Bats in Flight at Old Tunnel State Park
It might be the smallest state park in Texas, but Old Tunnel State Park in nearby Fredericksburg is a huge draw for nature lovers excited to witness its enormous bat colony. Every night from May through October, three million bats emerge from their slumbering spot inside an abandoned railroad tunnel in a spectacle only Mother Nature can provide. Don't be spooked by these marvelous creatures – make the 20-minute trip from Hotel Giles to see one of the most unique experiences in nature.
Texas is the battiest state in the country as home to 32 of the 47 species of bats found in the United States. The Hill Country is a roosting place for Mexican free-tail bats. This is the type of bat you'll see at Old Tunnel State Park. At dusk, they'll start to leave the tunnel in search for food. First they exit one by one. As more leave the roost, the bats spiral upwards in a counter-clockwise direction to gain altitude. Some describe this swirling mass as being like a black tornado!
As its name suggests, Old Tunnel State Park was the site of a former tunnel used by the San Antonio, Fredericksburg and Northern Railway. It was built in 1913, when workers dug through hundreds of feet of limestone by hand. Railroad operations ceased in 1941, and when the railroad moved out, the bats moved in! The property came under the care of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1991, and just 10 years ago it became a state park in 2012.
Fall is the perfect season for bat watching before these flying mammals head south for the winter. Old Tunnel State Park is open nightly for bat viewing and educational programs while the bats are here. Tickets are required for these ranger-led programs. Bring binoculars for closer views of these amazing winged creatures as they embark on the search for their dinner of moths and other insects. The Old Tunnel colony may devour more than 25 tons of moths per night!
While the bats are the main attraction at Old Tunnel, this 16-acre park is also a great place to picnic, hike, bird-watch, stargaze, look for wildlife and simply explore the beautiful, rugged terrain of the Texas Hill Country.
Old Tunnel State Park
10619 Old San Antonio Road
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
