
STATE PARK ADVENTURES
Bat-Nado!
They built the tunnel for the train, but since the train’s been gone, it’s been serving a new purpose: a perfect roosting place for millions of bats. Old Tunnel State Park (near Fredericksburg) houses to up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats and 3,000 cave myotis during the warmest half of the year.
The park is open for bat viewing during those months, from May to October. Like the bat emergences at other Hill Country bat roosts, it’s one of the great wildlife spectacles in Texas.
At the park’s lower viewing area, visitors can get a close look at the bats streaming out of the tunnel in their nightly search for food, even feeling wind generated by the bats’ wings.
At the upper viewing area, visitors can watch the rising swirl of bats.
“It looks like a tornado,” says Superintendent Nyta Brown.
Ranger-led nightly programs focus on the fascinating life history of the Mexican free-tailed bat.
“This year is shaping up to be a great year for bat viewing because it’s been hot and dry — the bats tend to come out earlier because they have to go farther for food,” Brown says. “It’s a hard year for bats but a good year for bat viewing.”
Tickets, purchased in advance, are required for viewing. Check the bat emergence times for the latest information; they don’t always come out at sunset.
Beyond the Tunnel
At 16 acres, Old Tunnel is Texas’ smallest state park.

Hike
A shaded half-mile nature trail lets visitors experience the park’s Hill Country topography and habitat.

Bird-watch
A wildscape area with native plants and feeders attracts a variety of birds (bird checklist is available).

Stargaze
Stay after the bats emerge to enjoy the stars and night sky. Astronomy programs are offered once a month.
Old Tunnel State Park
10619 Old San Antonio Rd. Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Daytime park entry is free. Bat viewing fee: $2-$5
The park is open year-round from sunrise to 5 p.m. Bat viewing tickets are required after 5.
Russell Roe Maegan Lanham | TPWD
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