Longhorn Cavern State Park is located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, about fifty miles west of Austin. The park offers opportunities for hiking, caving, and wildlife watching. Longhorn Cavern is a natural limestone cave with spectacular formations and a wide variety of cave life.

Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Longhorn Cavern State Park is a must-visit for any nature lover. The park's highlight is the cavern itself, which was formed over millions of years by the flowing of underground rivers. Today, visitors can explore the cavern's winding passages and see a variety of unique rock formations. In addition to the cavern, the park also offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a variety of ranger-led programs. Visitors might just want to book a local B&B and stay a while.

Whether you're looking to explore nature's wonders or just relax in a scenic setting, Longhorn Cavern State Park has something for everyone.

10 The Cavern Walking Tour

The most popular tour offered at Longhorn Cavern State Park is the self-guided walking tour which offers visitors a chance to experience the underground caverns at their own pace. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and is a little over a mile round trip.

On this tour, visitors descend nearly 130 feet below the park's surface, where they’ll follow the path of an ancient riverbed that carved these natural wonders over millions of years.

Markers have been set up along the way that helps tell the story of the park and the people who helped shape its history along the way.

  • Tickets: Prices range from $16.95 per child aged 4-11 to $20.95 for adults. Infants under the age of 3 are free.

9 The Wild Cave Tour

The Wild Cave Tour at Longhorn Cavern State Park is the perfect activity for adventure seekers. The tour takes guests on a three-hour journey through the caverns, exploring nooks and crannies that are inaccessible to the public.

Along the way, guests will learn about the geological history of the caverns, as well as the plants and animals that call them home.

The tour is strenuous, and guests should be prepared to crawl, climb, and get muddy. But for those who are willing to get dirty, the Wild Cave Tour is an unforgettable experience.

  • Tickets: Each person eight years of age or older costs $99.95

8 Longhorn Cavern State Park Has Historic Architecture

Longhorn Cavern State Park is home to some of the unique historic architecture in Texas. The cavern was used as a dance hall and nightclub during the 1920s, and the colorful allure of the place attracted many famous guests, including Al Capone and Mae West.

Today, the cavern is open to the public for tours, and visitors can explore the fascinating geological formations that have made it a popular destination.

In addition to the cavern, the park also features a number of well-preserved historic buildings, including a Visitor's Center that was built in the 1930s. These buildings provide a glimpse into the past, and they are a reminder of the rich history of this state park.

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7 Its Central Location In Texas Hill Country

The rolling hills, bluebonnets, and wildflowers are a sight to behold. The area is also home to many kinds of wildlife, including deer, armadillos, and coyotes.

The Hill Country is a great place to take a hike, go for a swim, or just enjoy the scenery.

There are also many types of food and drink available in Hill Country, from barbeque to Tex-Mex. Plus, Hill Country is home to some of the best wineries in Texas.

Related: Near San Antonio? Check Out Texas' Most-Visited State Park, Too

6 The Backbone Ridge Trail

The Backbone Ridge Trail at Longhorn Cavern State Park is a great hike for nature lovers of all ages. The trail meanders through a dense forest, providing hikers with a sense of seclusion and peace. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a great option for hikers of all experience levels.

Although the trail is relatively short (at two miles) and flat, it’s a great addition complement to the underground portions of the state park.

The trail is mostly covered in shade provided by the tall cedar and oak trees that populate the park. There are occasional breaks in coverage that allow hikers to soak up the sun while out.

5 Trails And A Picnic Area Make It A Great Day Trip

The Longhorn Cavern State Park’s main attractions are its caves, and there’s no denying that. But for those visitors who want to stay above ground in the sunshine, there are plenty of activities to keep you happy and satisfied.

Although they range from safely moderate to easy, the state park has miles of trails for travelers to explore.

The shaded paths are an easy enough stroll that the entire family can comfortably explore the natural outdoors without too much physical exertion.

Plus, the picnic areas mean the entire group can meet up, have a freshly prepared meal, and spend the day having fun.

4 Inks Lake State Park Is Nearby

Located just six miles from Longhorn Cavern State Park, Inks Lake State Park is a gorgeous spot in the Texas Hill Country, offering stunning views, plenty of outdoor activities, and a taste of true Texas hospitality.

The lake is a beautiful turquoise color, and its shores are dotted with limestone outcroppings. Visitors can swim, fish, kayak, and hike around the lake, and there are also several scenic picnic spots.

The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, armadillos, and more than 200 species of birds.

Inks Lake State Park is the perfect place to enjoy some time outdoors, surrounded by natural beauty.

3 It’s A Fascinating Journey Through Time

Longhorn Cavern State Park is home to a fascinating network of underground caves which walks you through various stages of human history. The caves are formed from limestone that has been slowly eroded by water over the course of millions of years.

In addition to its natural wonders, Longhorn Cavern State Park has a rich history. The caves were used as a hideout by outlaws in the 19th century, and they served as a hospital for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.

Today, the park is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers from all over the world.

2 Longhorn Cavern Is Great For Families

Longhorn Cavern State Park is a great destination for families who want to explore the great outdoors and learn about the state's rich history. The cave is a beautiful example of nature's art, with its unique limestone formations and underground streams.

Families can take a guided tour of the cave or venture off on their own to discover its hidden treasures. And there's plenty to do outside the cave as well, from hiking and picnicking to fishing and canoeing.

The caves are a great place to explore, and the park also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can also enjoy canoeing or kayaking on the nearby river.

For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the park has several scenic overlooks where families can enjoy the beautiful views.

1 See Stunning Natural Beauty

In a place as unique as Texas, Longhorn Cavern State Park sets itself apart from almost every other area across its vast landscape. It’s a park filled with adventures for the entire family, both above and below its surface.

The soaring cedars and oak-lined trails, historical architecture, and rich history make it a special place in a state full of special places.

But when visitors take the steps to venture below the surface, they discover a vast new world that is older than humanity itself, relatively unchanged since the beginnings of the Earth.

No matter what level of outdoor adventure visitors are looking for, it is an unforgettable experience.