Where are the best cave around Austin ? The Hill Country surrounding Austin are replete with underground caverns and subterrane attractions. Visiting one of the many Central Texas caverns on a day trip from Austin is a great way to beat the heat, enjoy some amazing underground vistas and natural history. Up for a unique day trip ? Here’s our list of the Best Caves Around Austin.
Inner Space Cavern
Inner Space Cavern is just 30 minutes north of Austin in Georgetown. The cavern was discovered when the Texas Highway Department was constructing I-35. Spelunkers started exploring the cavern in 1963, and it officially opened to the public in 1966. During the Ice Age, prehistoric animals met their demise after being trapped in the cavern. Fossils of at least 44 different species have been found within the cave, 11 of which are now extinct, including the saber-toothed tiger. Inner Space Cavern offers visitors three different tour options.
Distance: 25 miles from downtown Austin
Location: 4200 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd
Phone: (512) 931-2283
Website: innerspacecavern.com
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Wonder Cave
Ever Explore an Earthquake From Deep Inside The Earth? Wonder Cave leads you through the Balcones Fault Line. It’s the only earthquake cave open for viewing. The guides are trained to reveal stories of past geological eras of the Earth’s history on this awe-inspiring tour. Fossilized prehistoric life encased in the many strata formations and huge boulders suspended mid-air are just part of the spectacular and rare sites the cave offers. Wonder Cave is uniquely different from other show caves and is both fun and educational for all ages. Established in 1903, Wonder Cave is the first commercial Show Cave to open for public viewing in Texas. Wonder World Park Cave and Attractions can be enjoyed year-round without being affected by weather conditions.
Distance: 33 miles from downtown Austin
Location: 1000 Prospect St
Phone: (512) 392-3760
Website: wonderworldpark.com
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Longhorn Cavern
A River Ran Through It. Just 90 minutes from Austin, Longhorn Cavern State Park is a unique Hill Country destination full of natural beauty and Texas-sized tales. Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the park’s star attraction is Longhorn Cavern, an underground wonder created by the dissolving and cutting action of an ancient river. Enjoy a guided cave tour, hike a Hill Country trail, and admire some of Texas’ best examples of historic CCC architecture.
Distance: 65 miles from downtown Austin
Location: 6211 Park Road 4 South
Phone: (512) 715-9000
Website: visitlonghorncavern.com
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Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge is the largest commercial cave in Texas. Open year round with many special events. Summer is the most popular time to visit the caverns. Natural Bridge Caverns is located between San Antonio and New Braunfels 8 miles west of I-35. The general tour is about 1 1/2 hours long and there is even a “wild” caving opportunity for those on the more adventurous side.
Distance: 67 miles from downtown Austin
Location: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd
Phone: (210) 651-6101
Website: naturalbridgecaverns.com
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Cave Without A Name
Eleven miles northeast of Boerne, in the heart of the scenic, rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, Cave Without a Name is a natural, living cavern. Some say the most beautiful in Texas. The Cave is filled with spectacular formations of Stalactites, Stalagmites, delicate Soda Straws, Cave Drapery, magnificent Flowstones, Rimstone Dams, and more. Enjoy a tour of the six major rooms in comfort; 66 degrees year-round, easy walkways, brilliant lighting. Plan an unforgettable adventure you will remember forever…
Distance: 84 miles from downtown Austin
Location: 325 Kreutzberg Rd
Phone: (830) 537-4212
Website: cavewithoutaname.com
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