Nestled in the midst of historic New Braunfels, Texas is
a beautiful Hill Country oasis known as Landa Park. I remember back to growing up in the Hill Country and one of the things you did as a kid was swim in the ice cold waters of the giant spring fed pool. You arrived hot from the South Texas summer heat and jumped into the pool which was so cold it took your breath away. Back in the day before all the hyper active safety awareness, they had high dives and all kinds of fun things that you could possibly maim yourself with...but man did we love it. Today they have a rope swing and a really cool huge slide for the kids (big and small) to enjoy! For those who are into a more climate controlled experience, there is the regular pool at the top of the hill and the childrens pool and play area. The Landa Park Aquatic Center is a longstanding tradition for locals to enjoy and visitors from all over come to enjoy this great feature.
So you like nature???
There are arboretum trails, walking paths, hiking trails and plenty of photo ops for the nature enthusiast. You can hike Panther Canyon, get a workout by jogging, power walking or even riding your bike on the concrete paths and study the many native trees and plants marked along the way for your enjoyment. The animal life is amazing too. You will see many varieties of ducks, geese, and other birds, there is fishing, crawdads and the ever present nutria. Don't forget the squirrels who delight in trying to join your picnic.
Take a ride on the railroad...
The Landa Park Rail Road train is one of the more famous features of the park. Enjoy a breezy ride through the park on this scale model passenger train that meananders along the tracks as you wave to folks fishing, picnicking, and walking about. It is a lot of fun for kids of all ages...from 9 months to 99 years!
Strike up the band!
There is a stage and dancefloor where special events are held and every Thursday night during the summer there is a FREE concert series. Bring a chair or blanket and come on out to Landa Park for a concert under the stars. It is a great way to enjoy some great entertainment and mingle with your neighbors.
Did somebody say PLAY???
Landa Park has one of the most fun playscapes around! Of course many of us remember the days of the steel monster, the burning hot in the summertime sun, all metal tall tower with two twisty slides coming down! How many of us burned our bottoms or injured ourselves on that beast??? It was all part of growing up in Landa Park! The new and improved and very child friendly playscape is an adventure land of fun things to do for the kids and of course you can still swing on the swingsets!
FORE!!!
Oh yeah, that's right...Golf! The Landa Park Golf Course is fabulous! You just have to be okay with sharing the fairways with a few deer. It is a challenging course with scenic fairways and challenging greens that traverse back and forth across ponds and streams! Of course being a city course, it is very affordable and popular, so call ahead for a tee time!
Putt Putt anyone???
Let's say that you are no Tiger Woods and you favor a less serious game of golf...well the Landa Park putt putt course is just what the doctor ordered! Located in the park next to WurstHalle is this charming and mostly shaded course that offers an affordable good golfing time without the direct exposure to the sun under the huge shade trees.
Everyone loves a paddle boat!
For those who want to get out on the water, you can rent a paddle boat. They have boats that accomodate 2 to 4 people and they are a blast! My son and I love to go out on the paddle boats and cruise around the lake at Landa Park. It is a cool and fun way to spend an afternoon at the park.
As you can see there is much to love about Landa Park...
so when you are making summertime plans in the Texas Hill Country, make sure you add Landa Park in New Braunfels to your list of HOT places to visit!
