San Antonio is most known for the Alamo, but the city offers much more. San Antonio is a bustling metropolitan city with a strong economy and culture all its own. The city of San Antonio also offers visitors and natives some breathtaking scenery and natural sights. San Antonio natural landmarks are unique and a pleasure for any travelers that have an interest in unique natural sights.
Natural Bridge Caverns
One of the San Antonio natural landmarks that are well known are the caverns. A 30-minute drive from central San Antonio, shuttle service is also available. The The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in 1960 and are named after the natural limestone bridge at the entrance to the caverns. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most in depth caves in the area and one of the largest in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places because of archeological evidence of human artifacts and habitation harking back for thousands of years.
Cascade Caverns
Not very far from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the ideal spot to visit in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are known for its 100ft waterfall inside the cave depths. The Lipan Apaches discovered the Cascade Caverns in the 1700s. The Lipan Apaches, Kiowa and Comanche Native Americans had been in the area since around 8000 BC.
San Marcos Springs
Located northeast of San Antonio is San Marcos Springs. Over 200 natural springs issue from the Edwards Aquifer and form the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Due to the existence of potable water, this became one of the oldest and inhabited areas on the continent. Archeological excavations in the area have uncovered artifacts that can be dated 12000 years in the past. Through the years, this became an entertainment park area having its hay-day in the 1950s. Over the past few decades, the area has been permitted to return primarily back to nature and the area has been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to 1 or 2 endangered species, including the fountain darter, Texas Wild Rice and several types of salamander.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Of the San Antonio natural landmarks, the Lost Maples is also fairly well known. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is 71 miles west of San Antonio. Named for the Uvalde bigtooth Maple trees in the area, it is an excellent example of the Edwards Plateau ecology featuring a range of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in very select habitats and are so a great distance away from other maples that they are known as "Lost Maples" The trees flourish in protected hilly regions where a modest climate is maintained. There is evidence that those Maples are ice age remnants of a big maple forest at a point in time when the climate in the region was more temperate. This park is well known for its attractive fall trees changing colors in early November.
Those who enjoy nature shouldn't miss these natural landmarks in San Antonio. The entry costs are free to minimal. These natural landmarks are open all year excepting one or two significant holidays or due to extreme weather.
Natural Bridge Caverns
One of the San Antonio natural landmarks that are well known are the caverns. A 30-minute drive from central San Antonio, shuttle service is also available. The The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in 1960 and are named after the natural limestone bridge at the entrance to the caverns. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most in depth caves in the area and one of the largest in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places because of archeological evidence of human artifacts and habitation harking back for thousands of years.
Cascade Caverns
Not very far from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the ideal spot to visit in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are known for its 100ft waterfall inside the cave depths. The Lipan Apaches discovered the Cascade Caverns in the 1700s. The Lipan Apaches, Kiowa and Comanche Native Americans had been in the area since around 8000 BC.
San Marcos Springs
Located northeast of San Antonio is San Marcos Springs. Over 200 natural springs issue from the Edwards Aquifer and form the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Due to the existence of potable water, this became one of the oldest and inhabited areas on the continent. Archeological excavations in the area have uncovered artifacts that can be dated 12000 years in the past. Through the years, this became an entertainment park area having its hay-day in the 1950s. Over the past few decades, the area has been permitted to return primarily back to nature and the area has been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to 1 or 2 endangered species, including the fountain darter, Texas Wild Rice and several types of salamander.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Of the San Antonio natural landmarks, the Lost Maples is also fairly well known. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is 71 miles west of San Antonio. Named for the Uvalde bigtooth Maple trees in the area, it is an excellent example of the Edwards Plateau ecology featuring a range of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in very select habitats and are so a great distance away from other maples that they are known as "Lost Maples" The trees flourish in protected hilly regions where a modest climate is maintained. There is evidence that those Maples are ice age remnants of a big maple forest at a point in time when the climate in the region was more temperate. This park is well known for its attractive fall trees changing colors in early November.
Those who enjoy nature shouldn't miss these natural landmarks in San Antonio. The entry costs are free to minimal. These natural landmarks are open all year excepting one or two significant holidays or due to extreme weather.
About the Author:
Amanda Duff has had an interest in San Antonio natural landmarks for several years. The author has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, which can often be read here.
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