The smallest state park in Texas has big opportunities for wildlife viewing, including a large colony of bats. Comment Guidelines: http://on.fb.me/cWf2LL
Old Tunnel State Park features an abandoned railroad tunnel that was built in 1913. The tunnel is now home to a colony of approximately 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats. These bats migrate up from Mexico and are present in the tunnel from May through October each year. Visitors can come out and view the bat emergence from the upper viewing area for free. The lower viewing area is only open on Thursday through Sunday evenings for a $5 per person fee, regardless of age, which also includes a formal interpretive program. Due to the bats sensitivity to noise, children age 3 and under are not allowed at the lower viewing area. State Parks and Bluebonnet passes are not accepted for this activity tour fee. Please bring exact amount for payment as we are not able to make change. For the most up to date emergence time information please call 866-978-2287. Visitors may access the short 1/2 mile nature trail every day from sunrise until 5 p.m. (If you find the trail closed sign up and/or gate closed/latched during these hours, please feel free to open the gate and go down the trail.)Rules: No pets, No Camping, No alcoholic beverages, No smoking on trails or in viewing areas. No refunds or rain checks if you do not see bats.
Beginning in May 2016, in an effort to protect and conserve the resources at Old Tunnel State Park and for the safety of our visitors, we will be limiting the number of people allowed at the upper viewing area to 250 people. We will be closing the small parking lot adjacent to the upper area and will allow any visitors over the 250 limit to wait in this overflow area. We will admit more visitors as people leave. If you plan to visit the Park on weekends such as Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labor Day, please plan to arrive early as the 250 limit can be reached quickly. We open each evening at 5 p.m.
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