Summary
It was established in 2012 and is located in Fredericksburg, Texas. The park is situated on the site of an abandoned railroad tunnel that was used in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
One of the main attractions at Old Tunnel State Park is the bat colony that resides in the tunnel. Between May and October, visitors can watch as thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the tunnel at dusk to hunt for insects. The park offers guided tours to view the bat emergence, and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to watch the spectacle.
In addition to the bat colony, Old Tunnel State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center that showcases the history of the area. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, armadillos, and a variety of bird species.
The best time to visit Old Tunnel State Park is during the summer months when the bat colony is most active. Visitors should be aware that the park is closed during the winter months and can experience occasional closures due to inclement weather.
Overall, Old Tunnel State Park is a unique and fascinating destination in the Texas Hill Country that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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