Schlitterbahn Water Parks Offer the Best Way to Cool Off

It is HOT in Texas in the summertime. So one of the best ways to cool off usually includes anything that has to do with water. From swimming pools to the backyard water sprinkler, water is the people's choice for cooling off in the heat. This is what makes water parks so inviting to vacationers. That is also the brain child behind Schlitterbahn.

Schlitterbahn, or "slippery road" as is the German translation, is the name given to several water parks that began in Texas. Built on the Comal River near New Braunfels, Texas, in 1979, the park came about naturally as people have been cooling off here since pioneers came to Texas. This spring-fed river is naturally cool all summer long.

The original forty acres were purchased in the 1970's by Bob and Billye Henry. At that time it was known as the Landy Resort. Tourists would come and ride tubes down the lazy river and have someone pick them up farther down. Recognizing that people wanted to be in the water so much, the first of the water park slides was built. Called Schlitterbahn West it was an immediate success. Camp Warnecke was then bought and added 25 more acres to be called Schlitterbahn East.

As the park progressed other attractions have been added. The first uphill slide known as the Dragon Blaster was a great addition. This has been followed by two uphill water coasters the Master Blaster and the Family Blaster. Today the park has a total of 17 water slides. The latest water feature is a surfing machine creating waves for amateur and sport enthusiasts alike. Of course it still has 3 miles of lazy day tubing down the river with someone to pick you up. The park also has seven playgrounds for your young children. The park features are geared for from the very beginning swimmer to fast rapids chutes for the most daring.