City Spotlight: Spring Branch
Spring Branch is one of Texas’ newest cities. In fact, it only officially incorporated in November 2015. But its roots go back much further than that.
How to Become a Texas City
The town was originally settled in the 19th century by German immigrants who found a reliable water source in the spring-fed creek that flows into the Guadalupe River. Over the next 150 years, the small settlement grew into a quiet town that never felt a need to incorporate.
But the 21st century brought the expanding sprawl of San Antonio to Spring Branch’s doorstep, and fears that it might be absorbed by the nearby town of Bulverde pushed residents to finally make Spring Branch a city.
Photo by Andrew Fisher
Gateway to the Hill Country
Spring Branch makes a great base to explore much of the Hill Country.
- Guadalupe River State Park: Just up the road from town, visitors can fish, swim, hike, and camp in one of the state’s most pristine preserves.
- Guadalupe Canoe Livery: This Spring Branch joint offers canoe, raft, kayak, and tube rentals, as well as drive-up camping and a swimming hole.
- Blanco State Park: 20 miles north of Spring Branch, the Blanco River offers another great spot for camping, picnicking, swimming, tubing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Canyon Lake: A reservoir formed by a dam on the Guadalupe, the lake sits just 16 miles east of town and is known for its gorgeous sunset views.
Photo by Andrew Fisher
Old Texas Nightlife
Spring Branch sits at the heart of Texas’ old German settlements, and the dance hall culture the Germans brought to the state still thrives today.
- Anhalt Hall: Established in 1875, this Spring Branch dance hall can trace its history back to the German farmers who settled the area. It’s still managed by the local German farmers’ social society, which hosts dinners, dances, festivals, and concerts.
- Kendalia Halle: Just a 20-minute drive away, monthly dances in this 19th-century wooden hall attract locals, families, and city slickers alike.
After a long, lazy day floating down the Guadalupe in a tube, there is nothing better than taking a spin on a couple of dancefloors that should be on every Texan’s bucket list.
Find more Texas travel inspiration here.
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