Naturally cool things to do — for everyone!
Like on the Discovery Tour, where you’ll see massive, otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Or, explore our Hidden Passages Tour, where shadows dance over delicate formations and mystery awaits in every shadow. Take to the skies high above Texas, as you ascend the Canopy Challenge, or for a true test, try tackling one of our adventure tours. Experience a sense of discovery finding your way through our AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup, a 5,000 square foot outdoor maze.
And if you want some good old-fashioned fun, look no further than the Mining Company, where you mine and pan for gems, fossils and other treasures. Whether you are a first time visitor, an avid caver or someone in between, Natural Bridge Caverns awaits with a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never forget. After your adventures, check out the new Shops of Discovery Village. Indulge yourself at Big Daddy’s Sweets, Treats and Brew, an old-fashioned parlor and general store. And shop for amazing gifts, jewelry and souvenirs in the Discovery Village Trading Post.
In March of 1960, Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell, Al Brandt and Joe Cantu, four college students from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, obtained permission to explore the area that is now Natural Bridge Caverns. The students were convinced that large underground passages existed under the amazing 60-foot limestone bridge. On their fourth expedition, Orion felt a cool draft from a rubble-filled crawlway. Such air currents often indicate the presence of additional rooms or passages.
The explorers made their way carefully climbing and crawling through two miles of vast cavern passage. After making this amazing discovery, they returned to the surface to tell the landowners. The discoverers knew immediately what an astonishing find they had made and the land owners decided to develop the first 1/2 mile, the most spectacular part of the caverns, for the enjoyment of guests from around the world. That first 1/2 mile is now the Discovery Tour. Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour was developed with two main goals in mind: preservation of the caverns’ environment and comfort of its guests. The result is one of the world premier show caverns, and one of the most popular attractions in Texas.
