Discover the amazing and true Texas treasure of Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown north of Austin, Texas. Make plans to visit one of their many fascinating cave tours that are some of the best in Texas.
There is so much to do on property from touring caves, seeing fossils, gem mining, zip riding and more. Additionally, visitors will discover the fascinating story behind the accidental discovery of the caverns. Book one of the many guided cave tours to journey into a part of Texas that holds secrets to the area dating back over 10,000 years! Spend a day experiencing everything to do at Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown
Finding Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown
Use this map and information below to plan your trip.
| Address: 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626 | Monday-Friday: 9 AM- 4 PM Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM | Phone Number: (512) 931-2283 |
Discovering Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown
Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown is an underground hidden wonder, and a marvel that might have remained undiscovered. The discovery started in 1963, when a Texas Highway Department core drilling team stumbled upon these caverns purely by chance while preparing for the construction of Interstate 35. Their accidental discovery unveiled a breathtaking subterranean world that continues to captivate visitors to this day.
While testing the area for the new bridge, their drill that had already gone through 40-feet of limestone suddenly and unexpectedly plunged into a massive subterranean cavity. The crew soon realized there was an empty space of 26-feet beneath the site they were testing. This would later reveal an amazing cathedral cave room.
Months after the discovery, a team of spelunkers obtained permission to explore the mysterious void. Using ropes attached to a car, they were individually lowered down through a small hole originally created by the drill. This daring descent marked the beginning of an exciting journey into the depths of the caves in Georgetown, Texas. They soon found a stunning cave room with a display of geological wonders.
While creating a map, the team walked and crawled through over 7,000-feet of tunnels inside the cave. The cavern, with fossils dating back over 10,000 years, holds a treasure trove of ancient remains, including mammoths, jaguars, sloths, saber-toothed cats, and more. The caverns opened to the public in 1966, and visitors continue to travel from all over to see and experience this amazing system of caves.
How to Prepare Before the Tour
Before entering the cavern, it’s good to know that inside is humid, and stays around 70° F year round. To enjoy the tour, it is smart to dress appropriately in breathable and comfortable clothing.
When getting ready for a cave tour, here are some simple suggestions to follow for the avid cave explorer.
- Arrive 10-20 minutes before the start of the cave tour.
- Hydrate and eat an hour before the tour.
- Use the bathroom before the start of the cave tour.
- Leave any jackets or loose items in the car.
What to Bring On a Tour
| Activewear | Camera |
| Closed toe shoes (especially ones with grip) | Flashlight for additional lighting (some tours will provide a flashlight) |
What NOT to Bring On a Tour
| Clothes you don’t want to get wet or dirty | Food, Trash (Water is acceptable but not recommended) |
| Wheelchairs | Jackets or loose items |
| Strollers | Backpacks |
Fascinating Cave Tours at Inner Space Caverns
Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown has 4 separate cave tours to choose from. Each are very distinctive from each other, and offers visitors a sense of adventure like never before. Remember while in the cave to not touch the walls, or collect anything found in the cave. While walking through the dark tunnels, visitors will be amazed at the details of the cavern and how far back it truly goes. Click here to see a map of the cavern.
For those who do not like small spaces, learn about the Adventure Tour. Visitors will mostly be large cave rooms and see amazing formations.
The Hidden Passages Tour has a more “behind the scenes” feel as the guide takes smaller groups with only a flashlight provided to you to see. It’s a more close-up experience, and sometimes visitors can see very small bats hibernating.
Explore the Adventure and Hidden Passages Tour for a discounted bundle deal, perfect for cave enthusiasts eager to dive into the depths of Inner Space Caverns!
Not afraid of tight spaces, and want a thrilling adventure? Book the Inner Space Cavern Wild Cave Tour for a chance to feel like a true explorer, seeing parts of the cave hidden from other tours. To go a step further, learn about the Ice Age Tour. The tour follows a real paleontologist as they navigate through cave tunnels to look for and extract real fossils!
There really is a cave tour for everyone at Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown. Read below for further details about this amazing location, and their unique cave tours.
The Adventure Tour
If you’re curious about caves but haven’t explored one yet, the Adventure Tour offers an excellent introduction for beginners. The guide will go over all the necessary information before beginning the tour, so it is important to arrive early.
The tour will begin as the guide leads the group down into the entrance of the cave through a wide tunnel. The group will slowly find themselves 70-feet below the surface in another world. The tunnel is actually the second entrance to the cave, and is manmade. During the tour, the guide will point out the first and original entrance.
Discovery Room
Located in the large cathedral room, “Discovery Room,” is the original entrance to the cavern. There is a small and circular cut in the ceiling of the cave room. This is where the drilling team working to build Interstate 35 first discovered that there was a cave. Although this entrance to the cavern is now sealed, it is a great place to remind visitors the history of the cave.
Fossils from the Ice Age
What sets Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown apart from others in the area is its abundance of uncovered fossils, adding an unique dimension to the experience.
Among the discoveries are 42 different species of Ice Age mammals, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. These include a mammoth, camel, saber toothed cat and much more.
Visitors can seize the opportunity to catch a glimpse of several fossils discovered within the cavern.
A display of several of these fossils is one of the highlights of the tour that has detailed labels of the animal found in the cave. Your guide will highlight a specific location where paleontologists actively recovered some of the fossils found within the cavern including the tusk of a mammoth.
Flowstone of Time
A fascinating point of interest to see on the cave tour is the flowstone. The massive flowstone inside the cavern is 19 feet wide and 10 feet tall. It took around 500,000 years to form, and it is still growing to this day! Visitors will witness its beautiful pale color that reflects the slow moving water from its peak that gather into a small pool at its base. This stunning formation goes by the name of the “Flowstone of Time.”
Lake of the Moon
Among the numerous breathtaking highlights of the cave tour, visitors are particularly mesmerized by an area known as the “Lake of the Moon.”
A beautiful display of stalactites and stalagmites surround a natural pool of clear and calm water. The room is quiet and intimate with only sounds of frequent water droplets into the pool.
The cave’s captivating beauty is illuminated, revealing layers of cave columns and an array of formations that captivate visitors.
The water reflects all that surrounds it, creating almost a mirror-life effect. It truly is a beautiful part of the cave tour.
Ticket Prices and General Information
| Adventure Tour Distance: 1 Mile | Mon- Thurs: $23.95/ Adult, $17.95/ Child Fri- Sun + Holidays: $24.95 Adult & $18.95 Child | Available: Mon- Sun 1 hour 15 Minutes Tour |
The Hidden Passages Tour
Journey deeper into the cavern on the Hidden Passages Tour through uneven ground, puddles and some mud. Visitors will enjoy an exciting experience navigating through narrow tunnels deep inside Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown.
The cave’s floor and walls remain in their rugged and natural state. This part of the caverns offers an authentic and immersive experience for visitors. It enhances the feeling of seeing a newly discovered cave in its raw form.
Traveling through passages in a smaller group, visitors will only have their flashlight to guide them inside chambers that constantly twists and turns. Hidden Passages is the perfect tour for those who want adventure, and to see formations up close. Learn more about the details of the caverns on this educational and thrilling tour.
Look for Tri-Colored Bats
Texas has more bats than any other state in the United States. Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown is a great host to many of the area’s tri-colored bats.
While exploring the caverns, visitors can see these hibernating bats when keeping a sharp eye towards the ceiling. The bats will be hard to spot because they are very still and quiet. They’ve earn the nickname “chicken nugget bats” due to their miniature size.
The best chances to see these bats is on the Hidden Passages tour, but it is not a guarantee. Since the bats are hibernating, it is very important to not disturb them. If bats are spotted in the cave, the guide will point them out in a way that will not harm or wake them.
Geological Formations
The caverns were formed 25 million years ago by the Balcones Fault Zone. The oldest rock found in the cavern is 100 million years old after being carbon tested.
The guide will point out several formations, and go into great detail explaining how they were created. Here are some of the amazing formations found on the tour, and available to see up close.
- Stalactites: Starting as a soda straw, it’s a structure that forms tight to the ceiling of the cave. Calcite, which is a mineral from limestone, drips high mineral water from the ceiling and slowly builds up a formation over time. It can take a stalactite a hundred years to form a quarter of an inch to 1 inch.
- Stalagmites: Forming from the ground of the cave, stalagmites are almost the opposite of a stalactite. Water that has a high concentration of minerals slow being to form a shape when water drips in the same location on the floor for thousands of years.
- Soda Straws: Similar to stalactites, soda straws are short, hollow and hang from the ceiling. Water visibly drips through the tube, so it’s easy to see where the name came from.
- Cave Bacon: Water containing high amounts of minerals form from the ceiling of the cave, and creates a thin drapery that also contains calcite. Cave bacon can appear dark, and when shining light behind and can resemble a slice of bacon.
- Cave Columns/ Pillars: Formations that touch the ceiling and floor of the cave. This typically happens when a stalactite and stalagmite combine and begin to grow together.
There are so many more geological formations to learn about from the tour. Click here for a more detailed list, and explanation of what to find inside Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown.
See Fossils Still in the Cave
One of the most interesting facts about the cavern is the amount of Ice Age fossils that have been found, and are still being discovered. Every year paleontologists visit the cavern to travel deep through its tunnels to excavate more fossils. During the tour, keep a sharp eye on the walls for possible fossils.
Inside one area of the cave tour, the guide will point out in the ceiling where you can easily see many remaining fossils of small animals. Still embedded in the rock, many small and visible fossils remain after a chamber from above had water force the fossils though the ground and harden to the ceiling below it. It’s a great example of how visitors can understand just how many layers the caverns have on top of each other.
| Hidden Passages Distance: 1 Mile | Mon- Thurs: $28.95/ Adult, $20.95/ Child Fri- Sun + Holidays: $29.95 Adult & $21.95 Child | Available: Mon- Sun 1 hour 30 Minutes Tour |
Inner Space Cavern Wild Cave Tour
The Inner Space Cavern Wild Cave Tour is a true challenge to anyone who wants to explore deep inside a cavern. There are 2 guides that will lead a small group through the tunnels, and it is very important to stay with the group. Those who wish to embark on the tour will crawl, squeeze and climb through most of the tour. This cave tour is physically demanding, but previous experience is not necessary.
Helmets, headlamps, gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, and bottled water will be provided by Inner Space Caverns before the start of the tour.
The guides recommend dressing comfortably for the tour, such as wearing working jeans, activewear, boots, or a lightweight long-sleeved shirt.
Visitors should keep in mind that they will be crawling on rocks and will get dirty. Do not wear anything valuable.
This tour is available for 13 years and older. Those who are between the ages of 13 to 17 must have an adult with them on the tour. Anyone who participates in the Inner Space Cavern Wild Cave tour must sign a waiver. Safety is there number one concern, and the second is to have fun.
Details of the Tour
The Wild Cave Tour is truly an exciting adventure. There are many different passages that your guide can pick out to take. Even if you’ve taken the tour before, it’s possible the next time will start at a different entrance, or include additional passages and be a new experience.
There will be moments to rest where the cave opens into a room, and visitors can take a break. Parts of the Wild Cave Tour will include walking into the same route for the Hidden Passages Tour.
At no part of the tour will visitors need to swim in the cave, but there will be parts with some mud.
Belly of the Beast
A passage that looks like visitors are crawling under a formation that resembles a monster with sharp teeth is a thrilling part of the tour. It requires crawling on your hands and knees and then squeezing through tight spaces while climbing up is one of the great challenges on the tour.
Guides will warn the group when parts of the cave become slippery and you should arm pads or knee pads. Visitors should consider purchasing arm sleeves for extra protection when they are forced to crawl on rocks.
For those who want to get more involved in exploring caves, click the link here to learn about a special group in Central Texas that meets up to explore caves even on private properties.
| Wild Cave 3.5- 4 Hour Tour | $125/ person. Tour only available for 13 and older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult | To Book a tour, call (512) 931-2283 for reservations |
The Ice Age Tour
The caves in Georgetown, Texas stand out for their exceptional uniqueness, particularly due to the discovery of fossils from 42 different species of mammals within the caverns. Animals that lived during the time of the Ice Age include Columbian mammoths, giant ground sloths, spectacled bears and many more.
History and paleontology enthusiasts visiting Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown will be thrilled to embark on the Ice Age Tour alongside a genuine paleontologist. Leading the tour, John A. Moretti, is a PhD candidate with the University of Texas in Austin.
His main focus is the Ice Age period, and is enthusiastic about the work he uncovers inside the caverns. Along with furthering his own studies, he frequently visits the caverns to teach a guided tour about the fossils. The tour fills up quickly, so be sure to make reservations in advance as they are required.
Details of the Tour
During the tour, visitors will travel the paved path of the cave and witness firsthand the real excavations of fossils preserved within the cavern. Learn more details about the animal fossils found in the cave, and theories of how so many made it into the cavern.
During the tour, the guide will also teach about the history of Texas during the time of the Ice Age. Learn about what conditions were like that give us further insight towards learning and understanding about the animals that lived in that time period.
The tour is primarily a lecture that opens up to group discussions and questions that visitors can ask Mr. Moretti. It is absolutely one of the most special cave tours available in Texas. Tours are available for adults and children 10 years and older. The Ice Age Tour usually spans 2 hours, with check-in expected between 6:00 pm and 6:15 pm for visitors. Book a reservation as soon as possible!
| Ice Age Tour Distance: 1 Mile | $29.95/ Adult, $21.95/ Child | To Book a tour, call (512) 931-2283 for reservations |
More Things Fun Things To Do After A Cave Tour
Before or after enjoying the amazing caves in Georgetown Texas, check out other fun things to do on property. Families can easily fill an entire day exploring the multitude of activities at Inner Space Caverns.
The property offers many things from gemstone and fossil panning to browsing the gift shop and enjoying the exhilarating Saber Toothed Zip Ride. There’s also a nice playground, picnic area and large tortoise to see. Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown offers a must-visit destination near Austin, Texas.
Inner Space Cavern Gift Shop
When arriving at the Welcome Center, don’t miss a chance to visit the Inner Space Caverns gift shop. Adults and kids can browse a variety of items, from cave maps to adorable jewelry and plenty of souvenirs to commemorate their visit.
Be sure to indulge in some of their delicious fudge while you’re there. Drinks and other snacks are also available. The staff are very friendly and very helpful, so any questions you may have, they will be happy to assist. Don’t forget to grab a keepsake from the Inner Space Caverns gift shop to cherish your unforgettable experience!
Zip Ride
To kick off the adventure at Inner Space Caverns, experience the thrill of the Saber Toothed Zip Ride.
This exhilarating 2-seater ride straps guests in for an adrenaline-pumping journey and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The Saber Toothed Zip Ride is an exciting experience suitable for both kids and adults, boasting a top speed of 35 mph and reaching heights of 130 feet in the air. As riders take off, they’ll find themselves going backwards and facing the ground, offering a thrilling perspective of the surroundings.
My own ride on the zip ride left me amazed by the expansive views and the sheer exhilaration of the speed and height.
Gem Paning
Discover another exciting and interactive activity at Inner Space Caverns: gem panning.
This enjoyable experience is suitable for all ages, with various options available for guests to choose from, including gems, fossils, or a mix of both.
Guests can pan in the designated panning area, or guests can even take the gem panning experience home with them, making it a memorable keepsake. During my visit, I opted for the bucket full of gems and appreciated the provided card, which labeled each gem and added to the educational experience. It was easy to do at home, and I love all my new souvenirs.
Fossils
Seeing numerous fossils being excavated within the cave is a truly thrilling highlight offered by Inner Space Caverns. In addition to the fossils found within the cave and displayed in a case in the cave tour, visitors can see even more before or after the tour.
Marvel at incredible fossils located near the Inner Space Caverns gift shop. Displayed in nicely preserved exhibit cases, explore fossilized ammonites, a Columbian mammoth leg bone, baby teeth, and more, adding to the awe-inspiring experience of your visit.
Conclusion
After spending a fun and exciting day at Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, I can’t help but express how grateful I am to have this special place in Texas to visit. The cave tours were educational and fascinating with our exceptional guide to enriched our experience. We absorbed a wealth of knowledge about the cave’s history and formations, leaving me feeling like a cave expert.
Beyond exploring the caves, the property offers an array of unexpected and enjoyable activities. Riding the thrilling Zip Ride provided awe-inspiring views I never anticipated. Gem panning added another layer of excitement, and I appreciate that I can not only keep my newfound treasures but also identify them with the help of the staff.
For anyone in Central Texas, whether you’re a local or just visiting, Inner Space Caverns is an absolute must-visit. Plan your adventure and discover the wonders of Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown firsthand.
If you would like to learn about more caves in Central Texas, click here to see a list of amazing cave tours. Start planning a road trip to visit more caves in Central Texas, and ask about the Caves Passport.
13 Comments
Maria · February 25, 2024 at 3:38 am
Super informative and thorough! Thanks for sharing!
Where is Laura Traveling · March 3, 2024 at 1:42 pm
Thank you for reading! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Laura · February 25, 2024 at 7:52 pm
This is so exciting and inspiring! Definitely going to visit here! So well written and full of information! Thanks so much for this! I can’t wait to visit!!
Where is Laura Traveling · March 3, 2024 at 1:41 pm
Thank you so much! I’m glad it was helpful and informative. You definitely should consider a visit to Texas. There’s so much to do.
Bushra · March 3, 2024 at 8:02 am
Interesting and informative, thanks for sharing 🫶🏼
Where is Laura Traveling · March 3, 2024 at 1:38 pm
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the read.
Kristine · March 3, 2024 at 3:29 pm
So much great information! I look forward to your next post!
Where is Laura Traveling · March 3, 2024 at 7:41 pm
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog post!
Sheenia Denae | Lifestyle Blogger · March 18, 2024 at 3:19 pm
I’m in Dallas, Texas. This sounds like it would make a great family vacation. Thanks for sharing!
Jill · May 13, 2024 at 3:31 am
This place looks awesome! Thank you for this informative and comprehensive post 🙂
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