Longhorn Cavern State Park, Burnet

This cavern may be a little short on cave formations but it's long on history. The granddaddy of all the hill country caves, Longhorn Cavern boasts an extensive history from prehistoric day through the early years of this century.

Touring the Cave:

The 1-1/2 hour guided tour is easy to walk, with wide, well-lit trails through the huge limestone rooms.

While you're at the park, check out the building that once served as the cave's administrative building; today it contains exhibits on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the buildings they constructed at many state parks (photo, right).

The park includes picnic areas, a half-mile nature trail, 1 1/2 mile hiking trail, gift shop and a snack bar.

History of the Cave

The earliest known use of the cavern was by prehistoric man, but the most interesting events occurred since the 1800s. Comanches once kidnapped a young woman named Mariel King and brought her back to the cavern, followed by three Texas Rangers. The Rangers fired upon them, grabbed Mariel King, and raced for the entrance. Ending the story with a fairy-tale flourish, Miss King later married one of her rescuers, Logan Van Deveer and the couple made their home in Burnet.

Years later, Confederate soldiers used the cave's main room as a munitions factory. Bat guano from the cave was an ingredient in the manufacture of gunpowder. The cave went unused for several decades until the Gay Twenties. A local businessman opened a dance hall in the largest room of the cave, building a wooden dance floor several feet above the limestone. When it proved successful, he then opened a restaurant in the next room, lowering food through a hole in the cavern ceiling.

Next, an area minister decided to take advantage of the cool temperature and built bleachers to accommodate crowds for Sunday services.

When the Depression struck, business declined. The private owners were forced to sell the cave. It was purchased by the state and opened as a state park in 1932.

Special Events

Music lovers will enjoy the Concerts in the Cave, held every second and fourth Saturday each month; the tunes reverberate off the cavern walls for a very special sound.

You also might not realize that Longhorn Cavern is a unique wedding venue; groups can gather to watch couples exchange their wedding vows in this special setting. (And there's no need to worry about what to do if it rains!)

Location: six miles west of US 281 on Park Road 4

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