Experience the Bats at Old Tunnel State Park

If you’re looking for things to do in Fredericksburg, consider visiting Old Tunnel State Park. At just 16.1 acres, it’s the smallest state park in Texas. Its 920-foot tunnel was originally constructed in 1913 for the Fredericksburg and Northern Railway. When the railroad stopped operating in 1942, the tunnel was abandoned and then gradually reclaimed by nature. 

Over time, the tunnel took on a new purpose. Millions of Mexican free-tailed bats and a smaller number of cave myotis bats began using the cool, sheltered space as a seasonal roost. Recognizing its ecological importance, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired the site in 1991. In 2012, it was officially designated as Old Tunnel State Park. Today, it is valued both for its historical link to early 20th-century railroads and its role as a critical sanctuary for bats

Bat Viewing at Old Tunnel State Park

On summer evenings in the Texas Hill Country, Old Tunnel State Park delivers one of the most mesmerizing wildlife spectacles in the state. At dusk, a dark ribbon of bats can be seen streaming out of the abandoned railroad tunnel and into the growing darkness. This amazing display typically occurs from May through October. During these months, a seasonal colony of bats takes up residence in the tunnel and comes out each night in search of food.

At peak season, park staff estimate up to 3 million free-tails and roughly 1,000–3,000 cave myotis use the site. Biologists consider this a “pseudo-maternity” colony. Pregnant females roost here in spring, but pups are born at other area roosts with more stable conditions. Many juveniles join the tunnel’s colony later in summer, making the numbers swell dramatically by late August. 

Best Time to View the Bats 

Bat viewing season runs nightly, May 1 through October 31, but the type of experience changes with the calendar. In August and September, bats tend to exit earlier. Raptors such as red-tailed hawks sometimes patrol the edge of the column, illustrating bat-and-predator dynamics in real time. 

Regardless of when you go, plan to arrive about an hour before the most recent posted emergence time. The park’s staff and volunteers often offer short programs that set the scene before the show begins.

Where to View the Bats

Old Tunnel State Park provides two designated viewing zones. The upper viewing area sits by the parking lot and offers a broad look at the Texas sky. During the season, it’s open nightly and is an excellent observation point for the swirling mass of bats as they emerge. 

The lower viewing area brings you closer to the tunnel mouth. This is the place where you can hear the soft rush of wingbeats and feel the cool breeze stirred by millions of tiny fliers. However, this area is only open Thursday through Sunday to limit disturbance. Both areas (and the trails to them) meet ADA guidelines.

What to Know Before You Go

The park is free by day, but from May through October, you need a bat-viewing ticket to remain after 5 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or by phone; they are not available at the gate. As of this season, upper-area tickets are $2 per person for all ages. Lower-area tickets are $5 per person for ages 4 and up. Younger children aren’t allowed in the lower area due to noise sensitivity. Space is limited, so book early, especially for weekends. Bring a printed confirmation or have it ready on your phone at check-in.

What to Bring

There’s no drinking water on site, so be sure to pack plenty of your own. You should also dress for warm, rocky Hill Country terrain which can get cooler in the evenings. Bats are sensitive to disturbance, so keep voices low, silence phones, and avoid bright lights and flashes. 

Pets and smoking aren’t allowed in the viewing areas or on the trail. For visitor safety and the safety of the bats, guests must remain on designated paths at all times. It is possible for the weather to change the bats’ behavior, meaning emergence times can vary. Check the park’s recorded info line or social channels for the latest timing updates before you head out.

Stay at Hoffman Haus

After spending an evening viewing the bats, come back to Hoffman Haus and enjoy staying in our luxury boutique hotel. We offer a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and even entire houses. We also provide a delicious chef-prepared breakfast each morning so you can start your day right.

Our proximity to Main Street means you’re never far from amazing restaurants, shops, and museums. We’re also close to local wineries and area attractions. Make sure you book your reservation with us today!