Old Tunnel State Park

Old Tunnel State Park offers families a unique wildlife experience where you can witness thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from an abandoned railroad tunnel at sunset during summer months. This small but fascinating state park combines outdoor education with an unforgettable natural spectacle that will captivate kids and adults alike, making it one of the Hill Country's most memorable family outings.

• ✓Watching millions of bats emerge from the tunnel in a swirling cloud at sunset
• ✓Educational ranger presentations about bat biology and conservation
• ✓Upper and lower viewing platforms offering different perspectives of the emergence
• ✓Learning about the historic railroad tunnel that now serves as a bat sanctuary
• ✓Spotting hawks and other predators that hunt the emerging bats

1. 1.Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before sunset to secure a good viewing spot, especially on summer weekends when the park can get crowded
2. 2.Bring binoculars for a closer look and folding chairs or blankets since you'll be waiting for the bats to emerge
3. 3.Download the park's bat viewing app or check their website for daily emergence time estimates, which vary by season
4. 4.Visit the upper viewing area for the best panoramic views of the bat emergence, or the lower area to experience the bats flying directly overhead
5. 5.Don't use flash photography as it disturbs the bats - bring a regular camera for daytime photos instead

Visit Thursday through Sunday evenings from May through October when the park is open for public bat viewing. Peak bat season is June through September when up to 3 million bats emerge nightly. Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends.

The park is only open for bat viewing Thursday-Sunday evenings from May-October, with admission around $7 for adults and $4 for children 5-12. Arrive early as the parking lot is small and fills quickly during peak season.

The park is only open to the public Thursday-Sunday evenings from May through October. Peak viewing season is June-September when the most bats are present. The park is closed November-April when bats migrate to Mexico. Bat emergence times change daily based on sunset, so check current times before visiting.

Head to Fredericksburg (about 15 minutes away) for family dining options like Crossroads Bar & Grill with a kids menu and casual atmosphere, or stop at Clear River Ice Cream Company for a post-bat-watching treat.