German culture is a large part of American society, from biergartens to schnitzel to the many Oktoberfests around the country. The influence of German settlers is especially noticeable in Texas, where German descendants form the largest part of European immigrants. To get a taste of Germany without leaving Texas, this German town in Texas is the place to go.
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Muenster, Texas is A Little Pocket of Germany
Although there are many pockets of Germany throughout the Lone Star State, one of the most well-known is Muenster, Texas. This small town has about 1,500 inhabitants and can be found in west central Cooke County, about an hour north of Fort Worth and Dallas.
Muenster was established by the Flusche brothers back in the late 19th century. A large percentage of the townspeople today are descended from its original inhabitants, making this small town the perfect place to learn about German heritage and appreciate all the these immigrants brought with them.
This part of Texas history is one that lives on in the many German towns in Texas, from famous Fredericksburg to smaller communities like Luckenbach, Texas with its 13 inhabitants. In an attempt to preserve their roots, many German immigrants continued to speak German until World War I, when its use began to decline. However, some still speak Texas German, which is a group of German language dialects that evolved when German settlers come to Texas.
The Delectable German Food of Muenster
There are many ways to enjoy the culture of this German town. For one, simply walk down Main Street and check out the lovely German-style architecture, like the charming half-timbered houses the clock tower. Don't miss the collection of murals that depict a German village to really feel like you've been transported! However, although a beautiful building is always nice, one of the biggest attractions in Muenster is Fischer's Meat Market, a market that combines the town's German heritage with Texas Hospitality.
Known for authentic German sausages and their wide assortment of cheeses, Fischer's is the place to go to experience German food. Choose between Bratwurst, Spicy Chicken Sausage, Kielbasa, Taco Flavored Hot Links, and more when checking out the sausage selection. Some of the most popular cheeses are Smoked Cheddar, Smoked Jalapeño Jack and Smoked Monterrey Jack.
Some other favorites are the Seasoned & Smoked Rib, Stuffed Bacon, or Jalapeño Cheese Summer Sausage, all of which go great with a side of German Potato Salad and Sauerkraut. For a classic German meal, visitors can also head to Rohmer's Restaurant, a German restaurant with traditional options. You can't go wrong with the Chicken Schnitzel with German Potato Salad and Red Cabbage or Chicken Fried Steak. The Rueben and bratwurst plate is another tasty choice!
For those who still have room, Bayer's Kolonialwaren is an unassuming but beloved bakery that also functions as a gas station. As unexciting as this combo might sound, one bite of the strudel will win you over. For chocolate lovers, the "haystacks" are to die for- a pastry made of coconut, chocolate and nuts. To have the full German experience, try the strudels, jelly filled donuts, and the delectable, flaky fruit tarts.
German Festivals in Muenster
Another way to explore Muenster is to come for one of the festivals hosted here. Germanfest includes a BBQ cookout, amazing German food, folk performances and a race. This spring-time festival is one of the best times to get to know this little German town.
For a fall-time option, Muenster also hosts their own Oktoberfest every October in the German Heritage Pavilion. This event includes lots and lots of beer, along with food, Wiener Dog Races,craft venders, and traditional live music like Polka music and Jazz.
Other German Towns in Texas
If your road trip takes you closer to south or Central Texas, you'll find even more opportunities to explore the German Towns in Texas. In Texas Hill Country, west of Austin and north of San Antonio, there are a number of charming towns and historic sites to visit to be transported to Germany, and many are near wineries and other Texan attractions.
The German settlers who arrived to this part of of Texas in the 1840s created the Adelsverein, or the Society of the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. This led them to create many little pockets of Germany, like New Braunfels, Schulenburg, Boerne and Fredericksburg. From the Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels to the country music dance in Luckenbach, a visit to any of these German towns in Texas will deliver you right to a small village in Germany.
