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| 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. |
| 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.
Camp Warnecke, Cypress Bend Park
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