30 mi. north-east of San Antonio on I 35 is New Braunfels, founded by German settlers in 1845. At the beginning of November each year it is the scene of the ten-day Wurstfest (Sausage Festival). Even more popular as a spectacle is the unusual sight of people floating down a 21.2 mi. stretch of the Comal River squeezed into an inflated innertube. Further diversions of a similar kind will be found at the vast "Schlitterbahn" water park.
This is the home of Ferdinand Jakob Linheimer who classified much of the Texas flora. This small house was built in 1852 and still contains many original furnishings.
McKenna Children's Museum offers a variety of interactive displays designed to entertain and educate children. Exhibits include a TV studio and puppet palace, among others.
Address: McKenna Children's Museum, 801 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130-7875, United States
Phone: 1 (830) 606-9525, Fax: 1 (830) 606-9581
Heritage Village is the home of the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture, housed in the 1858 Breustedt House. The museum displays furniture crafted by the German tischlermeisters (cabinet masters) who immigrated to the Texas Hill Country 1845-1880. Outbuildings include a cabinetmakers shop, The Reininger Cabin, and the Breustedt kitchen.
Annually during the month of April, Heritage Village hosts historic Kindermasken Parade, a children's costume event dating to early New Braunfels. Kindermasken kicks off Folkfest, a two-day family heritage event that includes period demonstrations and reenactments, ethnic dancing, German food and many fun children's activities.
Hours:
February 1 to November 30: 1pm-4pm; Closed: Mon
Tips: Tours offered by appointment in December and January.
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark has Sand Castle Cove with a five-story water fun house, slides, tunnel chutes, uphill water coasters and the world's largest surfing ride.
Address: Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, 381 East Austin Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States
Phone: 1 (830) 625-2351, Fax: 1 (830) 625-3515
The Sophienburg Museum depicts the history of the town and the life of the town's founder, Prince Car of Solms-Braunfels.
Address: Sophienburg Museum, 401 West Coll Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130-5618, United States
Phone: 1 (830) 629-1572, Fax: 1 (830) 629-3906
Hours:
10am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), New Year's Eve (December 31), Good Friday - Christian
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Read More
Read Less
