North Texans interested in exploring German culture don’t need to travel far. They can spend the day in Muenster, a town close to Red River.
Founded in 1889 by German Catholic settlers, Muenster is still a predominantly German Catholic town, North Texas e-News recently reported.
The cultural influence can be seen in restaurants, shops, markets, and more.
One of the most well-known features of the town is Fischer’s Meat Market, according to North Texas e-News. It has been part of the community for over 80 years and is known to combine German culture and Texas hospitality.
Recipes from the Fischer family date back to 1927, the same year the city of Muenster was officially incorporated.
“Nestled in the small North Texas town of Muenster, Fischer’s Meat Market is here to serve. We combine our German Heritage with Texas Hospitality in order to provide the absolute best service possible,” the market’s website states. “While we are known for our meats, cheeses, and processing, we offer excellent specialty items, spices, imported goods, imported beers, groceries and fresh produce.”
The market steadily draws in visitors to Muenster, according to North Texas e-News.
There are plenty of other fun places to visit in the small town.
Popular attractions, according to Lone Star Travel Guide, include the Muenster Museum, Bayer’s Kolonialwaren, and Doc’s Bar & Grill. There is also a collection of murals that can be found near Main Street.
The museum is found in a house that once belonged to the Seyler family and offers information on the history of the town.
Muenster also hosts German-inspired events each year. The annual Germanfest festival is held for three days in spring and features German food, performances, and a fun run.
“Thousands are attracted to the three-day-event to partake of its offerings of juicy sausages, mouth-watering strudels, cakes, pies, and homemade breads, hearty cheeses and a variety of beers including German beers,” the Muenster Chamber of Commerce states on its website.
There is also an Oktoberfest celebration held every year, with beer, lederhosen, and dirndls.
The 2023 Germanfest will be held on April 28, 29, and 30. Oktoberfest for 2023 will be on October 6, 7, and 8.
The German history in Muenster dates back to the late 1800s.
“On December 8, 1889, the first Catholic Mass was celebrated in Muenster,” the city’s official website shares. “Father Henry Brickley of Gainesville served as the celebrant in which twenty-five men, seven women, and six children gathered at the Flusche land office which served as an ad hoc church. While settlement began in Muenster prior to the town’s first religious services, community members commemorate the event as the date of the town’s founding.”
Oil was discovered in the town in the 1920s, which led to changes for the town.
“Oil brought economic growth and new people to the community,” according to the website. “To accommodate the growth brought about by the economic prosperity, Muenster became a legally incorporated city in 1927.”
The current population of Muenster is around 1,600 people. Most of those living in the town are descendants of the German Catholics who originally settled in the area.