ABOUT THE PARK

There are many caves to visit in Texas, but none as unique as Longhorn Cavern. There aren't many of your typical stalagmite and stalagtite formations here, instead, this cave is more like something from a Georgia O'Keif painting. Formed from an underground river, the walls of the cave are smooth and alien looking. There is a hall of crystal formations which is quite impressive, and the cave's mythical history around Sam Bass is fun too.

Once a year in January the park hosts the Sam Bass Treasure Hunt which is something I recommend that everyone do at least once! Basically, they break you into teams and send you into the cave with the lights turned off. You use your flashlights to find your way, and your goal is to find Sam Bass's treasure. There are characters in the cave dressed in 1880's style costumes - most of which have very loud guns that they have no problem with firing in the cave (you've never heard anything so loud!).

They also offer Wild Cave Tours where you get to explore the deep recesses of the cave that the regular tourists never see! This is an excellent deal at only $35 which includes a t-shirt! I highly recommend signing up for this.

TPW Official Longhorn Cavern Site.