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Speleological Experiences in Texas: 7 Wonders in 7 Caves

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The temperature might be rising outside, but underground it’s considerably cooler, and with Texas boasting several cave experiences which are regularly open to the general public, this might be a great time to go. With a certain set of youngsters that may have recently finished school and yet somehow have the words “there’s nothing to do…” ready to roll off their lips, a speleological experience might be just the ticket.

Speleological Experiences in Texas: Seven Wonders in Seven Caves

Photo: Flickr/Dr._Colleen_Morgan

Cascade Caverns, located near Boerne in the Texas Hill Country, is synonymous with just such an experience. Famed for its 68-degree temperature and underground pathways, Cascade Caverns also features a campground, which allows parents and grandparents to make the trip a full-on summer vacation! Also located within the same area is the Cave Without a Name, which can boast such amazing show cave examples as “soda straw” and “cave bacon” formations.

Speleological Experiences in Texas: Seven Wonders in Seven Caves

Photo: Wikimedia

Natural Bridge Caverns, situated between New Braunfels and San Antonio is considered the largest of such cave experiences in the state of Texas. Drawing its name from the 60-foot natural limestone bridge which spans the cavern’s amphitheater setting at its entrance, this attraction features not only the cave component but also a canopy challenge and a maze experience! They also have food service on site, a mining/educational experience for the younger set, and plenty of souvenirs available.

Speleological Experiences in Texas: Seven Wonders in Seven Caves

Photo: Flickr/Leah Jones

The Caverns of Sonora, located off I-10 in West Texas, has provided visitors the stunning experience of viewing its delicate helictites. Named a National Natural Landmark, a sure sign that your experience is well worth it is the quote by Bill Stephenson on the caverns’ main page: “Its Beauty Can Not be Exaggerated, Even by Texans.” Speaking of amazing beauty, Wonder Cave is one of the few tectonic caves located in Texas, formed along a section of the Balcones Fault at San Marcos during an earthquake. Known as the first show cave in the Lone Star State, visitors to the area have enjoyed touring it for more than a century, and now it consists of a park facility with many other attractions for family-friendly fun.

Speleological Experiences in Texas: Seven Wonders in Seven Caves

Photo: Flickr/Ed Schipul

Located at Longhorn Cavern State Park, its namesake caverns southwest of Burnet were developed when water dissolved and cut the limestone bedrock over thousands of years. Featuring daily, wild cave, and paranormal cave tours, this is definitely a must-see on your summer vacation bucket list for the kids – if not for the caverns, for the state park itself! And finally, Inner Space Cavern located in Georgetown is a karst cave that was discovered in 1963 by the Texas Highway Department core drilling team. More than 7,000 feet of the cave have been surveyed, and its passages vary from tight crawls to large, cathedral-type halls. It was opened to the public in 1966, and since then hundreds of thousands of speleological visitors have seen its beauty. Plan a trip to go underground this summer with the kids. Lay low in Texas, keep cool, and they’ll accidentally learn something in the process (which they never guessed they’d do on summer vacation!)