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Austin, Texas: World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
305 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX
Directions:
Congress Avenue Bridge on Town Lake, Austin American-Statesman parking lot on the southeast side, free parking to the public after 6 pm.
Hours:
Bats take wing just before dark, usually -- March through November. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:
Pay for parking.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights
World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

Crowds gather every evening to watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.

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Visitor Tips and News About World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

There is no free parking anywhere in Austin! The bat colony parking that RA directs you to is the cheapest parking that we found, but it is not free.

[VLong, 08/24/2023]

The paid parking wave may signal that the city needs cash ("Parking Revenue Recovery Services"), but it may also discourage lot-hoggers who don't really care about the bats.

Bats take flight.

World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

I highly recommend taking a boat tour, cost is $13 for adults and $8 for children and well worth it to get a great view under the bridge. Bring a hat! The falling guano is real!

[Stephanie Stuckey, 04/16/2023]
World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

If you park in the American-statesman lot, you have to download the parking app and pay to park. We did not want to risk getting a fine. The bats emerged in a huge cloud for a good 20 minutes. Impressive!

[Laurie, 03/31/2017]
World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

This bat colony makes for a wonderful summer evening in Austin. They're endangered, and environmentally very important. Plan your visit with enough time to stake out a good spot on the Congress Ave. bridge.

[Lauren R., 01/15/2015]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Larger-Than-Life Willie NelsonLarger-Than-Life Willie Nelson, Austin, TX - < 1 mi.
Texas Toy MuseumTexas Toy Museum, Austin, TX - < 1 mi.
Statue of Stevie Ray VaughanStatue of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Austin, TX - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Terry Tunes, Yard Artist, Liberty Hill, TX - 33 mi.

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