We arrived an hour before the expected bat emergence and got the best of three picnic tables to have dinner while we waited. The rangers were REALLY nice. We did not pay the $5 to go to the lower viewing area and, if we had it to do over again, would. But we could watch just fine from our table!

We really enjoyed seeing this State Park! It centers around an old train tunnel that was built in the 1890s to connect Fredericksburg to San Antonio. There are no tracks anymore; however, the tunnel is still there and it is home to the second largest bat colony in the State. We were there at the wrong time to view the... More

We have viewed the flight of bats at 3 other locations in Texas and New Mexico. You are much closer that at the other facilities we have visited. You can see the bats below the tree line as well as in the air.

This was a beautiful area but its just a look out and small hike. This is primarily for bat watching, but no bats except for summer. This was an old train tunnel that has been preserved as a bat habitat. Theres minimal parking and its a bit out of the way. We saw the signs and followed from comfort, TX.... More

Not too far outside Fredericksburg, and a pretty quick and scenic drive, we found the Old Tunnel State Park. From late spring to fall, Mexican freetail bats occupy this abandoned train tunnel and emerge to feed each evening. Wisps of black begin emerging from the tunnel, gathering in numbers forming a swirling vortex of bats and then disappear above the... More

This is something different that you just don't get to see that often. We were here at the beginning of the season & were told that as the summer progressed there would be more & more bats emerging. When they started coming out, it was just a trickle. Then, looked like a tornado as they circled out of the tunnel... More

You may want to call ahead and check....the bats virtually disappear before the first cold front so you don't want to miss them. In the late Fall, there are so many bats......you cannot image what a neat experience this is for visitors of all ages. Take a meal and drinks with you and enjoy while you set and wait for... More

Whether you are a bat lover or a nature lover or just want something fun, easy, cheap (free) to do with the kids - you need to experience this amazing sight. The drive from anyplace is serene and beautiful. Depending on the exact time you go, watch for fresh vegetable and fruit stands. Stop and get some snacks and drinks... More

We make this trip at least once a summer. Actually we visited the old tunnel site long before it was a park. Now with the docents and seating areas it is more accessible for everyone. We find that June is often a little too early (moms are birthing elsewhere). So we usually go in July or August. Very hot but... More