Bobcat Bucket List #81: Take a Trip to Schlitterbahn

The original Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has been recognized as the World’s Best Waterpark, winning Amusement Today’s prestigious Golden Ticket Award every year since the award was founded 1997. The park has four distinct sections with each containing a swim up bar, a lazy river, children’s areas, and distinct attractions.

Not only can you spend the day riding waterslides and lounging at the pools, but you can stay the night. Schlitterbahn has an on-site resort with seven different lodges. Resort guests gain early entry and discounted passes.

It all began in 1966 along the spring-fed river in the Texas Hill Country. Bob and Billye Henry and their three children took over a small resort that would one day become the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Originally, they intended to add a few slides to gain more business at the resort. People loved the new slides so much that the Henry family added a large slide complex. To pay tribute to the German heritage in New Braunfels, they decided to name their resort Schlitterbahn, meaning “slippery road” in German. They proceeded to officially open the park in the summer of 1979.

Today, Schlitterbahn has 51 attractions, a bus transportation system between parks, and multiple restaurants and gift shops. It is also the home of the world’s first uphill water slide, first surfing wave, and the world’s longest tube ride. The original portion of the park still uses spring-fed water from the Comal River in New Braunfels on all of their rides and pools.

Schlitterbahn made a commitment to provide an unforgettable experience to guests and a commitment to preserving the environment. For this second reason, 98% of the water used at the waterpark is recycled and all areas of the park contain recycling bins.

Visit Schlitterbahn New Braunfels from late spring to early fall 10am-8pm 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130