San Antonio is most recognized for the Alamo, but the city offers much more. San Antonio is a busy urban city with a strong economy and culture all its own. The city of San Antonio also offers visitors and residents some amazing scenery and natural sights. San Antonio natural landmarks are unique and enjoyable 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 Natural Bridge 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 for the natural limestone bridge near the entrance. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most extensive caves in the San Antonio area and one of the largest in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places because of evidence of human artifacts and habitation dating back for thousands of years.
Cascade Caverns
Not far away from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the perfect spot to visit in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are famous for its 100ft waterfall within the cavernous depths. The Lipan Apaches discovered the Cascade Caverns in the 1700s. The Kiowa, Lipan Apaches and Comanche Native Americans had been in the area since around 8000 BC.
San Marcos Springs
Found northeast of San Antonio is San Marcos Springs. Over 200 natural springs come forth from the Edwards Aquifer and create the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Thanks to the existence of viable drinking water, this became one of the very oldest and continuously inhabited areas on the continent. Archeological digs have discovered materials that are dated 12000 years ago. Through the years, this became a theme park area hitting its peak in the 1950s. In the past few decades, the area has been encouraged to return primarily back to nature and it has been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to several endangered wildlife and plants, including Texas Wild Rice, several types of Salamander and the fountain darter.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Of the San Antonio natural landmarks, the Lost Maples is also very well-known. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is about seventy miles west of San Antonio. Named for the Uvalde bigtooth Maple trees in the area, it is an fantastic example of the Edwards Plateau ecology featuring a variety of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in extraordinarily select habitats and are so a great distance away from other maples they are known as "Lost Maples" The trees thrive in protected rocky regions where a reasonable climate is maintained. There is evidence that the Maples are ice age remnants of a big maple forest at a point in time when the climate in the environment was more temperate. This park is well-known for its beautiful fall trees changing colors in early November.
Those who enjoy nature won't want to miss these natural landmarks in San Antonio. The entry costs are free to nominal. These natural landmarks are open all year except for 1 or 2 heavy holidays or due to extreme weather.
Natural Bridge Caverns
One of the San Antonio natural landmarks that are well known are the Natural Bridge 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 for the natural limestone bridge near the entrance. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most extensive caves in the San Antonio area and one of the largest in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places because of evidence of human artifacts and habitation dating back for thousands of years.
Cascade Caverns
Not far away from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the perfect spot to visit in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are famous for its 100ft waterfall within the cavernous depths. The Lipan Apaches discovered the Cascade Caverns in the 1700s. The Kiowa, Lipan Apaches and Comanche Native Americans had been in the area since around 8000 BC.
San Marcos Springs
Found northeast of San Antonio is San Marcos Springs. Over 200 natural springs come forth from the Edwards Aquifer and create the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Thanks to the existence of viable drinking water, this became one of the very oldest and continuously inhabited areas on the continent. Archeological digs have discovered materials that are dated 12000 years ago. Through the years, this became a theme park area hitting its peak in the 1950s. In the past few decades, the area has been encouraged to return primarily back to nature and it has been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to several endangered wildlife and plants, including Texas Wild Rice, several types of Salamander and the fountain darter.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Of the San Antonio natural landmarks, the Lost Maples is also very well-known. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is about seventy miles west of San Antonio. Named for the Uvalde bigtooth Maple trees in the area, it is an fantastic example of the Edwards Plateau ecology featuring a variety of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in extraordinarily select habitats and are so a great distance away from other maples they are known as "Lost Maples" The trees thrive in protected rocky regions where a reasonable climate is maintained. There is evidence that the Maples are ice age remnants of a big maple forest at a point in time when the climate in the environment was more temperate. This park is well-known for its beautiful fall trees changing colors in early November.
Those who enjoy nature won't want to miss these natural landmarks in San Antonio. The entry costs are free to nominal. These natural landmarks are open all year except for 1 or 2 heavy holidays or due to extreme weather.
About the Author:
Amanda Duff has been fascinated by San Antonio natural landmarks for a few years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, which can be read here.
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