Natural Bridge Caverns Launches the Lantern Tour on March 1st

Feb 15, 2024, San Antonio - In 1960 the only way you could see Natural Bridge Caverns’ stunning formations was with the light from a carbide headlamp. Even with those relatively dim lights, the rooms were spectacular. Now, 64 years later, that experience of early exploration has been recreated with a new, reimagined Lantern Tour of the Discovery Cavern.

Over the years, Natural Bridge Caverns has become one of the nation’s most popular caves to tour with the most advanced lighting systems in North America. “We’ve invested millions of dollars in state-of-the-art lighting, so the incredible formations of both caves can be seen in detail that was never before possible,” notes president and co-owner Brad Wuest. “Still, for many guests there is something magical about exploring the cavern as it was when it was first discovered.”

In 1960 four college students first entered what was then considered an unpromising opening under a little-known limestone rock bridge – an opening that soon revealed one of the most stunning discoveries in the state. The Lantern Tour takes guests on a recreation of that first exploration of the Discovery Cavern with only the light of handheld lanterns. Unlike the first explorers who had to climb through mud and scale over rocks, guests on the tour will walk on paved paths complete with handrails. During the tour, guests will hear the story of the original discoverers who, on their fourth expedition, uncovered what would be revealed to be the largest cavern in the State of Texas.

Last year when Orion Knox, one of the four discoverers of the cavern and a key member of the first cave development team, passed away, the team at Natural Bridge Caverns was determined to bring back this unique tour. “Our reimagined Lantern Tour is in part a celebration of Orion’s life and in part homage to cave explorers everywhere,” said Wuest.

Our cavern system continues to be actively explored, with 1.13 miles of passage having been discovered since 2019. The current known length of Natural Bridge Caverns is now 4.18 miles. We hope to give our guests a little sense of the thrill of discovery on this tour.”

Advance online reservations are required for the Lantern Tour which will be available every day as the first tour of the day starting March 1. For more information visit Natural Bridge Caverns online at naturalbridgecaverns.com.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO ASSETS

MEDIA: For pre-open access contact Winter Prosapio at wprosapio@naturalbridgecaverns.com