STATE AND NATIONAL PARKS IN THE HIGHLAND LAKES REGION OF CENTRAL TEXAS

LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK - BURNET, TEXAS


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.

History: 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.

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:
TLonghorn Cavern offers guided tours every day of the week. Tours last about an hour and twenty five minutes. On site guides lead you through the cavern narrating historical and geologic facts.
Saturday - Sunday Hourly Tours From 10 am - 5 pm*
Wear Comfortable Rubber Soled Shoes.

Summer Hours
Monday - Friday Hourly Tours 10am - 4pm* Winter Hours Monday - Friday  11am , 1pm & 3pm

Price:
Adults $10.95 - Teens 13-19 & Seniors 60+ $9.95 - Children ages 2-12 $5.95 - Children under 2 Free (With Parent)

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; no fee.

Flora/Fauna: 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.

Area Attractions: Nearby parks include Inks Lake and Pedernales Falls State Parks; Enchanted Rock State Natural Area; and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.

Longhorn Cavern

Directions: Longhorn Cavern State Park is located 6 miles west and 6 miles south of Burnet, Texas on Park Road 4, off US Highway 281.

For more details, call the park. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more information on parks in the area, call 1-800-792-1112.

P.O. Box 732

Burnet, TX 78611

(512)756-4680
(512)715-0676
fax (830)598-CAVE
877-441-CAVE

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Longhorn Cavern



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Revised May 06, 2006
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