Longhorn Cavern State Park
P.O. Box 732
Burnet, Texas 78611
1-877-441-CAVE
830/598-CAVE
History: Longhorn Cavern State Park, south of Burnet in Burnet County, is 645.62 acres classified as a scenic park in the rugged Hill Country. Longhorn Cavern was acquired in 1932 - 1937 from private owners. It was dedicated a state park in 1932, was opened in 1938 and was dedicated as a natural landmark in 1971.
The cave was first formed when the ground levels of water began to drop. As this downward movement occurred, the water began to dissolve the limestone. This downward drainage continued until great underground stream beds were cut out of solid rock. It is this unusual combination of dissolving and cutting by water that makes Longhorn Cavern one of the most unique caves of the world.
by Michelle La Point
A Civilian Conservation Corps structure.
The cave has been used as a shelter since prehistoric times. Among legends about the cave is one that the outlaw Sam Bass hid a $2 million cache of stolen money inside. Confederates made gunpowder in the cave during the Civil War. Legend also says Texas Rangers rescued a kidnapped girl from Indians in the cave.
Many of the structures at the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Activities: The park features historical and nature study. Located in the heart of the Highland Lakes, Longhorn Cavern is near four different lakes and communities that offer excellent opportunities in camping, fishing, and hunting.
Tours: The cave is 68 degrees year round. The park offers guided tours that last approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes (a 1 1/4-mile round trip). For your safety and comfort, low-heeled shoes with rubber soles are recommended. Open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visitor Center opens at 9 a.m. daily. The first tour leaves between 10 and 11 am (call ahead). Tours are conveniently scheduled throughout the day. Call (877) 441-CAVE (441-2283) for current tour times.
Special Programs: A Geology Program - Developed by a qualified geologist for persons of at least 8th-grade age, this program includes a brief explanation of the complex geology of the Texas Hill Country and how it relates to Longhorn Cavern. A cavern tour and a field trip are included.
The main entrance to the cave.
The short program includes a lecture plus the cave tour. The long program will includes a lecture, a field trip to the Kingsland Scenic Overlook, Inks Lake State Park and the Devils's Waterhole, plus the cave tour.
- Tour fees
Watch
video of Longhorn Cavern State Park.- Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.
- More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page.
Area Attractions: Nearby parks include Inks Lake State Park; Pedernales Falls State Park; Enchanted Rock State Natural Area; and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site (which includes the Sauer-Beckmann Farm.)
Facilities: Facilities include a gift shop, a full service deli and snack counter, a picnic area, and 2 miles of hiking trails. The park is open for day-use only. It is operated by concessionaire, Longhorn Cavern, Inc. An exhibit of Civilian Conservation Corps work done in the Texas State Parks System is on display in the original administration building.
- Map
of Park
(PDF 51.5 KB)
Natural Features: The terrain consists of hills and sandy, red, black waxy soils; cedar, and other trees.
Elevation: Elevation ranges
from 779 to 1585 feet.
Weather: Average rainfall is 30.4 and January minimum
is 33 degrees and July maximum is 98 degrees.
Schedule: Open daily from dawn to dusk. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and during Public Hunts. Busy Season: March - August. Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.
Directions: Longhorn Cavern State Park is located approximately 6 miles west and 6 miles south of Burnet, Texas on Park Road 4, off US Highway 281.
For more information on Longhorn Cavern visit the web site maintained by Longhorn Cave Tours, Inc.
Current conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744