Comal Spring, New Braunfels, TX *REPORTED TO BE CITY WATER* If you know otherwise please let us know!

## Overview Comal Springs, located within the scenic grounds of Landa Park in New Braunfels, Texas, is widely recognized as the largest spring system in Texas and one of the largest in the entire American Southwest. Fed by the Edwards Aquifer, the springs discharge water through numerous openings along a fault line, giving rise to the Comal River — the shortest navigable river in Texas at just 2.5 miles long. The springs have been a vital water source and gathering place for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation in the area dating back over 12,000 years to the Paleo-Indian period. The Comal Springs were a significant resource for the Tonkawa and other indigenous peoples long before German settlers, led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, founded New Braunfels in 1845 and built their community around this abundant water source. The spring system consists of numerous individual spring openings, with the largest cluster found along the northern shore of Landa Lake within the park. Average combined discharge has historically been around 300 cubic feet per second (roughly 200 million gallons per day), though flow rates fluctuate with regional rainfall and aquifer levels. During the severe drought of 1956, the springs famously ceased flowing entirely for a brief period — the only time in recorded history this has occurred — underscoring the springs' dependence on the health of the Edwards Aquifer. **Important note:** This listing has been reported to potentially be sourced from city water rather than the natural spring itself. If you have firsthand knowledge about the current water source, the community would appreciate an update. For additional technical and historical information about the Comal Springs system, the Edwards Aquifer website (edwardsaquifer.net/comal.html) offers an excellent in-depth resource. ## Directions 1. From **Interstate 35** in New Braunfels, take **Exit 189** for TX-46 / Loop 337. 2. Head west on **San Antonio Street** toward downtown New Braunfels. 3. Turn right (north) onto **Fredericksburg Road**. 4. Continue on Fredericksburg Road for approximately half a mile. **Landa Park** will be on your right. 5. The park entrance is at **835 Fredericksburg Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130**. 6. Once inside the park, follow the main road toward **Landa Lake**. The primary spring openings are located along the northern shore of the lake and are accessible via paved walkways and footpaths. **GPS Coordinates:** 29.711212, -98.143463 ## What to Expect Landa Park is a beautifully maintained city park that provides easy, family-friendly access to the Comal Springs area. The park is open daily from **6:00 a.m. to midnight**. Visitors will find paved paths, shaded picnic areas, and clear views of the spring-fed Landa Lake, where you can observe the crystal-clear water bubbling up from the aquifer below. The water is typically a striking blue-green and maintains a relatively constant temperature year-round, characteristic of Edwards Aquifer springs (historically reported around 70–75°F). The park also offers paddle boat and glass-bottom boat rentals on Landa Lake, a miniature train, a golf course, playgrounds, and swimming at the Landa Park Aquatic Complex — making it a full-day destination for families. The Comal River, which begins at the springs, is one of the most popular tubing destinations in Texas, especially during the summer months. The spring openings themselves are visible from the lakeshore and along walking paths. Several of the larger vents can be seen clearly through the water. The setting is lush and green, with large cypress and pecan trees lining the banks. Because the springs are located within a public city park, access is straightforward with ample parking. The area can get very busy during summer weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended for the best experience.