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Old Tunnel State Park

10619 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Trail open sunrise to 5 p.m.; bat viewing after 5 p.m.
Address
10619 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours
Trail open sunrise to 5 p.m.; bat viewing after 5 p.m.
Best For
Wildlife enthusiasts and families
Dogs
No pets allowed
Accessibility
Both bat-viewing areas have accessibility features; conditions can change
Best time to visitArrive an hour before sunset from May through October to watch the bat emergence. AdmissionFree entry; $2-$5 for bat viewing Getting thereAbout 25 minutes from downtown Fredericksburg

Why people come here

  • Advance tickets required for bat viewing
  • No drinking water available
  • Open year-round for daytime hiking
  • Cell service is limited
  • Children under 4 restricted in lower area

Watch millions of bats emerge from an abandoned railroad tunnel at this unique state park, offering a spectacular natural display from May through October.

Old Tunnel State Park is home to up to three million Mexican free-tailed bats and 3,000 cave myotis bats from May through October. The park centers around an abandoned railroad tunnel that provides a seasonal home for these flying mammals. Visitors can explore a short nature trail during the day, reading signs about bat lore and railroad history, before settling in for the spectacular nightly emergence.

Staying Overnight?

Fredericksburg vacation rentals managed by Backroads Hill Country, in business since 2001.

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What's Happening?

Markets, live music, and seasonal events around Fredericksburg & the LBJ Country. Updated as new dates are announced.

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What You'll Experience

  • Abandoned railroad tunnel
  • Millions of Mexican free-tailed bats
  • Short nature trail
  • Panoramic bat viewing areas

Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ticket to see the bats?

Yes, you must purchase a bat-viewing ticket in advance to stay in the park after 5 p.m. from May 1 through October 31. Tickets are not sold on-site.

Can I bring my dog to Old Tunnel State Park?

No, pets are not allowed in the park to protect the bats and their habitat.

Are children allowed at the bat emergence?

Children under four years old are not permitted in the lower viewing area due to the bats' sensitivity to noise disturbance. They are welcome in the upper viewing area.

More of the area About Fredericksburg | Stonewall | Hye | Johnson City | Luckenbach