Bat Haven

An old railroad tunnel here provides a seasonal home for around 3 million bats. Join us for a bat program to learn more about these flying mammals and to watch them embark on their nightly search for food!

Things to Do

Besides viewing the bats, you can also picnic, hike, bird-watch, stargaze and look for wildlife. Explore our short (less than 1/2 mile) nature trail, watching for wildlife, a view of the tunnel, and signs with bat lore and railroad history.

Bring your own drinking water, as water is not available in the park.

We have a few rules to protect both the bats and you:

• No camping, pets or smoking.
• Stay on the designated trail when hiking.
• Do not approach the tunnel.

Bat viewing

Old Tunnel is home to up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats and 3,000 cave myotis bats from May through October. We open the park in the evening for bat viewing and programs (depending on staff availability) while the bats are here.

• Learn more about the Bat Emergence.
• Check Facebook or Twitter, or call the toll-free line at (866) 978-2287 (recorded message only) for bat emergence information. Plan to arrive an hour earlier than recent emergence times. (You do not have to arrive at 5 p.m.)
• Email us for more information.

The bat viewing areas are accessible for folks with mobility impairments.

Ticket information

Every person (including children) must have a ticket to be in the park after 5 p.m. during bat season.

Buy tickets online or by calling the Customer Service Center. Show tickets or email confirmations on your phone at the gate. You must purchase tickets in advance; we do not sell tickets on-site.

Space is limited in our two bat-viewing areas (upper and lower), so make your reservations early. We do not allow children under 4 years old in the lower viewing area.

Ranger Programs

When the bats are in residence, we offer evening programs on their life history and ecology. You must purchase a ticket in advance to attend.

Passport stamps: The stamp is only available during bat programs. However, you can download the stamp to print and add to your passport after your visit! 

Check our Facebook page for upcoming astronomy programs.

Read Frankie the Free-Tailed Bat | PDF.

Bat trunks

Borrow bat trunks with curricula for all ages, videos and a slide presentation. You’ll also find a taxidermic bat, bat detector, posters, books and more. Find a trunk to borrow at Bat Trunk Resources.