Schlitterbahn began in 1966 when Bob and Billye Henry purchased the roughly 15-acre Camp Landa resort in New Braunfels. They built a 60-foot, German-inspired castle tower housing waterslides, reflecting the town’s rich heritage (“Schlitterbahn” means “slippery road” in German). Their innovative approach led to groundbreaking attractions like the Boogie Bahn surfing wave and the Master Blaster water coaster. The family-operated park expanded to welcome well over a million annual visitors, creating a Texas waterpark legacy you’ll discover beyond the slides.
Image: Jason Helle from usa, Schlitterbahn 30 years (3814879484), CC BY-SA 2.0
From Camp Landa to Schlitterbahn: The Henry Family Vision
When Bob and Billye Henry purchased Camp Landa in 1966, they couldn’t have imagined they were laying the foundation for one of America’s most innovative water parks.
The close-knit family dynamics shaped the resort’s evolution from a few dozen cabins into a much larger property within a decade. Noticing guests’ attraction to water play, the Henrys pivoted their business model toward aquatic recreation. Their first major waterpark centerpiece was a ~60-foot tower thematically tied to the German heritage of Braunfels, Germany. Their on-site management meant family members lived on property, personally handling guest services and daily operations.
This hands-on approach culminated in Schlitterbahn’s official opening on August 2, 1979. The name—meaning “slippery road” in German—reflected both the attractions and New Braunfels’ cultural heritage, a fitting embodiment of the Henry family’s transformative vision. Much like the Stagecoach Inn in Salado, Schlitterbahn became a cornerstone of Texas tourism, drawing visitors from across the state.
What’s in a Name? German Heritage and Local Roots
The naming of Schlitterbahn (“slippery road”) does more than hint at water-sliding—it anchors the park within New Braunfels’ deep German roots. When the Henry family chose this playful term, they honored a local lineage tracing back to Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels in 1845.
This conscious link to the community’s founders mirrors the city’s commitment to cultural preservation—think singing societies, Wurstfest, and distinctive architecture—while creating something uniquely Texan. In the same spirit, New Braunfels’ press has long reflected bilingual heritage; Schlitterbahn similarly embraces local identity while driving modern entertainment culture.
The park’s setting in the Texas Hill Country keeps it accessible to visitors exploring nearby towns while staying tightly woven to New Braunfels’ historic center. You’ll find this blend of old-world heritage and new-world innovation throughout the park’s original location.
A Castle in Texas: The First Waterslides and Early Attractions
Rising about 60 feet above the riverbanks, a distinctive German-inspired tower marked Schlitterbahn’s splashy entrance into the industry on August 2, 1979. This centerpiece housed four early waterslides and circulated spring-fed Comal River water through the rides.
The early 1980s brought quick expansion: a spring-fed lagoon, inner-tube chutes, and slides like Hillside, Cliffhanger, and Banzai Pipeline. The tower’s German motifs threaded through the park’s design, reinforcing New Braunfels’ heritage while giving the park a unique identity. Fronting the Comal River, the original Schlitterbahn established the foundation for what would grow into a 70-acre water adventure destination.
For families seeking calmer experiences, Polywog Pond and Lagoon Pool offered relaxation alongside the park’s more thrilling adventures.
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Making Waves: Pioneering Waterpark Innovation and Technology
Innovation flows through Schlitterbahn’s veins as powerfully as the water through its attractions. Since opening, the park has revolutionized waterpark experiences with groundbreaking technologies. The 1991 Boogie Bahn introduced the world’s first continuous surfing wave, while the 1996 Master Blaster employed patented water blaster technology to push riders uphill—creating a true water coaster experience with integrated ride safety features.
You’ll experience fewer lines thanks to the 2016 implementation of Blast Pass, a wearable RFID system that allows you to reserve spots virtually. Guests can save their spot in line for the most popular attractions using touchscreen kiosks throughout the park. Throughout the 70-acre park, immersive guest experiences blend German-inspired design with technological ingenuity. From the tidal simulation of Torrent River to the convertible Wasserfest event space, Schlitterbahn continues to merge natural elements with engineering excellence.
Growing Beyond Borders: The Expansion Years and Camp Warnecke
After outgrowing its original 40-acre property, Schlitterbahn entered a transformative expansion phase with the 1991 acquisition of Camp Warnecke. This 25-acre plot along the Comal River allowed the park to nearly double in size, creating new sections that would redefine water entertainment.
The expansion birthed innovative attractions like Surfenburg’s Boogie Bahn—the world’s first continuous surfing wave—and Blastenhoff’s Master Blaster, the first-ever uphill water coaster. Later, Tubenbach’s addition in 2011 introduced The Falls, setting records as the longest waterpark ride globally. The park’s innovative water reclamation system has been a hallmark of its environmental commitment, with 96 to 98 percent of water being recycled throughout operations.
Significant infrastructure upgrades accompanied this growth, supporting over one million annual visitors by 2015. Staffing expansions followed suit, with approximately 2,000 seasonal workers required to maintain operations during peak seasons.
Creating a Summer Tradition: Cultural Impact on Central Texas
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While New Braunfels had always been known for its German heritage and natural springs, Schlitterbahn transformed the city’s identity into Central Texas’s premier summer destination. The waterpark’s integration with the Comal River created a unique experience that’s become a ritual for families across the region, reinforcing community bonds while stimulating the local economy.
You’ll find Schlitterbahn’s influence extends beyond recreation, integrating multicultural programs that celebrate both German traditions and contemporary diversity—much like the city itself. The park represents the town’s commitment to preserving cultural identity while embracing its position as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
- 51 attractions spanning 70 acres of river-connected adventures
- Economic catalyst for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses
- Summer employment opportunities supporting hundreds of local families
- Community gathering space hosting events that bridge longtime residents and newcomers
This cultural icon hasn’t just created memories—it’s woven itself into Central Texas’s social fabric.
Behind the Scenes: Seasonal Operations and Employment
The bustling water slides and lazy rivers of Schlitterbahn mask an impressive seasonal operation that springs to life each April. With over 2,000 seasonal employees joining the ranks each year, the park orchestrates a massive hiring campaign beginning with February blitz events.
You’ll find the park’s calendar strategically designed to manage staffing flexibility challenges, with Preview Days starting April 18 in 2025 and Bonus Days offering limited operations in late summer. Six Flags implements robust employee retention strategies, including competitive pay, professional development, and perks like free park admission.
The operational complexity intensifies during peak season when managers coordinate thousands of staff across various departments. Positions range from lifeguards to food service with minimum age requirements varying by role. This behind-the-scenes effort guarantees your waterpark experience remains seamless, despite the enormous seasonal scaling required to keep Schlitterbahn flowing smoothly.
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New Ownership, Enduring Legacy: The Cedar Fair Era
Transformation came to Schlitterbahn in mid-2019 when Cedar Fair acquired the New Braunfels and Galveston parks for $261 million, marking their first entry into the Texas market. While ownership changed, you’ll find the consistent brand identity remains intact, with Cedar Fair wisely maintaining the iconic Schlitterbahn name that draws millions annually.
When you visit today, you’re experiencing a blend of Schlitterbahn tradition and Cedar Fair’s operational expertise. The acquisition considerably impacted regional tourism, preserving New Braunfels’ status as a premier Texas destination. Despite earlier financial struggles that had accumulated hundreds of millions in debt for the previous owners, the parks continue to thrive under new management.
- Fresh-water attractions remain the park’s hallmark feature
- Seasonal operation schedules continue unchanged
- Original park design elements have been preserved
- Cedar Fair’s industry experience enhances guest services
In 2024, further change came as Cedar Fair merged with Six Flags, creating an even larger amusement park powerhouse.
