It has been said you can’t judge a book by its cover, and the same can be applied to the Texas Hill Country. Sure, there are amazing views and gorgeous scenery, but in order to fully appreciate the extent of all the Hill Country has to offer, you have to look below the surface. In this case, the wonders hidden below are very literal. A large collection of caves calls this region home, and every year tourists flock to see their otherworldly beauty. Continue reading below for a list of the top five Hill Country cave destinations!
Nature
Underground Wonders: The Caves of the Texas Hill Country
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1. Longhorn Caverns
Photo: Facebook/Longhorn Cavern State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife
Where: Burnet, Texas
Hours of Operation: Week Days – 9 a.m to 5 p.m., Weekends – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/longhorn-cavern
Phone: (512) 715-9000
About: Since 1938, Longhorn Cavern has offered Texas residents and visitors to the state the chance to experience the wonder of cave exploration. Besides natural beauty, the cavern is home to legends of all sorts. From caches of hidden treasure to the rescue of a kidnapped child, a visit to this National Natural Landmark offers the opportunity to dive into its rich history. Additionally, various types of cave tours are available. For pricing details or to learn more about the cavern visit the link above.
2. The Cave Without a Name
Photo: Facebook/Cave Without a Name
Where: Boerne, Texas
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Open seven days a week, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Website: www.cavewithoutaname.com
Phone: (830) 537-4212
About: Eighty feet below earth’s surface lies the hidden beauty of the Cave Without a Name. Guided tours help you navigate your way throughout the underground treasure, with six different “formation rooms” just waiting to be seen. One of the most well-known of these rooms is the Queen’s Throne Room, which hosts a multitude of events throughout the year. This month, the Sounds of the Season, a special Holiday concert will take place November 25.
3. Cascade Caverns
Photo: Facebook/Cascade Caverns
Where: Boerne, Texas
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open daily excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Website: www.cascadecaverns.com
Phone: (830) 755-8080
About: Another underground attraction located near Boerne are the amazing Cascade Caverns. According to the destination’s website, it was first discovered in the 1700s but only became a commercial attraction in the 1930s. Amazing things have been discovered in the cave, including the remains of a Mastodon and Sabertooth tiger. In addition to guided tours, guests can also camp on the grounds using either primitive campsites or sites with full utility hookups. For more information regarding tour and camping rates, just follow the link listed above.
4. Natural Bridge Caverns
Photo: Facebook/Natural Bridge Caverns
Where: Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas
Hours of Operation: Hours vary, open daily (excluding holidays).
Website: www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
Phone: (210) 651-6101
About: Visitors to this attraction can explore both the wonders that await underground and those that exist above the rugged Hill Country terrain by taking advantage of cave tours and the canopy zip-line. Since its discovery in the 1960s, the cave has been a source of adventure for thousands of visitors and offers its guests the chance to combine education and fun all in a single visit. Additionally, during this holiday season, the caverns offer a unique experience called Christmas at the Caverns, where the sights and sounds of the season collide with the other-worldly beauty of the caves to offer an unforgettable experience. To learn more about the Natural Bridge Caverns, simply use the link above to navigate to the attraction’s website.
5. Caverns of Sonora
Photo: Facebook/Caverns of Sonora
Where: Sonora, Texas
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m to 5 p.m., open daily (only closed Christmas Day)
Website: www.cavernsofsonora.com
Phone: (325) 387-3105 or (325) 387-6507
About: According to the caverns’ website, this underground wonder was originally created to prevent further damage to the existing cave and to educate the general public. Opened for the first time in 1960, the site has since been mentioned in publications such as Texas Monthly and Texas Highways. Guided tours take you 155 feet down toward the earth’s center, and along the way are numerous geological treasures as the cave is known as a “formation rich” destination.
