Inner Space Cavern
Georgetown, Texas
Undiscovered for over 10,000 years, Inner Space Cavern is one of the best-preserved caves in Texas. In 1963, the Texas Highway Department was drilling to determine the stability of the ground to support the new Interstate 35 highway, and the drill bit suddenly dropped 26 feet. The drilled hole was enlarged and a workman was lowered by standing on the drill bit and holding tightly to the stem to discover the underground cavern. Inner Space Cavern was opened to the public for tours in 1966, and has welcomed visitors to view its natural beauty.
Inner Space Cavern is a constant 72 degrees year-round, which makes the perfect underground outdoor adventure when aboveground temperatures are too hot or cold. Most visitors take the beginner-level Adventure Tour, a guided informational tour along paved and lit trails to see the largest cavern rooms and formations. This hour and fifteen minute tour will inform visitors on how the cave was discovered, cave formations, view the original hole that was drilled to discover the cavern, and how fossil animal bones were found inside a sealed cave. This tour is excellent for kids to learn about what it takes to make caves and formations, stalactites versus stalagmites, how columns and soda straws are formed, view the Balcones Fault line, learn why touching the cave will make unable to grow, and view fossil bone sinkholes. This tour is recommended for all ages, no reservation is required, and departs every 20-30 minutes.
For those wanting to experience intermediate-level exploring off the paved trail, consider the Hidden Passages Tour for ages 7 and older. Guests will be provided with a flashlight to explore formations in an undeveloped area of the cave. Closed-toed shoes are mandatory. This tour is not recommended for guests with physical limitations.
The advanced-level Wild Cave Tour for ages 13 and older requires no previous experience, but expect to experience spelunking and to get dirty during this 3.5 – 4 hour exploration. Reservations for this tour are required one week in advance.
After your exploration of the underground cavern, spend some time digging in the mining area and on the playground. The gift shop has unique items, and also look for fossils that were discovered in the cave.
Special needs:
Wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed for safety reasons since the cave can be steep and wet.
Discounts:
Visit the Inner Space Cavern website for a coupon.
Know Before You Go:
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since surfaces are wet and sometimes steep. Sandals and flip-flops not recommended.
- Cavern is a constant 72 degrees F and humid, and jackets are recommended.
- You are not allowed to bring tripods, backpacks, strollers, wheelchairs, food, drink, candy, or gum inside the cave.
- Children ages 3 and under are free
- Tickets must be purchased the same day as the tour, except Wild Cave Tour must be booked a week in advance
- Cameras are welcome. Souvenir photos can be purchased.
- Closed on major holidays.
Other Adventures
Post Oak Creek fossil hunting
During the Cretaceous period 145 million years ago, most of Texas was covered by a shallow sea. Post Oak Creek in Sherman, Texas has shark tooth fossils that kids can find for their own ancient treasure hunt!
Dallas World Aquarium
At the Dallas World Aquarium, visitors are immersed into a tropical rainforest with open aviaries and a waterfall, walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, watch penguins dive and swim, and view brightly colored fish, free flying birds, and rainforest frogs. Get up-close to animals from all over the world, and learn about conservation for endangered species.
