While Texas is renowned for its expansive and diverse landscapes, it also boasts some incredible underground attractions waiting to be explored. From natural marvels to man-made wonders, here are some of the most captivating underground attractions in Texas that you won’t want to miss.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Situated near San Antonio, the Natural Bridge Caverns stand as the largest commercially known caverns in Texas. Discovered in 1960 by four college students who ventured into a sinkhole, these caverns derive their name from the 60-foot natural limestone bridge spanning the entrance.
Inside, you can marvel at breathtaking formations like stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and more. Various tours and activities, including the Hidden Passages Tour, the Discovery Tour, the Lantern Tour, and the Adventure Tour, allow visitors to fully appreciate this underground wonder.
Inner Space Cavern
Another spectacular natural attraction is the Inner Space Cavern, located near Georgetown. Discovered in 1963 during the construction of Interstate 35, this cavern is estimated to be over 20 million years old and houses some of the most well-preserved prehistoric remains in the state.
Visitors can observe fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other ancient animals, as well as admire beautiful rock formations and crystal-clear pools. The cavern offers three distinct tours: the Adventure Tour, the Hidden Passages Tour, and the Wild Cave Tour.
Caverns of Sonora
For those seeking a more remote and pristine underground experience, the Caverns of Sonora, near the town of Sonora, offer a captivating option. Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful caverns, it features a high concentration of helictites—delicate and twisted formations that defy gravity.
Rare minerals such as gypsum and aragonite create dazzling colors and shapes. The cavern provides two tours: the Crystal Palace Tour, covering the main part of the cavern, and the Discovery Challenge Tour, involving crawling and climbing through tight spaces.
The Cave Without a Name
The Cave Without a Name, a hidden gem near Boerne, was discovered in 1927 by three boys who followed their dog into a hole.
Named by a contest-winning boy who deemed it “too pretty to have a name,” this cave is renowned for its musical acoustics, enhanced by six large rooms filled with spectacular formations. Hosting concerts and events throughout the year, the cave features various music genres. It offers both a regular tour and a spelunking tour.
The Underground
The Underground, a distinctive man-made attraction in the heart of Dallas, comprises a network of tunnels and walkways connecting various downtown buildings, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Constructed in the 1970s and 1980s to provide a comfortable and convenient means of navigating the city, you can access The Underground from various points such as the Bank of America Plaza, the Renaissance Tower, and the Dallas World Aquarium. It serves as an excellent way to explore the city while uncovering its rich history and culture.
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