TourTexas Travel Directory Destination:
Gruene, Texas

For a true Texas experience visit this famous as well as historic shopping & entertainment district on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Historic Gruene is conveniently located in New Braunfels between San Antonio and Austin in the Texas Hill Country.

Gruene Hall, Texas' Oldest Dance Hall

On the National Register of Historic Places, Gruene is home to the internationally recognized Gruene Hall, known as Texas Oldest Dance Hall, as well as one of the most unique dining spots in Texas, The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, opened in 1977 in the ruins of an old cotton gin on the river bank with seating for over 750.

Activities in Town

Shopping in Gruene's many specialty stores located in restored turn of the century buildings, sipping the largest selection of Texas wines available for daily tasting, taking a fly fishing lesson, floating or fishing the river, listening and dancing to the best in Texas & Americana music, watching the potter work, playing horse shoes or dominos, dining on outdoor decks with sweeping views of the river, staying the night at the historic inn.

Traditional events: Old Gruene Market Days, Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist, Texas Summer Nights, American Music Jam, Texas Metal Arts Festival, Gruene Music & Wine Fest, Texas Clay Festival, Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic, Photos with Cowboy Kringle, Christmas Along the Corridor, Gruene Town Lighting, and New Year's Eve at Gruene Hall. Events Calendar >>

Gruene Hall has been the center of Gruene's social activity since 1878 and remains virtually untouched since that time. During the last quarter century, Gruene Hall has become well known internationally as a special venue featuring the best artists in contemporary country, blues, Americana and folk, besides being a location for film shoots, commercials and live recordings.

Among the many notables who have performed at the Hall are George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, The Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. The hall has featured entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings and is also well known for a full schedule of free music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, as well as every night during the summer months. All ages are welcome. See Events Calendar >>

Gruene, Texas is only 5 minutes from Schlitterbahn, 10 minutes from San Marcos Outlet Stores, 30 minutes from San Antonio and 45 minutes from Austin. At New Braunfels, take exit 191 off of IH-35, go west 1 1/2 miles, turn left at the light on Hunter Road, 1 mile to Historic Downtown Gruene, Texas.

Experience the continuing tradition of Texas' best in food, music and family fun in this laid back historic setting.