Water! Ready, Set, Go!



 Camp Warnecke founded 1918  

As we ready for swimming season, thoughts take me back to my childhood.  Remember when the only thing you wore all summer was a swimsuit?  Is that still possible?  I say yes!  New Braunfels is still home to the best water recreation in Texas.  Some natural, some invented, and some really out of the box opportunities.



Let's really think about how we go to this point.

One of the primary reasons that Prince Solms chose this area was because of the abundance of game and building materials - which are only possible with consistent water supply.  This critical water supply was immediately put to work in commerce.  The water power of the past made New Braunfels a center of trade and the 4th largest city in Texas from 1845-1895.  Those first fifty years secured our place as having the right mix of attributes for commercial and quality of life successes.  Mills of all types took full advantage of the power of water while the healing powers of the water opened the Comal Baths. Following the Comal Baths were Camp Placid, Camp Giesecke, Camp Warnecke, etc... The first bridges across the rivers were here, in New Braunfels.  There was only one place to drive cattle across the Guadalupe and it was also here, in New Braunfels.



First Hotel in Downtown New Braunfels - Guadalupe Hotel
Photo - Institute of Texan Cultures

The traditions of life centering around the waterways of our communities goes back over 165 years. Industry still relies on it, utilities still rely on it, commerce still relies on it, recreation relies on it. We didn't just arrive on the tourism scene. We had our first hotel in 1847.

Water Recreation began in the 1870's.


We have been encouraging guests since 1845 - listen to their own words...

“The area offers excellent land, first rate cedar and oak forests, and water power.” – Oct. 25, 1844 Prince Carl of Solms- Braunfels  

“We are now quite content and happy.  When one gets adjusted, that is, has his house finished, field fenced, and wants to use a third of his time go working, which in Europe one has to, it is better living here, than that of a farmer in Europe.  I have no desire ever to go back, whoever wants to see me must come here; I do not believe that he will regret it.” – Hubert Lux, letter May 1, 1845

Thank goodness those founding fathers didn't say we're here - now pull up the drawbridge.  Swimsuits ready?!   New Braunfels, Texas - Jump In!