Genre Travel Across the US, Part One
Caves and Caverns, Section Three: Texas
Continued from MondayCaves, Caverns and Bats, Oh My! (Section Three)
(NOTE: There are so many caves and caverns across the U.S., I’m breaking this section of "Genre Travel Across the US, Part One" into several posts, each one focusing on a single state.)
Natural Bridge Caverns – Texas’ Largest Caverns
www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
Located outside San Antonio (where they know how to make Picante Sauce [I couldn’t resist]), off state road 3009, Natural Bride Caverns are open daily, year-round, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. They offer a variety of tours that leave every 30 to 60 minutes between 9am and 4pm. Summer hours, Memorial Day through Labor Day, the caverns are open from 9am to 7pm.
Caverns of Sonora
www.cavernsofsonora.com
Sonora, Texas, lies North West of San Antonio, and the Caverns of Sonora are 15 miles away off U.S. Highway 10. The caverns are open daily. In the Summer, March 1st through Labor Day, they are open from 8am to 6pm. Winter hours are 9am to 5pm. A variety of activities are available at the Caverns of Sonora, including gemstone panning, camping, "’The Discover Challenge" for those who want a full caving experience, and two walking, guided tours.
Inner Space Cavern
www.innerspace.com
Considered Austin’s "Greatest Natural Wonder," Inner Space Cavern is located outside of Georgetown, Texas, off U.S. Highway 35. This limestone cavern was discovered in 1963 by the Texas Highway Department. Activities offered include an adventure tour along paved trails and an explorer’s tour into the "wild" areas of the cave not seen on the regular tour. You can also pan for gemstones and keep what you find.
Cascade Caverns
www.cascadecaverns.com
Cascade Caverns is the only cavern in Texas with a 100-foot waterfall and is an award-winning natural attraction. Located minutes from San Antonio, outside Boerne, Texas, the caverns are part of a 105 acre park and were the location for Father Hood, starring Patrick Swayze.
Longhorn Cavern
www.longhorncaverns.com
Located off Park Road 4, six miles west of U.S. Highway 281, in Burnet County, Texas, Longhorn Cavern State Park is one of the few river-formed caverns in Texas. Guided tours, both regular and specialty, are available 363 days a year. There is a gift shop and snack bar, as well as areas for picnicking. Guided tours have a fee, but self-guided hiking trails, the picnic area and the exhibit center are free.
