Most tunnels nowadays are ones you drive through on highways. Still pretty neat, but nothing compares to old-fashioned, underground, dark and scary tunnels. We actually have a few in Texas, but this one in Fredericksburg is especially interesting. It’s the product of many long and hard days of manual labor to carve the gigantic hole in the earth that would serve as a railroad passageway. The transport of goods allowed many towns to prosper, so it’s safe to say that our state as a whole might not be where it is today without this tunnel. See it for yourself below.

Flickr/oldradioguy It was the first railroad tunnel east of the Pecos River - a pretty impressive feat back in those days. At 920 feet long, it’s a testament to the dedication of Fredericksburg’s hard workers. Even today, it’s still the only railroad tunnel in the hill country.

Flickr/oldradioguy Although no trains have passed through it in quite some time, the tunnel is definitely not abandoned. It’s home to over three million bats that emerge every night at dusk. That’s right, Congress Avenue isn’t the only place in Texas where you can see the sky fill with the incredible creatures. They’ll put on a private show for you in this lesser-known, non-tourist-infested spot. Just watch out for rattlesnakes as they’re known to make their homes here in late spring, summer, and early fall.

Here’s a video of the bats emerging so you can see it for yourself. I must say, no matter how creepy it may be, it’s a pretty spectacular sight.

Flickr/oldradioguy

It was the first railroad tunnel east of the Pecos River - a pretty impressive feat back in those days. At 920 feet long, it’s a testament to the dedication of Fredericksburg’s hard workers. Even today, it’s still the only railroad tunnel in the hill country.

Although no trains have passed through it in quite some time, the tunnel is definitely not abandoned. It’s home to over three million bats that emerge every night at dusk. That’s right, Congress Avenue isn’t the only place in Texas where you can see the sky fill with the incredible creatures. They’ll put on a private show for you in this lesser-known, non-tourist-infested spot. Just watch out for rattlesnakes as they’re known to make their homes here in late spring, summer, and early fall.

Have you ever had the chance to visit this amazing historic site? Are there any other neat tunnels in Texas?

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