The smallest state park in Texas, between Fredericksburg and Comfort — an abandoned railroad tunnel where millions of Mexican free-tailed bats pour out at dusk through the warm months.
Old Tunnel protects exactly what its name says — a railroad tunnel left behind when the line closed, now home to a huge summer bat colony. From spring into fall they spiral out at sunset; the rest of the park is a short trail and the viewing area.
From roughly May through October, millions of Mexican free-tailed bats (and some cave myotis) stream out at dusk. Timing shifts with the season — check before you go.
There is a free upper viewing deck and a paid lower-level program closer to the action; lower seats are limited, so plan ahead.
It is the smallest state park in Texas: a nature trail and the viewing area. Come for the bats, not the acreage.
The park sits between Fredericksburg and Comfort, an easy evening run from town.
Backroads Hill Country has represented Hill Country rentals since 2001. Backroads ↗
Fredericksburg is the natural base, a short drive north.
Pair the bats with a Fredericksburg dinner, or a daytime climb at Enchanted Rock. Plan it on the HillCountry.ai network.
The bats are seasonal and the lower viewing program has limited space, so check the official site for emergence timing and reservations before you drive out.