GUADALUPE RIVER. The Guadalupe's
principal tributaries are the Comal and the San Marcos
rivers. The upper Guadalupe flows across part of the Edwards
Plateau. Near the river, high limestone bluffs support bald
cypress, mesquite, and grasses. The Balcones fault line,
which the river crosses near New Braunfels, marks the
transition to the coastal plains. Sections of the upper and
middle reaches of the river are suitable for canoeing, but a
number of small waterfalls prevent uninterrupted navigation
of the entire river. The lower Guadalupe is generally much
quieter and has more sand bars that lend themselves to
camping and day use.
GRUENE, TEXAS. Gruene has been designated a
Historic Town by the State of Texas. The name of the town
is pronounced like the color "Green". This town is a
treasure trove of shops, antiques, some very good
restaurants and a wine shop.
Henry D. Gruene, the town's founder, originally
bought land for a cotton farm in 1872 with his father and
brothers. He built his first home in 1872 and modified it
over the years. It still stands proudly with its Victoria
galleries today as the Gruene Mansion Inn. It is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated
Texas Historic Landmark.
From Historic Gruene, Austin is 40 miles to the
north, San Antonio is 25 miles to the south, and Houston is
160 miles to the east. New Braunfels and Canyon Lake are
only minutes away.
Gruene
Hall, a bar and dance hall, was built in the 1880’s and
soon became the social center for the community. It still
stands at the end of Hunter Road and the intersection of
Gruene Road. It is oldest dance hall in Texas and many
country-singing stars and legends have performed there over
the years. Willie Nelson, George Strait, Jerry Jeff Walker,
Lyle Lovett are some of the well-known singers. A complete
list of the singers is displayed inside the hall.
Jump right in and cool off! The water’s great for
swimming, wading, tubing, and rafting. The whole family can
enjoy a day in the waters of the Guadalupe River.
Other area attractions:
on RIVERCREST DR - go 0.2 miles. Turn
on GRUENE RD - go 1.0 mile. You will cross the
Guadelupe River before you go up a hill and into the town of Gruene.