old tunnel state park

RhondaB442

Even the drive out there is worth it due to the distinctive look of the Texas hill country. We were not there during the bat viewing season, but we enjoyed the natural scenery.

laurah814

I wandered out one evening during the off season and there was a helpful volunteer and his wife waiting in the cold to answer questions. It was lovely even without the bats! Be sure to stop at Alamo Springs for a burger when you're done!

W4411WZdavidl

We attended a presentation at the "bat cave" near the end of the 2014 bat season. The park ranger that made the presentation was very informative and obviously loved her job. She answered all our questions with enthusiasm. I would highly recommend this...we'll be back next season.

druciek

Great drive to reac this spot. The bats fly out at dusk. Lovely time. There are small eateries around area serving great Texas comfort foods.

arazzmatazz

Great place for bat watchers. A colony of Mexican free-tail bats live in this old railroad trestle. Each night during the summer they make an impressive exit to hunt.

TXtraveller9

We had a great time visiting Luckenbach, Tx and proceeded to the old tunnel to enjoy the sunset and migration of the bats. The park employees charge different amounts for how close to the tunnel opening people are allowed to be. Shortly before the bats started to fly we enjoyed a very well prepared chart presentation of why, how, and what types of bats were here at this "old tunnel". Great Big thanks to the Texas Parks and Wildlife! Would recommend to walk up to Alamo Springs Cafe for dinner afterwards!

pablocollier

This is a must stop for the wonderful main street and it;s many stores and restaurants. We traveled 11/2 hours to visit. Well woth the trip.

williamsH6396FZ

We went with kids and grandkids. They really enjoyed watching the bats come out at dusk. The park is nice and the rangers are very informative.

DT25

So much fun to wait and anticipate the emergence of the 3 million bats at dusk. The ranger/volunteer onsite was really knowledgeable and helpful. No formal program that night, but don't think you need one to see and appreciate the bats. They emerged from both ends of the tunnel the night we visited- great swirls like funnel clouds. Very cool. Binoculars would be helpful especially for older eyes like ours, but not essential.

djhrhino54

It is difficult to describe this experience, but watching million bats emerge was unforgettable fun.

FarmWife505

It was fun and the lady that was there told us a lot of history about the bats. We took our 4 year old grandson and he loved it!

TXmom2001

We got there by 6:30 because bats were scheduled to emerge around 7:15 (call first because changes based on weather conditions). We paid to go to lower viewing area and by 7:05 the show began. The naturalist was telling us about the bats (very interesting) and before she could finish they started to emerge. Wow!!! A literal tornado of bats. They were amazing and we could see their flurry of flight, we could hear their wings beating and feel so fortunate to have seen this sight. Highly recommend (it's not scary at all) as some people were a little anxious.

pshurd

Had read about this experience and had it on the short list. The Rangers warned that it might not be too impressive and the night before they had left the Tunnel after it was a bit too dark to see them and that the numbers had been down, but luckily they took off a bit earlier for us and in the millions! It was very exciting. We had paid to view from the lower area both for the better view and for the Ranger's pre-talk and that was well worth it. We enjoyed the short walking loop and especially seeing the bats in the tunnel from the bridge viewpoint. Having the bats swoop just over your head provided some fun chill bumps!!

akfowens

This is a wonderful day trip if you like to hike thought the hill country. We scheduled the viewing of the bats that evening. A fun filled hour pack full of details about the bats and what has brought them here as well as the 3 million (+/-) taking off from the tunnel at dusk.

delm380

We arrived at the park just before dark to see the many, many bats exiting the tunnels. We were allowed to walk very close to the cave. We were close enough to get a real good smell of the guano.