Bat Haven

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

Things to Do

Besides viewing the bats in the summer, you can picnic, hike, bird-watch, stargaze and look for wildlife year-round. Explore our short (less than 1/2 mile) nature trail and look for wildlife, peer into the  tunnel, and read signs on 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 pets, smoking or alcohol.
• No camping.
• 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 after 5 p.m. for bat viewing and programs (depending on staff availability) while the bats are here. Bat viewing tickets are required after 5 p.m.

• Learn more about the Bat Emergence.
• Check Facebook 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 of any age) 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. You must purchase tickets in advance; we do not sell tickets on-site. 

Show tickets or email confirmations on your phone at the gate. Cell service is limited at the park; we recommend that you take a screenshot of your ticket.

Space is limited in our two bat-viewing areas (100 upper and 70 lower), so make your reservations early.

The lower viewing area is only open Thursdays through Sundays, and usually sells out two weeks in advance. Those with tickets to the lower area may hike the trail while awaiting bat emergence. 

Note: We do not allow children under 4 years old in the lower viewing area. 

Ranger Programs

We offer nightly programs on bat history and ecology when the bats are in residence and staff is available. You must purchase a ticket in advance to attend.

Pick up an Old Tunnel passport stamp to commemorate your visit. It is available at park programs and during bat emergences, at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park's store (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily), or for download to print at home! 

Check our Events page for upcoming programs.

Read Frankie the Free-Tailed Bat | PDF.