“home to up to three million Brazilian free-tailed bats”
The abandoned railroad tunnel that gives Old Tunnel its name is home to up to three million Brazilian free-tailed bats (T. b. mexicana) and 3,000 Cave myotis (Myotis velifer) bats from May through October. During those months, visitors come to watch the bats emerge from the tunnel each night.
Have you ever heard of bat viewing? Well, it’s certainly a thing in Texas. Here at Old Tunnel State Park you can walk through the half-mile nature trail and take part in bird viewing and enjoying nature. What makes this place special is the bat colony that has developed in the tunnel since its closing. The tunnel used to be part of a railroad that operated all the way until 1942. When it closed, bats made their way in and started a colony.
Old Tunnel is home to up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats and 3,000 cave myotis bats from May through October.
While you can hang out during the day at no cost, anyone who wishes to stay after 5 PM will need to purchase tickets to witness the bat emergence. From May to October you can watch all the bats come out just after sunset! It truly is a remarkable event, similar to the bat showing in Austin, Texas.
We think a visit here is one of the best things to do in Fredericksburg, TX!
This is a great place to hike during the day and watch the bats emerge in the evening. Even during the day, you can hike to the bottom of the trail and see the bats flying in the tunnel from afar. As of right now, you have to reserve a spot to watch the bats come out at night.
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Old Tunnel State Park
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
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