Boerne (pronounced Bernie), on the banks of Cibolo Creek, was founded in 1847 by German immigrants, members of the same group who settled nearby New Braunfels. They named the town for author Ludwig Börne, whose writings inspired many people to leave Germany for the New World.
During the 1880s, Boerne became known as a health spot, and vacationers came by railroad to soak in mineral water spas and enjoy the clean country air. Although no mineral spas remain today, Boerne still offers a quiet country atmosphere and dozens of antiques shops.
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Learn about Boerne’s agricultural roots.
The Agricultural Heritage Center museum features farm and ranch tools used by pioneers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a working steam-operated blacksmith shop.
Agriculture was important to the history of this community, and its contribution is remembered at the Agricultural Heritage Center, on Texas 46. Six acres surrounding the museum are covered with hand drawn plows, wagons, early tractors and woodworking tools. Located on TX 46, one mile from Main Street.
Explore the land beneath the Hill Country.
Boerne is home to not one but two caves that welcome the public.
Cascade Caverns is a family-owned cavern has a 100-foot waterfall, an unusual underground sight. Guided tours take 45 minutes.
Cave Without A Name is a 50-million-year-old cave is privately owned and, while not as well known as other Hill Country caverns, boasts many beautiful formations. A 45-minute tour takes you through a series of rooms, including one with Texas-sized stalagmites. Graveled walks wind through the cavern, and no difficult climbing is necessary.
Take a Nature Walk.
You don’t have to go far to explore the Cibolo Wilderness Trail, located at Boerne City Park on TX 46 at Cibolo Creek. Enjoy grassland, marshland, and woodland in this park that offers a slice of the Hill Country. The wilderness area includes both reclaimed prairie and reclaimed marsh, with walking trails that range from 1/4 to one mile in length.
You’ll find several walking trails, including an historic farm trail, a prairie trail, a creekside trail, and a marsh loop. The trails wind past native plants as well as birds and animals indigenous to the Hill Country. Look for great horned owl, opossum, white tailed deer, and cottontail rabbits in the Cibolo Wilderness.
Listen to the Boerne Village Band.
Boerne is also home to the Boerne Village Band. For more than a century this German band (the oldest continuously active German band in the country and the oldest in the world outside of Munich) has entertained residents and visitors with its old-world sound.
This group can be heard at many local festivals and at Boerne’s own Abendkonzerte, summer concerts scheduled for selected nights throughout the summer on the Main Plaza.
Take a Walk Back in Time.
The Kuhlmann-King Historical House and Graham Building and Museum Store, located at Main St. and Blanco Rd., was built by a local businessman for his German bride in 1885. Today the two-story stone home is staffed by volunteer docents. The Graham Building, located next door, is home to the Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society with exhibits on local history.
Visit a State Park
Guadalupe River State Park, located 13 miles east of Boerne off TX 46 on Park Rd. 31, preserves the area alongside the clear, cold Guadalupe River.
Camp, swim, hike, or just picnic on its scenic banks, or on Saturday mornings, take an interpretive tour of the Honey Creek State Natural Area to learn more about the plants and animals of the region.
Honey Creek State Natural Area is limited to those on guided tours. A two-hour guided look at the park’s history and ecology is offered every Saturday morning at 9 a.m.; reservations aren’t suggested but call first to confirm that a tour will be offered. Access into the park is through the Guadalupe River State Park.