Exploring Texas' Many Natural Wonders

Texas is full of natural attractions. Some of the most breathtaking among these are the caves and caverns that are found throughout the Texas Hill Country. Touring these caves and caverns is one of the most memorable family activities to be found in the Lone Star State.

The Texas Hill Country is one of the most popular tourist areas in the southern United States. The prime reason for the region's popularity is its unique natural beauty and many natural attractions.

Most people relate fall foliage and the “changing of the leaves” to the eastern portion of the United States. However, portions of Texas actually see dramatic changes in foliage coloration as fall draws near. Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country has the most vivid fall leaf coloration in the state.

Located just north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States, with a dome that rises 425 feet above the ground (1825 feet above sea level). Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1970, Enchanted Rock is also part of the Texas State Parks System and attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Longhorn Caverns are a Hill Country wonder that have housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, and outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours and educational programs.

Covering nearly 100,000 acres, Big Thicket National Preserve was the first such preserve in the United States. The Big Thicket NP is home to a diverse group of plants and animals and plays host to thousands of nature enthusiasts annually.

Padre Island National Seashore stretches from Corpus Christi south some 75 miles to the Port Mansfield Cut - offering some of the most remote seashore to be found anywhere.

Designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, Big Bend offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities in a primitive setting. Backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, hiking, nature watching, camping - you name it, if it can be done outdoors, it can be done in Big Bend.

Located just outside San Antonio, Cascade Caverns offer visitors a look beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. The cavern stays 68 degrees year around - making it a perfect place to beat the summer heat - plus it features a 100 foot underground waterfall!

Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the Lone Star State. Today, it is part of the 20,000 acre Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Mustang Island State Park includes five miles of beachfront and offers visitors fishing, camping, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, birding, and other outdoor recreation options.

Located in Glen Rose, the park features models of a 70-foot Apatosaurus and a 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as the Paluxy River, preserved dinosaur tracks and more.

Located just north of Austin, Inner Space Cavern reveals relics from the Ice Age - bones of Saber Toothed Tigers, Mammoths and other Ice Age animals have been found in the cavern.

An underground wonder, Natural Bridge Caverns shows the family a side of the world they probably haven't seen. In addition to a variety of subterranean tours, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.

Incorporating a natural cave formed by an earthquake along the Balcones Fault Line, Wonder World Park offers cave tours, educational earthquake programs, a wildlife park, train rides and many more activities for the whole family.

One of Texas' most popular water sports destinations, Lake Travis is located among the rolling hills just outside Austin.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 400-acre drive-through safari located in the Texas Hill Country, just outside of San Antonio.

The Armand Bayou Nature Center, just south of Houston, is a bird watcher's paradise. You may spot everything from blue herons to red-tailed hawks to more exotic birds just passing through. Kids will love the nature trails and guided canoe rides.

In a city that has more than its share of concrete, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers a glimpse of Houston's original lush habitat. Kids will love to romp along the five miles of trails, splash in the mud, and spot critters along the way.

Located near the Houston Zoo, the Cockrell Butterfly Center will delight kids of all ages. The eye-popping indoor butterfly display makes this an excellent outing or field trip for a rainy day.

Hueco Tanks offers a variety of outdoor activies, most notably camping and rock climbing. However, one of the biggest draws to this historic site are the prehistoric pictographs that dot the cave walls there.

Texas is filled with state parks maintained by Texas Parks and Wildlife. These state parks vary in location and amenities offered, but each has a unique charm and is worth the visit for outdoor lovers.

Looking for a place to fish or ski? Check out this complete listing of public lakes in Texas.

Located in Humble, a short drive from Houston, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 250 acre collection of native and cultivated plant life. Additionally, the center has an outdoor classroom, picnic area and miles of walking trails.