Cascade Caverns in Boerne Is a Must-See Texas Stop

If you are looking for a fun spot to vacation in Texas, and you're heading to the Hill Country, then you need to make a stop in Boerne, Texas. It's about 30 minutes away from San Antonio and 40 minutes from Fredericksburg.

What Caverns Lie Beneath Boerne, Texas?

We’ve shared stories about the Cave Without a Name in Boerne, but there is also another underground wonder, Cascade Caverns.

This is a fun stop to explore the wonders beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country, called Cascade Caverns.

Lori Crofford

How Was Cascade Caverns Discovered?

Cascade Caverns is the oldest public touring cave in Texas. The cave was discovered in the 1700s by the Lipan Indian tribe. It was rediscovered in the 1800s, and even at some point in its history, a wandering cow took a fall into a hole. While trying to save the cow, a whole new world was found. It was opened to the public in 1932.

Do Any Creatures Live in the Caverns?

Lori Crofford

The caverns are home to fun creatures. The lip of the cave is home to a family of vultures, while bats come to hang and hibernate in the cave. The cave has a native salamander.

Lori Crofford

Fun fact: The dinosaur statue on the property was erected for the movie Fatherhood, starring Patrick Swayze, and gifted to the park after filming.

If you've never seen an underground waterfall, then you'll want to visit Cascade Caverns.

Cascade Caverns offers daily tours of its facility.

Inside Cascade Caverns: Hidden Wonders Beneath Boerne, Texas

Tucked away in the Hill Country in Boerne, Texas, Cascade Caverns is the oldest public touring cavern in the state.

Cascade Caverns offers daily tours as well as a campground if you and your family would like to plan a camping trip.

As the tour of the cavern started, we went down the 100 steps into the Cascade Cavern abyss. We were led by a knowledgeable and very entertaining tour guide named Ling Ray, who told us to call him Stingray.

He introduced us to the caverns and the creatures inside, including Bruce the bats (they were all named Bruce) and the salamanders native to the caverns. Then he showed us all the formations, historical fossils, including a tusk and bone of a Woolly Mammoth that had been buried deep in the walls of the caverns.

He was patient as we asked a hundred questions. This hour-long tour was worth every single minute, and we learned a lot about what is lurking underground.

We also got to see the infamous dinosaur that was featured in a scene in the movie Fatherhood, starring Patrick Swayze. The production company later gifted the dinosaur to the park.

They also offer a more extended tour that takes you further down into the cave, but after seeing the entrance to the other part of the cave, we decided that would not be happening ever.

The cost of the basic tour varies:

12 and older: $19.95

Ages 4-11: $14.95

Children under 3 are free

Find out more and plan your visit here.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

If you like touring caverns, then you'll want to check out Cascade Caverns. Not only do they have the daily tours, but they also have more in-depth tours for those who want to go deeper into the caverns. They also offer flashlight tours in the evening.

What Else Can You Do at Cascade Caverns?

They also offer a really nice campsite. Pull in with your RV, hook up, and stay. Their gift shops have fun and unique gifts, and a sluicing activity for the kids, and you can also bust open your own geode. Don't miss the hiking trails and prehistoric playground.

Another bonus as you're driving to and from the caverns, you can see a field full of longhorns.

Why Cascade Caverns Is Worth the Stop

Cascade Caverns offers family-friendly fun with education and a bit of exercise. It's a win/win for any family or person looking to explore the underworld of Texas.

The Beauty of Boerne, Texas Awaits You in The Cave Without a Name

Nestled 80 ft underground in Boerne, Texas you will find the Cave Without a Name.

This cave is a wonder of nature. It is a natural limestone solutional cave. The cave is always a cool 66 degrees, a perfect escape from the Texas summer heat.

The Cave Without a Name is open 7 days a week, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Located at 325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX, make plans to visit this beautiful National Nature Landmark. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford