Mayor Neal Linnartz

In 1845, when Prince Carl brought settlers to New Braunfels, they made their new home along the banks of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, recognizing the rivers’ potential for agriculture, transportation, and recreation. The rivers provided water for crops and livestock, powered mills, and facilitated trade. Prior to their arrival, Native Americans relied on the rivers for similar reasons. Over the years, the rivers have continued to provide a water source for those living nearby, powering industry, and offering tourism through river recreation.  

Our rivers offer both an economic benefit to our community from tourism and an opportunity for locals to recreate. The summer tourism season has a big impact on our local economy, with visitors bringing their dollars from out of town and leaving them here. While we enjoy the economic benefit of tourism, we also want to make sure local residents can still enjoy our beautiful rivers. With Spring Break behind us, we are rapidly moving into the river season and so I want to share some helpful information for people who want to enjoy the rivers.

Resident River Passes

As a resident of New Braunfels, you can bypass paying the $2 River Management Fee by presenting a Resident River Pass at one of the City-operated wristband booths in order to receive a wristband. You can also use your Resident River Pass at any outfitter to have the River Management Fee waived on both the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. Each pass is good for three years and can be used from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Resident and Family Swim Passes from the Landa Park Aquatic Complex can also be used to bypass the River Management Fee.

Free Parking!

A free Resident River Parking Pass is also available to City of New Braunfels residents, allowing for free parking in Pay-to-Park lots on Elizabeth Street, Hinman Island Drive, Mill Street, and San Antonio Street. (Please note: This pass is NOT valid for the parking lot at Prince Solms Park.) One sticker will be issued for each vehicle listed on the resident's auto insurance and each sticker is valid for three years. City Council also recently decided to begin charging for parking on Fair Lane at River Acres Park, but, as a New Braunfels resident, you can park there for free with your Resident River Parking Pass.

New Braunfels residents can get their free River and Parking Passes during regular business hours at the Parks & Recreation Administration Office (located at 110 Golf Course Road) or at Das Rec (located at 345 Landa St).

And if you are headed to the river this season, here are some important rules to remember: 

• No Disposable Containers: This includes plastic bottles, aluminum cans, zip-top bags, glass bottles, styrofoam cups or coolers, cardboard boxes, food wrappers, etc.
• No littering.
• No volume drinking devices.
• No containers under 5 fluid ounces (including containers for Jello shots).
• Noise devices (radios, boom boxes, speakers, etc.) may not be audible beyond 50 feet.
• No jumping from bridges or overpasses.
• Only 1 cooler per person and coolers can be no bigger than 30 quarts and must have a locking or latch mechanism.
• Limit of two tubes per person.
• Tubes or other floatation devices cannot exceed 5 feet (60 inches) in length, width, or diameter. (Note: Most double tubes are over 5 feet and are not allowed.)
• Canoes and kayaks cannot be over 18 feet (216 inches) in length and may not use the Last Tubers Exit on weekends and holidays.
• Free personal floatation devices are available in Prince Solms Park and Hinman Island Park. Just return them at the Last Tubers Exit – at no charge!

The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers are an essential part of the identity and economy of New Braunfels. They attract thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational activities. The rivers continue to be a focal point of the culture and lifestyle of our community, serving as a reminder of this area's rich history. I also enjoy spending time on the rivers during the summer! So come on out, and maybe we’ll run into each other!  

For more information on river recreation opportunities, resident river information, river flows, river rules, and other river-related information, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/rivers. 

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Mayor Neal Linnartz