Texas' Deep Dark Secrets

Caverns that are open to the public attract tourists from all walks of life. These underground sanctuaries naturally maintain a constant near-room temperature year round. Some areas are wheelchair accessible, while a few offer 'wild cave tours' for the adventurous, where no trails or electric lights have been installed, and visitors, carrying flashlights, must be lowered into some passages by rope. Natural Bridge and Inner Space offer the visitor an opportunity to pan for gemstones in mining troughs, or sluices. The seven listed below are considered show caves.

Longhorn Caverns, near Burnet, formed by flowing river water

Inner Space Caverns, 20 miles north of Austin, discovered in 1963 by the Highway Department while constructing Texas' first interstate, I-35

Wonder Cave, an earthquake-formed cave near San Marcos

Caverns of Sonora, 8 miles west of Sonora, usually considered the most beautiful with 'angel wings' and 'butterfly' formations

Cascade Caverns, 14 miles northwest of San Antonio, once used for church services with its 100 ft waterfall backdrop

Cave Without a Name, near Boerne, once hid a moonshine still

Natural Bridge Caverns, just north of San Antonio, has an incredible 60 ft. Natural Bridge of limestone from which it gets the name.

No matter which cavern you choose to visit, when you descend into the enchanting world of this silent cathedral, the hurries and worries of the outside world quickly fade. A true reverence for nature's endurance overtakes any distraction. And while your eyes explore the floor, the walls, the ceiling and back again, you will stand in awe of the many centuries that went into the making of this subterranean paradise.

The copyright of the article Texas' Deep Dark Secrets in Texas is owned by Joy Butler. Permission to republish Texas' Deep Dark Secrets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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