Hidden beneath Georgetown, Texas lies Inner Space Cavern, a remarkable underground landscape shaped over countless millennia. This cavern features intricate passageways and unique geological formations, offering visitors a glimpse into the Earth’s distant past.
Accidentally discovered in the 20th century, Inner Space Cavern has since become known not just for its beauty, but also for its scientific significance and accessibility. Exploring this site reveals the extraordinary history beneath Texas and provides a rare opportunity for discovery and underground exploration close to home.
Image: Rvassar, Innerspace cavern0700, CC BY-SA 3.0
About
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Inner Space Cavern is a limestone cave system near Georgetown, Texas. Discovered unexpectedly during highway construction in the 1960s, this show cave features nearly five miles of passages and chambers. Visitors find a wide array of geological features, including stalactites, stalagmites, and winding tunnels.
Key Details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Limestone cave |
| Length | Nearly 5 miles |
| Location | Georgetown, Texas |
| Visitor Access | Guided tours available |
This cave stands out as a notable tourist attraction, providing a glimpse into Texas’ underground formations shaped over millions of years.
Historical Development
Inner Space Cavern’s formation began millions of years ago when limestone accumulated beneath a prehistoric sea. During the Ice Age, underground water sculpted its twisting tunnels and expansive chambers. Roughly 14,000 years ago, all natural entrances to the cave system closed, sealing it off from the surface for millennia.
This isolation preserved remains of Ice Age creatures trapped inside. Paleontologists have uncovered fossils and prehistoric bones from animals such as the giant ground sloth and Columbian mammoth. These discoveries provide valuable insight into extinct species and ancient environments.
Key Events Table:
| Period | Notable Event |
|---|---|
| Cretaceous | Limestone formation |
| Ice Age | Passageways carved, entrances sealed |
| Modern paleontology | Fossil bones found, e.g., giant sloth |
Exploration of the cave only started after its 1963 accidental discovery beneath modern Georgetown, Texas.
A Chance Unearthing Leads to New Discoveries
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In 1963, a routine construction project on Interstate 35 took an unexpected turn when crews encountered an unseen void beneath their equipment. A drill bit abruptly dropped over 25 feet, signaling the presence of an unexplored underground space. Geologists were called to the site, and their analysis revealed a labyrinth of chambers and tunnels previously untouched by modern exploration.
The significance of the discovery was quickly recognized, leading to a comprehensive mapping effort conducted by the Texas Speleological Association. Teams meticulously charted more than 7,000 feet of tunnel, eventually documenting a network that now measures approximately 4.76 miles—making it one of the longest cave systems in Texas.
Notably, researchers uncovered ancient fossils, including remains of prehistoric wildlife embedded in sediment. Some sections were sealed off due to ancient sinkhole collapses, helping preserve these traces for thousands of years.
Key Aspects of the Accidental Find:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1963 | Discovery during highway construction |
| 1964 | Speleological mapping begins |
| 1966 | Opened for public tours |
Today, while visitors can access only a portion of the passages through guided tours, many areas remain unexplored. The site continues to offer valuable insights into Texas’s geological and natural history, thanks to its preserved fossils, animal relics, and sinkhole formations
Today, while visitors access only part of the cave through guided tours, many sections remain unexplored. The site continues to provide insights into Texas’s natural history thanks to its preserved fossils, geological layers, and sinkhole activity.
Distinctive Features
This cave system stands out for its rare combination of geological and paleontological significance. Limestone chambers display stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and ancient passageways. Over 40 Ice Age species—including mammoths and saber-toothed cats—have left remains here, making Inner Space Cavern a valuable site for understanding extinct ecosystems.
Things To Do
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Scenic Discovery Walk
Visitors of all ages can enjoy a guided tour along paved, well-lit cave pathways. Guides explain cave formations and the cavern’s ancient past. The walk lasts around 75 minutes and is suitable for families and beginners.
Quick Facts:
- Length: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Recommended For: All ages
- Surface: Paved, gentle slopes
Deeper Exploration Experience
For those craving a taste of real exploration, this tour leads groups into lesser-seen, shadowy sections of the cavern. Expect more rugged walking conditions and darker areas, making it ideal for guests seeking more than a standard tour.
| Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 hrs | Intermediate | 7+ |
Note: Not recommended for visitors with mobility or enclosed spaces concerns.
Ultimate Caving Challenge
Adventurous guests can suit up with helmets and headlamps for a journey through unlit, rugged sections. Expect tight crawls and climbs—no experience required, but physical fitness is essential. Only teens and adults are allowed due to the demanding nature.
- Activity Length: 3.5–4 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Age Requirement: 13 and up
What to Bring: Sturdy clothing and a sense of adventure.
More Than Caving
Beyond the cave tours, additional attractions enhance the experience. Fossil exhibits showcase bones unearthed within the cavern. Visitors can also enjoy a gift shop with geological and fossil-themed items.
Families can try gem panning, a hands-on activity where kids and adults sift through sand for polished stones or fossils. Outside, the Saber Tooth Zip Ride offers a short but thrilling descent, reaching speeds up to 33 mph.
Helpful Details Before Your Visit
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Daily Operating Hours
Inner Space Cavern is open nearly every day, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Easter.
There are two seasonal schedules:
- Fall to Spring (September 3, 2024 – May 23, 2025):
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Summer (May 24, 2025 – September 1, 2025):
- Open daily: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Last cave tour departs 15 minutes before closing. Hours may change; always check the official website before visiting.
Admission Types and Costs
Visitors can choose from several guided tours, each priced differently.
Adventure Tour
- On-site only (no reservations)
- Adult: $23.95–$24.95
- Child (4–12): $17.95–$18.95
- Under 4: Free
Hidden Passages Tour
- First-come, first-served at the ticket counter
- Adult: $28.95–$29.95
- Child (4–12): $20.95–$21.95
Wild Cave Tour
- Advance reservation required (2 weeks)
- All participants: $125
| Tour | Adult | Child (4–12) | Under 4 | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure | $23.95–$24.95 | $17.95–$18.95 | Free | On arrival |
| Hidden Passages | $28.95–$29.95 | $20.95–$21.95 | Free | On arrival |
| Wild Cave | $125 | $125 | Not eligible | Pre-booked |
Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended for tours without reservations.
Directions and Parking
Inner Space Cavern is conveniently situated next to Interstate 35 in Georgetown, Texas, roughly half an hour north of downtown Austin.
- Physical Address:
4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626 - Landmarks:
Located at exit 259 off IH-35
Clearly marked signs guide you in as you approach the area - Parking:
Free parking is available for all visitors on-site.
Anyone driving along Interstate 35 will find the location straightforward to access, with a short distance into Georgetown from several nearby cities.
Further Details / How to Reach Out
Getting in Touch with Inner Space Cavern
For the latest updates on ticket prices and hours, visitors should regularly visit the official Inner Space Cavern website. News about upcoming events is often posted on their Facebook page, making it a useful resource for timely announcements.
Inquiries that are not addressed on the website can be sent via email to their support team at [email protected]. For more urgent questions, calling their main line at +1 512-931-2283 is recommended.
Below is a quick reference table for contact methods:
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | Official Inner Space Cavern site |
| Inner Space Cavern Facebook | |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone | +1 512-931-2283 |
Nearby Activities Worth Exploring
Central Georgetown Shopping and Dining District
Georgetown’s lively central square offers a range of local shops, coffeehouses, and eateries. Visitors can enjoy a meal at a vintage diner, browse unique gifts, or visit a local museum with hands-on history exhibits. The area is walkable and filled with historical charm.
Local Produce and Artisan Markets
Several area markets, including weekend outdoor events, showcase the region’s produce and crafts. Guests can stroll through stands offering seasonal fruit, homemade baked goods, or handmade soaps. Most markets are family-friendly and often feature live music or food vendors.
Outdoor Fun at the Georgetown Reservoir
Lake Georgetown is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking fresh air. The area is well-suited for a variety of activities:
- Hiking trails with panoramic views
- Swimming in designated areas
- Picnic facilities suitable for groups or families
Boat launches and fishing spots are also available.
Prehistoric Discoveries at the Gault Archaeological Site
A short drive from the cavern, this site is famous for early human artifacts. Tours and exhibits explore the region’s prehistoric cultures and scientific findings.
Tranquil Berry Springs Nature Preserve
Berry Springs features shady walking trails, picnic areas, and glimpses of local wildlife like donkeys. It’s an ideal spot for peaceful outings and nature appreciation.
