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COMAL
RIVER, page 1
Prince
Solms Park
Prince
Carl of Solms-Braunfels established a German colony on the Comal River
in 1845 and named it after Braunfels, Germany, the site of his castle
on the Lahn River. Prince Solms Park was once the site of an early
mill and factory founded in 1850 by John F. Torrey (1821-93), a pioneer
promoter of Texas industry. He operated a flour, grist and saw mill,
a sash door and cotton factory, and the first woolen factory in Texas.
With indomitable spirit, he rebuilt the plant after it was destroyed
by both tornado and flood. Prince Solms Park is a lot like Barton
Springs with a concrete embankment and sidewalks containing the
Comal River, and tall shade trees like cottonwoods, oaks and pecans,
Spanish moss, and well-manicured grounds. Tropical vegetation lines
the shores, and charming footbridges span the river. Prince Solms
Park has lots of amenities but still has a very natural feel. The
river is clear, blue-green and calm. It can be quite deep in some
areas. During the peak of summer it can be very crowded, with everyone
tubing the river including families with children, students, and teenagers
with dogs, coolers, and radios in tow. The water is not too cold and
is perfect for a leisurely float. You can rent tubes across the street
from the park from several vendors. Private property lies on one side
of the river. There is plenty of parking. No glass is allowed in the
park, and pets must be on a leash. The park also has picnic tables
with grills, bicycling, golf, hiking, tennis, and a playscape. |
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The
most popular attraction is the Tube Chute, an S-shaped slide down
Stinky Falls. The ride is swift, and you should wear tennis shoes
or Aquasox to protect your feet from the concrete and because the
rocks are covered in algae and can be slippery. You can go through
the Tube Chute as many times as you want. The Tube Chute is not
recommended for children under 6.
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