Home / Environment / Millions of Bats Take Over Small Texas State Park
Millions of Bats Take Over Small Texas State Park
13 Apr
Summary
- Smallest Texas state park, Old Tunnel, hosts millions of bats.
- Historic railroad tunnel offers unique bat viewing opportunities.
- Park offers nature trails and wildlife viewing beyond bats.
Old Tunnel State Park, a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, is the state's smallest park but boasts a massive draw: a colony of roughly three million bats. These nocturnal visitors, primarily Mexican free-tailed and cave myotis bats, reside in a historic 900-foot railroad tunnel carved through limestone. The tunnel, once part of the San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Northern Railway, is now a landmark for wildlife enthusiasts.
From May to October, visitors can observe the bats' emergence, a spectacle comparable to larger bat sanctuaries. Access to viewing areas after dusk incurs a fee, with upper and lower overlooks offering different perspectives. The lower area is accessible from Thursdays to Sundays, and tickets often sell out quickly, necessitating advance purchase.
Beyond the bats, the park provides a three-quarter-mile nature trail with interpretive signage about the area's railroad history and bat population. Visitors can also spot other wildlife like foxes and deer. Pets are prohibited, and smoking and alcohol are not permitted, ensuring a pristine natural experience.
