Embark On The Texas Cave Trail For An Epic Underground Adventure
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Next time you’re deciding on a family trip, don’t forget to look beneath the surface. Texas is full of incredible show caves, and this six-hour road trip will take you to the best and most famous of them all. From spelunking adventures to leisurely strolls through crystalline mineral formations, these caverns offer a little bit of everything.
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Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this state park, located less than 90 minutes from Austin, features a vast cavern formed eons ago by an ancient river. On a guided walking tour, you'll descend 130 feet below the surface and marvel at countless geological wonders. This unique formation, known as the "Queen's Watchdog," was discovered by CCC workers! To this day, nobody is entirely certain of its origins. More information here.
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One of the best-preserved show caves in Texas, Inner Space Caverns remained undiscovered for 10,000 years. A Texas Highway Department core drilling team came upon it in the summer of 1963, and public access was allowed three years later. Among the features include prehistoric animal bones, rock and mineral formations, expansive rooms, and so much more. The cave is a mild 72 degrees year-round and doesn't flood during rainfall. More information here.
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Welcoming visitors for over 100 years, the Balcones Fault Line Cave at Wonder World Park was the first show cave in Texas. Even more astounding, it's the only cave formed via earthquake in the nation! You'll see fossilized prehistoric life and gigantic boulders suspended in midair, all the while hearing captivating stories of past geological eras. More information here.
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San Antonio's iconic Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the state. They were discovered in 1960 by students of St. Mary's University and officially opened for business in 1964. Today, several different underground tours showcase different aspects of the cave and appeal to a variety of skill levels. More information here.
Open to the public since 1932 (and offering private tours since the 1870s), Cascade Caverns is a magical, otherworldly destination just south of Boerne. A guided, one-hour excursion leads through consecutive corridors of captivating cave formations. A separate Adventure Tour is offered during the summer, and nighttime flashlight tours are available to groups of ten or more. Just look at those moss-covered cave walls near the entrance! Simply beautiful. More information here.
Considered a National Natural Landmark, Cave Without a Name is a living cavern full of spectacular formations including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and more. With easily navigable walkways, plenty of lighting, and 66-degree temperatures this six-room underground oasis is definitely bucket list-worthy. More information here.
Eight miles west of the small town of Sonora, right where the Texas Hill Country meets the Chihuahuan Desert, limestone-rich landscape dominates. Beneath it lies the Caverns of Sonora, often ranked among the most beautiful show caves on the planet. Crystalline formations are everywhere you look, making for a truly unparalleled viewing experience. More information here.
How many of these caverns have you visited? Which one is your favorite? Let us know, and check out our previous article to learn more about Wonder World: Pet Animals While Riding An Open-Air Train At Wonder World Park In Texas.
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Featured Addresses
Longhorn Cavern State Park, 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
226 Cascade Cavern, Boerne, TX 78015, USA
325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX 78006, USA
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park, 1000 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, USA
Inner Space Cavern, 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
Caverns of Sonora, 1711 Private Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950, USA