Springs, rivers, and historic sites offer very different ways to explore Comal. The Comal Springs system comprises nine major springs and hundreds of smaller springs; many of these lie beneath Landa Lake. Honey Creek offers a different picture: the creek is 1.5 miles long and spring-fed. Honey Creek State Natural Area covers 2,809 acres in western Comal County.

Waterways and Landscapes

The Comal River Water Trail is also 1.5 miles long and is used for tubing. The two length measurements refer to different things: a water trail here, and the creek itself there. At Canyon Lake, parks operated by WORD, including Canyon Park, provide designated shoreline access for swimming when open and operating.

Those who prefer to get around on foot or by bike will find a variety of trail types. Guadalupe River State Park offers hiking and camping along the Guadalupe River; trails other than the equestrian trails are used for hiking and biking. Morton Preserve protects endangered species, including the golden-cheeked warbler, and has a 0.5-mile hiking trail. Reservations are required for visits there from September through February. Curry Nature Center encompasses just over 52 acres of Hill Country habitat with native plant species and wildlife.

For guided walks into Honey Creek State Natural Area, the Rust House is the starting point. The house is open only during these guided walks. Nature experiences therefore differ not only in their landscapes, but also in how visits are organized.

Caves and Trails in the Great Outdoors

Natural Bridge Caverns are located in the Hill Country of Comal County. On the Discovery Tour, knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the cave; educational stops and formations such as soda straws, flowstone, stalagmites, and stalactites are part of the experience. The tour lasts about an hour and goes as far as 180 feet below the surface. This offers a different kind of exploration from trails and waterways: here, the focus is on cave formations and the depths below ground.

History and Music

In downtown New Braunfels stands the Lindheimer House, dating to 1845 and the first restoration project of the New Braunfels Conservation Society. The Downtown Historic District's period of historical significance spans 1845 to 1940. The Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of early European migrants through structural and domestic artifacts from that period.

Gruene Hall is the oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas. Live music is performed there every day, year-round; since performance schedules can change, it's a good idea to check the schedule before your visit. Here, history can be found not only in buildings and collections, but also in a venue that continues to serve its original purpose today.

Parks and Practical Information

Landa Park has miles of walking trails. Its Aquatic Complex includes a historic spring-fed pool supplied by Comal Springs, as well as a shallow-entry splash area for younger children with slides and climbing features. Facility details may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Fischer Park has more than two miles of paved or natural-surface trails for walking, running, and biking, as well as two fishing ponds. The pollinator and butterfly garden, Monarch Waystation, at Fischer Park Nature Education Center is used for guided and self-guided walks. The center also offers a free interactive Paleontology Dig attraction. The combination of trails, ponds, garden, and hands-on activities offers different ways to explore the park.

For visitors with a specific information interest, there are additional places to visit: the reading room at Sophienburg Museum & Archives gives the public access to the Comal County Genealogy Society's research collection; access procedures may change. Tours at the New Braunfels Fire Museum can be arranged through Fire Administration at (830) 221-4200, subject to staff availability. Faust Street Bridge serves as a free pedestrian walkway and viewpoint; check current access information in advance.

Explore more destinations: Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, Ector County, Williamson, Victoria, Bastrop, Lee County, Jefferson.

For the main travel overview: Texas.