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Journey Beneath The Texas Soil at Natural Bridge Caverns

Not many visitors to San Antonio know that the state’s largest underground attraction is within the city limits. A top cave attraction in Texas, Natural Bridge Caverns is a cavern system where visitors can actually explore the depths beneath the soil. Although many flock to Natural Bridge Caverns to view its incredible natural features, guests stay to also pan for gems or enjoy the outdoor maze, the obstacle course, or gift shop. This Texas attraction is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Explore the Largest Cavern in Texas Near San Antonio Natural Bridge Caverns
Credit: Natural Bridge Caverns by jdg32373 via Flickr

Explore the Largest Cavern in Texas Near San Antonio

Natural Bridge Caverns was discovered in 1960 by four college students from St. Mary’s University. These young explorers first identified a cool draft coming from a crawl space, where they then climbed and crawled through the passage for two miles to reach the cavern. After notifying the landowners of their discovery, the cave’s first half mile was developed to allow guests to view this Texas treasure in 1964.

Natural Bridge Caverns
Credit: Natural Bridge Caverns by bigstock.com

Natural Bridge Caverns is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places due to its richness in cultural history. During its development in the early 60’s, many ancient artifacts, approximately dating back to 10,000 years ago, were discovered. Stone tools, projectile points and knives were some of the items found, along with fossils from species that went extinct nearly 12,000 years ago.

Underground passage at Natural Bridge Caverns
Credit: Underground passage at Natural Bridge Caverns by Natural Bridge Caverns

After an exciting cave tour, stay on the Natural Bridge Caverns property to pan for gems or explore the 5,000-square-foot outdoor maze. The Canopy Challenge is also an adrenaline-filled endeavor with 47 different obstacles situated high above the ground. No matter what you decide to do at Natural Bridge Caverns, a visit here is sure to be unforgettable.

Natural Bridge Caverns
Credit: Natural Bridge Caverns by ritesh3 via Flickr

A visit to Natural Bridge Caverns is sure to be exciting and informative. There are two different cave tours, the Discovery Tour and the Hidden Passages Tour. As the most popular cave tour at Natural Bridge Caverns, the Discovery Tour guides visitors through the first half mile of the cavern, which is situated 180 feet below the surface. See rock formations like stalagmites and stalactites. On the Hidden Passages Tour however, guests travel deeper into the cavern to visit two caves. Experience the darkness of the caves and view the unique “soda straw” stalactites during this tour.

Natural Bridge Caverns Information:

  • Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

  • Phone Number: (210) 651-6101

  • Official Website

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