Near New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Slumber Falls
Mrs. Lillie and her brother, Herman Schrader, built 11 cabins one at a time as they could afford them. Advertised as "Paradise of the Hills," the camp was a popular tourist destination during a rapid increase in automobile tourism, particularly along river road. The camp was a place to get away from the city and enjoy the beauty of a Hill Country river. Drought conditions closed the site as a tourist camp in 1957.
As early as 1956, the Texas Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church (United Church of Christ) voted to seek a campsite for youth and adult activities. The wooded site with 11 cabins on limestone cliffs with majestic views overlooking the Guadalupe River was chosen. The property was purchased on December 31, 1957. Slumber Falls Camp, named for the peaceful and serene falls on the river, opened in the summer of 1958 with 385 campers and 100 staff.
The camp facilities expanded and evolved into a beautiful naturally-landscaped camp with updated facilities while maintaining several of the original tourist court cabins for a 1930s camping experience. The camp continues the tradition of providing a memorable camping and learning experience for youth and adults where they can slumber with the sound of waterfalls.
Erected 2015 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18075.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is December 31, 1957.
Location. 29° 45.193′ N, 98° 8.605′ W. Marker is near New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker is on River Road, 0.4 miles north of Hueco Springs Loop Road, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located along the highway at the entrance to the private camp. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3610 River Road, New Braunfels TX 78132, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ernst and Antoinette Gruene House (approx. 2.3 miles away); Erhardt Neuse House (approx. 2˝ miles away); Gruene Cotton Gin (approx. 2˝ miles away); H.D. Gruene Mercantile (approx. 2.6 miles away); Gruene's Hall (approx. 2.6 miles away); Original Gruene Mercantile (approx. 2.6 miles away); H.D. Gruene, Jr's Office (approx. 2.6 miles away); Gruene (approx. 2.6 miles away).
Also see . . . Slumber Falls. Comal County Texas
As roads were improved and people began taking trips, the Guadalupe River grew in popularity and tourist camps like Slumber Falls catered to these travelers. As one of the few remaining intact tourist camps, Slumber Falls reflects this early tourism trend and is significant for this association, making it eligible for listing in the NRHP under Criterion A.” Slumber Falls began as a tourist camp in the 1930s and then in the 1950s, after being sold to the Texas Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church (United Church of Christ), continued as a church youth and adult camp and retreat facility.(Submitted on November 21, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 191 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.