:02