Keller Williams Realty

New Braunfels Area Guide

Under Texas State law, the City of New Braunfels is a home-rule city governed by a council of seven members and a number of local advisory committees, boards, and commissions who make policy suggestions to the City Council. Many visitors come to the area every year to tube down the cold-springs of the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers that run through the city. New Braunfels is also known for having one of the most famous water parks in the nation, Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort.

History

The City of New Braunfels was established in 1844 by a group of German merchants and farmers who immigrated to the area searching for economic opportunities and personal freedom that were available in Germany due to political issues. The group of immigrants was led by a German nobleman named Prince Carl of Solms who became the Commissioner General of the Society of the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. Prince Carl named the city after Braunfels, his hometown in Germany.

Prince Carl organized hundreds of Germans to settle in Texas. To accommodate these settlers, Prince Carl purchased a parcel of land from the Veramendi land grant northeast of San Antonio due to the cold springs found there. Settlers began arriving in March of 1845 and quickly began constructing forts, building homes, and planting crops. After the city was established, Prince Carl returned to Germany and left the city in the hands of John O. Meusebach. In December of 1845, all hopes for creating a German principality were dashed when Texas became a state of the United States of America.

More German immigrants arrived in the area in 1846, but were quickly hit with continuous disasters when the Mexican-American War began, large numbers of Germans were diverted to the war effort, and cholera broke out. Meusebach was eventually able to stabilize the community’s finances, and by 1850 New Braunfels was the fourth largest city in Texas.

Parks and Recreation

The New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for operating the various recreational and athletic programs offered by the city, as well as maintaining 27 parks consisting of 272 acres. The department also provides leisure activities for New Braunfels residents of all ages and abilities.

Landa Park

Ernest Eikel Skate Park

Prince Solms Disc Golf Course

Concerts in the Park

Landa Park Aquatics Complex

New Braunfels Events

(sourced from the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce)

Friday Afternoon Club @ Gruene Hall

A Gruene Hall tradition, Friday Afternoon Club is now in its tenth year, and still going strong! Get your weekend kickin' at Gruene Hall every Friday from 4-7pm, starting March 7th. Enjoy happy hour, prize giveaways, and the best in Texas tunes, broadcasted live by KNBT 92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels with Mattson Rainer. Need another reason to come out? You never know who might stop by -- Reckless Kelly, Junior Brown, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Walt Wilkins, and Gary P. Nunn have all stopped by for a chat, just to name a few. Good times!

Two Ton Tuesday @ Gruene Hall

It wouldn’t be summertime without popular rock-a-billy band Two Tons of Steel holding court in Gruene Hall every Tuesday evening. If you haven't caught Two Ton fever yet, grab your dancing shoes and get ready.

OLPH Annual Festival

Annual Festival with a Mexican Theme this year. It will be a two day event. Starting Friday evening until midnight. On Saturday it will begin at noon until midnight.

Annual Texas Metal Arts – A Festival at Gruene

Featuring Texas artists including goldsmiths, tinsmiths, silversmiths, blacksmiths, and sculptors demonstrating the wide range of techniques and methods used to create works ranging from fine art to folk art. Admission is free.

The 22nd Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest

This Americana event benefiting local charities features the best in live Texas music and the best in Texas food and wines at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. All three days will be filled with vintner and music events, wine & food samplings, and the Great Guitar Auction.

Annual Texas Clay Festival

Respected potters and sculptors from around Texas display, sell their wares, and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities are available for children.

Click here for the New Braunfels Calendar of Events