We’ve talked at length about the largest state park in Texas, but what about the smallest state park in Texas, which also happens to be home to the Old Tunnel State Park bats? Tucked away in Fredericksburg, Old Tunnel State Park is a historic site that’s also home to over three million bats! Watch them emerge and stroll through the lush Hill Country landscape for a day well spent at one of the best state parks in Texas.

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Old Tunnel History

Old Tunnel State Park sits on just 16 acres of land in South Fredericksburg. It's the smallest state park in Texas as well as the newest, having been established in 2012.
Old Tunnel State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife/Facebook
Despite its small size, thousands of visitors flock to Old Tunnel State Park to take in its incredible sights.
Let's learn some Old Tunnel State Park history, shall we? A designated Texas Historical Marker, the park has a rich and fascinating past dating to the mid-1800s.
TripAdvisor/Plattonian
Its namesake, a gaping tunnel cutting through a solid limestone hill, was used by the San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Northern Railway until 1941 before it was decommissioned after being deemed unessential.
It was the first railroad tunnel east of the Pecos River - a pretty impressive feat back in those days. At 920 feet long, it's a testament to the dedication of Fredericksburg's hard workers.
Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons
Even today, it's still the only railroad tunnel in the Texas Hill Country.
Experience a bit of history at this old railroad.
Old Tunnel State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife/Facebook
There's an eerie beauty surrounding this deserted railroad. As you walk along this dilapidated piece of history, you can almost hear the roaring train whistle as it rumbles over the wooden tracks.

Bat Sightings

The park might be tiny, but it sure is mighty. It provides a seasonal home for over three million bats, and you can watch them emerge at dusk as they begin their nightly search for a meal.
TripAdvisor/Gina E
Most of the bats are Mexican free-tailed, however, there are also about 3,000 cave myotis bats in the mix. The best time to view bats at Old Tunnel State Park is May 1 through October 31, when visitors can gaze in awe as the sky turns into a swirling mass of flapping wings and primal hunger.
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Visitors must have a bat viewing ticket to remain in the park past 5 p.m. May 1 through Oct. 31. Tickets are not available on-site; they must be purchased either online or by calling the Customer Service Center.
You can view the bats from either the upper or lower deck. The capacity for the upper deck is 250 people, but only 70 for the lower deck — which obviously means it's the one you should try for if you get there in time. Apparently, you can feel the wind generated by the swarm of bats flapping their wings!
Texas Parks & Wildlife
The bat viewing areas are accessible for those with mobility impairments.
If you'd like to learn more about the bats, you can sit in on the nightly educational program held during bat season.
Texas Parks & Wildlife

Old Tunnel Ghost Stories

Although Old Tunnel State Park is far more fascinating than spooky, there are a few ghost stories surrounding it.
Flickr/tnkntx
Some rumors claim that because the tunnel is so narrow, several passengers who were unlucky enough to have fallen off the train got run over; their spirits are said to haunt the tunnel to this day. As far as I know, however, nobody has ever experienced any paranormal activity in the park.
Others claim the bats themselves impart a certain unmistakable eeriness.
Flickr/mzmo
These creatures are beautiful, of course, but we all know they're the subject of plenty of folklore. Who likes a good vampire story?

Hiking In Old Tunnel State Park

While the bats are the main attraction, there are two Old Tunnel State Park trails that weave through the lush terrain. They're both on a decline, as the parking lot is situated above the tunnel, so they should be suitable for most skill levels.
TripAdvisor/A Foggy Path
The most popular hike is a half-mile nature trail that runs through the park, so you can get a bit of exercise and sightseeing in before the bats come out. It is fairly primitive and can get steep at times, but the views make it all worth it.
TripAdvisor/Phil S.
Just wait until you see the sweeping Hill Country views! You'll definitely want to pull out your camera and snap a few photos.
TripAdvisor/Bill B
Please note that there is no Old Tunnel State Park camping allowed.
You'll also see an abundance of vegetation and wildlife, from brightly colored flowers to butterflies and even white-tailed deer.
TripAdvisor/Amy F
With so much to see and do, it's easy to see why Old Tunnel State Park is one of the best state parks in Texas.

Please note that children under four are not allowed on the lower viewing platform. Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website for more information about the park, including current hours and entrance fees.

Have you ever visited the smallest state park in Texas to see the Old Tunnel State Park bats? If so, do you think it’s one of the best state parks in Texas? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! And if you’re looking for restaurants near Old Tunnel State Park, I highly recommend the Rathskeller, which is located in an 1800s building and accessible via a secret underground entrance.

Did you know one of the best hiking trails in America is hiding right here in Texas? The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is under two miles long, but it offers some of the most remarkable views you’ll ever see. Learn more about it (plus other bucket-list-worthy hikes in the U.S.) in this video by us at OnlyInYourState:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Best State Parks in Texas & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | July 26, 2023

Which state parks should I visit in Texas?

In addition to Old Tunnel State Park, some of the best state parks in Texas are:

Texas' very first state park, Mother Neff State Park opened to the public in 1937 and features an observation tower, nearly four miles of trails, a Native American rock shelter, and more.

With towering mountains, brilliant night skies, and a gorgeous, historic motel, Davis Mountains State Park is a must-visit.

What's better than a Texas state park? A Texas state park with a beautiful cave, of course! Experience the best of both worlds at Longhorn Cavern State Park, where you can hike aboveground and explore a whole other world beneath the surface.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Texas?

Both within and outside of our state parks, hiking is one of my favorite ways to enjoy Texas' great outdoors. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Texas include:

Surrounded by lush greenery, this magical bridge hike leads across a 550-foot wooden bridge that was built in 1861.

One of the most iconic hikes in all of Texas, this world-famous trail features a scenic vista where the space between two adjacent mountains is reminiscent of a window.

You don't have to scale Guadalupe Peak to experience the beauty of the national park. The Pinery Trail is less than a mile long, but it still boasts incredible scenery such as wildflowers, ruins, and (of course) mountains. It's also ADA-accessible!

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Old Tunnel State Park, 10619 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA