San Antonio is most known for the Alamo, but the city of San Antonio offers much more. San Antonio is a major metropolitan city with a strong economy and culture all its own. San Anotnio also offers visitors and natives some amazing 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 these caverns. A 30-minute drive from the heart of San Antonio, shuttle service is also available. The The caverns were discovered in 1960 and are named for the natural limestone bridge near the entrance. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most intensive caves in the San Antonio area and one of the biggest in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places since there is evidence of human artifacts and habitation harking back thousands of years.
Cascade Caverns
Not very far from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the perfect spot to go to in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are known for its 100ft waterfall in the cavern 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 emerge from the Edwards Aquifer and coalesce to form the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Thanks to the availability 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 in the past. Through the years, this became a theme park area hitting its peak in the 1950s. In the past few decades, the area has been allowed to return essentially back to nature and it has been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to a few endangered wildlife and plants, 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 widely 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's an glorious example of the Edwards Plateau ecosystem featuring a variety of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in extraordinarily select habitats and are so a long distance from other maples that they are known as "Lost Maples" The trees thrive in protected hilly regions where a modest climate is maintained. There's evidentuary confirmation that the Maples are ice age remnants of a massive maple forest at a 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 charges are free to minimal. These natural landmarks are open all year apart from 1 or 2 heavy holidays or due to extraordinary weather.
Natural Bridge Caverns
One of the San Antonio natural landmarks that are well known are these caverns. A 30-minute drive from the heart of San Antonio, shuttle service is also available. The The caverns were discovered in 1960 and are named for the natural limestone bridge near the entrance. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most intensive caves in the San Antonio area and one of the biggest in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places since there is evidence of human artifacts and habitation harking back thousands of years.
Cascade Caverns
Not very far from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the perfect spot to go to in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are known for its 100ft waterfall in the cavern 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 emerge from the Edwards Aquifer and coalesce to form the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Thanks to the availability 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 in the past. Through the years, this became a theme park area hitting its peak in the 1950s. In the past few decades, the area has been allowed to return essentially back to nature and it has been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to a few endangered wildlife and plants, 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 widely 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's an glorious example of the Edwards Plateau ecosystem featuring a variety of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in extraordinarily select habitats and are so a long distance from other maples that they are known as "Lost Maples" The trees thrive in protected hilly regions where a modest climate is maintained. There's evidentuary confirmation that the Maples are ice age remnants of a massive maple forest at a 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 charges are free to minimal. These natural landmarks are open all year apart from 1 or 2 heavy holidays or due to extraordinary 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.
