Just outside of Fredericksburg, tucked along a quiet stretch of Old San Antonio Road, sits one of the most unique state parks in Texas. Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg, TX, is small, free to enter, and home to one of the most spectacular natural events you can witness in the entire Hill Country.
Smallest State Park in Texas
Old Tunnel is one of the smallest state parks in the Texas system, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. The park is built around a single remarkable feature: an abandoned railroad tunnel that was constructed in the late 1800s and eventually decommissioned as train technology changed. When the railroad left, the bats moved in, and the tunnel has been a wildlife destination ever since.
- Address: 10619 Old San Antonio Rd., Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Trail Hours: Daily, sunrise to 5 PM.
- Fee: Free admission
- Bat Viewing: $2 Upper Area Bat Viewing, $5 Lower Area Bat Viewing
- Bat Season: May 1 through October 31. Tickets required after 5 PM.
- Phone: 866-978-2287
Home to Mexican Free-Tailed Bats
From May through October, the tunnel becomes home to roughly three million Mexican free-tailed bats, along with a smaller population of cave myotis bats. Every evening at dusk, they pour out of the tunnel in a swirling column to begin their search for food.
Bat viewing tickets are required to stay in the park after 5 PM during bat season. There are two viewing areas, an upper area with 100 spots and a lower area with 70, and both fill up fast. The lower area is only open Thursday through Sunday and typically sells out a couple of weeks in advance. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or by phone since they are not sold on-site.
Enjoy Hiking and Wildlife Viewing
Outside of bat season, the park is still worth a visit. A short nature trail winds past the tunnel entrance and through the surrounding landscape, with signage covering both bat biology and the history of the old railroad line. The park is a great spot for birdwatching year-round, and the stargazing out here on a clear night is exceptional thanks to minimal light pollution.
Book Your Stay with Absolute Charm
Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg, TX, is just one of the many reasons people keep coming back to Hill Country year after year. When you are ready to plan your visit, we have a variety of vacation rentals available, including short-term and in-town rentals. Book your stay today!
