Nestled in the heart of Texas, halfway between Fredericksburg and Comfort, lies a hidden natural marvel that draws visitors from far and wide.
Old Tunnel State Park has more than 100 years of deep Texas history and also serves as home to the Mexican free-tailed bats. For those calling one of our luxurious Cozi Vacation Rentals in Fredericksburg their home away from home, it’s a must add to your itinerary. Seeing this magical population of nocturnal foragers emerge from the tunnel at dusk has to be seen to be believed.
Sitting only a 20-minute car drive from downtown Fredericksburg, guests and visitors can take in the views of the Texas Hill Country as they make their way to the bat viewing areas at the railroad tunnel.
This is your guide to the fascinating history of the park and everything you need to know for your next visit!
About Old Tunnel State Park
- Address: 10619 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Texas State Park Information: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/old-tunnel
The Old Tunnel State Park is a small park named after the original old railroad tunnel built in 1913. Built by the San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Northern Railway, the main purpose was to allow trains to connect to the city of San Antonio, TX, and serve the agricultural and ranching communities along its route.
As with many things, the old railroad tunnel ceased operations in 1942 and was consequently abandoned. It fell into disrepair until the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired it in 2012, becoming the smallest state park in Texas at 16.1 acres.
Today, the Old Tunnel State Park is home to an estimated three million Mexican free-tailed bats along with other bat species like the cave bats, of which there are about 3000 at the tunnel.
This bat colony is double the number compared to the bat colony on Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, home to an incredible 1.5 million bats. Thanks to its state park denomination of the old tunnel, Texas Parks maintains and protects this bat colony along with many others located in the Hill Country.
Best Time to See the Bat Emergence
The 920-foot Old Tunnel State Park bat colony fluctuates in number throughout its season. That’s because many of its inhabitants are pregnant or lactating bats; however, pups are not born in the tunnel but rather in the nearby caves and bridges. As such, during June, you may see the colony in smaller numbers when they come out at dusk since the females leave to give birth.
It is by early August that both mom bats and their pups return to the Old Tunnel State Park, making it increase in size. It makes the months between August and September the best time to see the bats emerge at dusk and see the large population fly out. By late October, they start to migrate back to Mexico.
What to Know Before You Go
What to Wear
Located along the Old San Antonio Road, the Old Tunnel State Park’s terrain is mainly rocky limestone. It is best to wear good hiking boots or comfortable running shoes and bring your own drinking water.
Parking and Viewing
You’ll find limited parking lots at the entrance of the state park as well as across from Alamo Road.
The Old Tunnel State Park also has upper and lower viewing areas to allow you to enjoy the bat emergence.
Space is also limited at the Old Tunnel State Park viewing areas, and children under 4 years old are not allowed in the lower viewing area. The best way to stay up to date on the bat emergence is by following the Facebook page or making a call to the following toll-free line: (866) 978-2287.
Seasonal Hours
The Old Tunnel State Park is open year-round from sunrise until 5 pm. However, bat season takes place between May 1 through October 31 with August and September seeing the largest population come out at dusk.
Tickets
Because the state park closes in the evening during bat season when they emerge, everyone needs to have a ticket to allow them to stay in the park past 5 pm. These tickets are not sold on-site, but you can purchase online tickets in advance or you can make phone reservations and show them at the gate (either a printout or email confirmation).
Old Tunnel State Park Ranger Programs
Bat season also brings some educational programs to the Old Tunnel State Park with evening programs offering information about the history and ecology. For those who like to collect passport stamps on their Texas State Park passport, you can get it stamped during the bat season. Check their event page for upcoming activities!
Other Things to Do at Old Tunnel State Park
As this Texas State Park is open year-round, if you happen to visit outside of the bat season, there are a few other things you can enjoy.
- Hiking: There’s a short half-mile hiking trail at the Old Tunnel State Park that’s easy for all levels with an elevation of 134 feet.
- Picnics: Enjoy a picnic with your family and friends and simply relax in nature.
- Wildlife: Watch for wildlife and bird watching.
- Learn: Read the signs about the resident bats and the history of the railroad.
There are also multiple outdoor places to visit in the area that are no more than an hour away from the state park. Here are a few places you can add to your itinerary during your Cozi stay:
- Kerrville: Visit Kerrville, where you can take a walk on the river trail, explore the Riverside Nature Center, and have fun in the water at the Guadalupe River. You can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or river tubing.
- Enchanted Rock: Hike at the natural wonder that is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a perfect place also to do some stargazing.
- Elephants: See the Elephants of Fredericksburg located at The Preserve with a mission of expanding elephant conservation and education.
- Pedernales Falls State Park: Located in Johnson City this is a great place for swimming, hiking, and horseback riding, and for those who love being in the outdoors, it’s a place that has much to offer.
- Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park: This is where you can stroll along the Live Oak Creek as well as other nature trails.
Stay in Fredericksburg and Discover Old Tunnel State Park
The Texas Hill Country is not only filled with beauty but also wonderful places like the Old Tunnel State Park. Imagine waiting for the sunset and then seeing the three million bats fly out in a steady spiraling pattern to the noise of flapping wings and their squeaks. It is truly a unique experience for the whole family, especially when seeing the expression in the young faces.
You can highlight your experience by staying at one of our luxurious Cozi Vacation Rentals after visiting the state park. Our Fredericksburg properties include homes with pools, jacuzzis, outdoor kitchens, cottages, and more, many of which have picture-perfect Hill Country views.
Don’t let the bat season sneak up on you! Reserve your tickets with the state park and reserve your stay with us today!
