Fredericksburg

Sports & the Outdoors

Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area. Hardly worth deeming a state park, this small piece of land (just 16 acres) is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. However, it has a particular draw: bats. From April to October this old abandoned railroad tunnel is home to more than three million Mexican free-tailed bats. If you want to view them, arrive at the tunnel just before sunset, when the bats begin emerging in fleets of thousands for their evening hunt. You can view the bats seven nights a week, but may want to opt for an evening Thursday through Sunday, when interesting educational presentations are given on-site. After the bat-viewing, head to the Alamo Springs Café just down the road for one of the best burgers in the Hill Country. 102 E. San Antonio, a half-mile east of Fredericksburg. take Old San Antonio Rd. south for about 10½ mi. The Old Tunnel WMA is on the left at the top of the hill. 866/978-2287. www.tpwd.state.tx.us. Free. Daily dawn to dusk.