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Bracken Cave & Nature Reserve
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| One of the world's largest bat colonies, home to some 10 million Mexican free-tailed bats. This location is a maternity colony where the mother bats raise their bat pups every year. The colony is located on a 697 acre ranch and is home to many bird species. Access is available to BCI members and the public. Open Wednesday through Sunday nights, with reservations, through October 10. Bracken Cave Details CLICK
TO VISIT WEBSITE» |
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| Congress Avenue Bridge
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Congress Ave and 1st Street
Austin
35 miles from Wimberley |
| Owned by the City of Austin, and located in the heart of downtown, this bridge hosts an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. This location is a maternity colony where the mother bats raise some 3/4 million bat pups every year. The roosting began in the early 1980's after the bridge was renovated. It is now a major tourist attraction for Austin. There is a special bat viewing area, called the Austin-American Statesman's Bat Observation Area. There are education kiosks and bat educators from Bat Conservation International on weekend nights in the summer and is free. Good views are also available from atop the bride, which also is free. Boat bat tours are also available. CLICK
TO VISIT WEBSITE» |
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| Old Tunnel State Park
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| 866-978-2287 |
10619 Old San Antonio Rd
Fredericksburg Area |
50~60 Miles from Wimberley
16 acres and seasonal home to a colony of 1-3 million Mexican Free-tailed bats. Upper viewing area open 7 nights a week, free access. Lower viewing area open May-Oct on Thu-Sun, no reservations, a $5.00 fee is charged. Group tours available, call or email. Half-mile hiking/nature trail, picnic tables, and exhibits. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FACE BOOK PAGE OR CLICK
TO VISIT WEBSITE» |
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| Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve Bat Cave
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| 830-868-2630 |
Johnson City
35~40 miles from Wimberley |
| David Bamberger and crew of staff and volunteers constructed a large "Chiroptorium" in 1998, and Mexican free-tailed bats have found it and adopted it as one of their homes on the migration path to and from Mexico. And, it is now a maternal colony, meaning the bats raise their offspring (pups) in the cave. Bats have returned each spring. Each June new pups are born. Bat population here is estimated at 50,000 to 200,000 in recent times. Guano from this man-made cave is used for fertilizer on the pasture lands of the ranch, thus allowing for organic (no chemicals). Selah is a 5,500 acre ranch that has been described as the largest habitat restoration project on private land in Texas. Educational and interpretive services as well as transportation are provided by ranch staff. Workshops as well as Individual and group tours available. This is a private ranch and visitation is by reservation only. Please make arrangements before coming to the ranch for bat viewings CLICK
TO VISIT WEBSITE» |
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| Alamo Springs Cafe
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| 830.990.8004 |
| 740 Alamo Road, Fredericksburg |
50~60 Miles from Wimberley
One of the best burgers in Texas! Texas Monthly and the Hill Country Reporter agree. If you are visiting the 'Old Tunnel State Park', you are already there! Plan to arrive early for the bat showing and enjoy a meal before hand or have a leisurely meal after the bat emergence show and stick around for live music performed on their open air stage. Open Wednesday~Sunday, 11AM-9PM. 830.990.8004 CLICK
TO VISIT WEBSITE» |
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