The landscape of the Texas Hill Country is certainly a stunner with its rolling hills, bluebonnet fields, lakes, and spectacular sunsets. But this area has some pretty amazing sights below the Earth’s surface, too. Below, you’ll find a list of fascinating caverns around Austin, some of which provide fun tours for the whole family and some geared toward a more experienced spelunker. We think exploring Austin’s caves is such a treat because they’re naturally temperate year-round, with so much adventure to explore!
— Inner Space Cavern | 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, GeorgetownFirst discovered by a Texas Highway drilling team surveying the area, this intergalactic cave is one of the best-preserved caves in Texas and one of the few places where prehistoric remains are found. Inner Space Cavern is open daily, and their Adventure Tour runs every 15-25 minutes throughout the day. They also have more in-depth tours, a Saber Tooth Zip Ride, a shop, a cafe, and more. Read about our previous experience touring Inner Space Cavern with our family.
— Bracken Cave |26101 FM3009, San Antonio
15 million Mexican free-tailed bats claim this cave, and it’s the world’s largest bat colony and one of the largest concentrations of mammals on earth. Skip the South Congress Bridge and head to Bracken for the ultimate bat-viewing experience. Advance registration is required and you can get more info here.
— Cave Without A Name | 325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne
Head to Boerne to tour six major rooms in 66-degree comfort in this cave. The easy, low-key walks depart throughout the day and are about an hour long. The cave originally got its name from a statewide contest, where one little Texan claimed the cave was too beautiful for a name. And despite a few efforts to change it, the name stuck. Reservations are recommended to ensure tour availability. Get all the info here.
— Longhorn Cavern State Park |6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet
This cave in Burnet, TX, has a colorful history. Unlike other Texas caves, Longhorn was created by rivers surging through cracks and holes millions of years ago. Left behind are unusual rock formations, domed ceilings, sinkholes, and sparkling crystals that draw tourists in high and low. The cave itself was used for various purposes by Native Americans, Confederate soldiers, and outlaws throughout history. Fun fact: During Prohibition, Longhorn Cavern was run as a speakeasy by the locals. Check out the cave’s tour options here.
— Natural Bridge Caverns | 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio
Say howdy to the largest natural cavern system in Texas, y’all! This once-unknown hole in the rock was discovered by local UT students back in 1960. Today, the caverns, located in San Antonio, TX, are still very active and considered living, forming, and changing as the rainwater runs through the limestone. For the ultimate cave experience, look into The Lantern Tour and illuminate your way through the towering stone monuments and the waves of colorful cave ribbons, just like the first founding group did. Natural Bridge Caverns also has zip rails, a ropes course, mazes, a play area for younger kids, a cafe, a shop, and more.
More to Explore:
- Fun Ideas to Surprise the Kids
- Adventurous Activities for Austin Thrill-Seekers
- Upcoming FREE Events for Families
This article was originally contributed by Rebecca West for Do512.com
