Formerly an old railroad that provided cargo transport to San Antonio, Old Tunnel State Park is now the home to an estimated 3 million bats! The bats used to reside in the transport cars, and now they dazzle guests from all over the world when they fly out of the tunnel. In addition to seeing these amazing creatures, there are plenty of other fun activities to enjoy at the park. Here are 4 things to do when you visit Old Tunnel State Park:
1. Enjoy a Bat Program
Bats are one of the most intriguing creatures on the planet. The way that they come out at night in search of food while also being so stealthy is mind-blowing. On top of that, they have the interesting sleep habit of hanging upside down where they can keep watch during the day. If you are interested in learning more about bats, Old Tunnel State Park has an amazing program that will teach you about the flying mammals before you watch them embark on their nightly journey of food!
2. Have a Picnic
This park in Fredericksburg TX is a wonderful place to enjoy an entire day with your friends and family. Before the bats fly out at dusk, you can explore all the other natural beauty of the park. There are plenty of grassy areas and a few tables where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with your loved ones. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting outside while you soak in the beautiful Texas weather. There are plenty of restaurant options and grocery stores near the park where you can pick up food for your picnic, and be sure to bring your own water as well.
3. Explore the Hiking Trails
The bats that live in the tunnel aren’t the only natural beauty to see at Old Tunnel State Park! The park is filled with marvelous hiking trails that you can explore to get amazing views of the Texas Hill Country! Old Tunnel State Park Trail is a great hike for all members of the family, as it only covers 0.7 miles round trip. The elevation gain during the trek is also very manageable at only 134 feet. This trail is a great place to escape the noise and enjoy the peace and serenity of nature! While the hike is fabulous year-round, the most popular time is during the bat season which runs from the beginning of May until the end of October.
4. Search for Other Wildlife
While the headline creatures at the park are of course the bats, you may get to see other amazing wildlife while you explore the area. This is one of the most popular places in Fredericksburg for bird watchers as well, as you can spot all types of birds flying through the clear skies. Be on the lookout as you make your way through the park because you never know what you might see!
Now that you know about all there is to do at Old Tunnel State Park, check out all the other attractions in Fredericksburg TX to visit during your stay at our resort! We look forward to seeing you soon!
