The New Braunfels Visitor Center is moving away from I-35 into a historic home.
What’s happening
The New Braunfels Visitor Center is relocating from 237 I-35 to the Hinmann House at 161 S. Castell Ave. The Hinmann House, built around 1868, is the city’s first building made from hand-cut German limestone and has been carefully restored.
The visitor center was initially established as a standalone highway facility in 1997 to accommodate the influx of tourists traveling along I-35, according to a presentation given by New Braunfels Visitor Center Manager Mason Dyer during an Oct. 6 downtown association meeting.
A closer look
The visitor center’s mission is to promote New Braunfels as a year-round destination, engage with the community and educate visitors about the city’s German heritage, landmarks and the Hinmann House.
In its new space, the visitor center will have a “Postcard Place” where community members can become pen pals with residents at local retirement homes and showcase historic postcards. The Sophienburg Museum + Archives will provide the postcards. Children will also be able to write letters and mail them to Santa, according to the presentation.
The new location will also have a playscape with New Braunfels-themed toys to give family members something to do while planning activities or getting information about the city. The space will feature a river mural so children can learn about the heart of New Braunfels.
One more thing
The visitor center will open at the Hinmann House during the city’s annual Downtown Spooktacular on Oct. 29 before holding a grand opening on Nov. 20.
