Nature

5 Fun Places to Explore Caves and Caverns in Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Texas is home to a number of gorgeous caves and cavern systems. Exploring the cool recesses of nature is a great way to spend a weekend, and a fun way to learn about the state’s history and geology. Here are five great local places to try out your skills as a spelunker:

1. Kickapoo Cavern State Park, Brackettville

kickapoo-cavern

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Kickapoo Cavern State Park in Brackettville, Texas  is home to 20 known caves. The park is a great place for camping, hiking, picnicking, birding, and bat observation. Permits are required to explore the caves, and tours are offered every Saturday. Group tours and events are also available by reservation.

2. Longhorn Cavern State Park, Burnet

longhorn cavern

Photo: longhorncaverns.com

Longhorn Cavern State Park in Burnet, Texas is a great place to discover one of the state’s gorgeous river-formed caverns. Daily tours include visiting Crystal City, a section of the cave covered in calcite crystals, and the Indian Council Room where Comanche Indians once gathered many years ago. Longhorn Cavern also offers Wild Cave and Paranormal tours.

3. Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio

cave

Photo: pixabay.com

Discovered in 1960 by local university students, Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest cavern system in Texas. Visitors have a variety of activities to choose from at Natural Bridge, including Discovery, Hidden Passage, and Lantern tours, as well as a canopy challenge, a maze, and mining for gems and fossils. Natural Bridge is also home an annual holiday celebration, Christmas at the Caverns, which includes a Christmas village, hayrides, and more.

4. Inner Space Cavern, Georgetown

cave

Photo: pixabay.com

Located north of Austin, in Georgetown, Texas, Inner Space Cavern opened in 1966. The cave was discovered by a Texas Highway Department drilling team who was surveying the area. Guided tours range from beginner to advanced, and offer a great educational opportunity for visitors of all ages.

5. Wonder World Park, San Marcos

wonder world

Photo: wonderworldpark.com

At the center of Wonder World Park in San Marcos is the Balcones Fault Line Cave, touted as the nation’s only earthquake-formed cave. Visitors can spend the day exploring the cave, as well as the numerous other attractions at Wonder World, including the Tejas observation tower, the anti-gravity house, wildlife park, and more.