Austin, Texas: World's Largest Urban Bat Colony

I loved this as a little girl and still do! Great activity for the family -- just make sure you bring an umbrella. After sleeping all day, the bats have a tendency to relieve themselves ASAP.

We were there in early October, and it was unseasonably cool with drizzle. The weather wasn't good for bugs, so it wasn't good for the "World's Largest Urban Bat Colony," and we didn't see a very good flying display. Apparently, the best time is July/August. We had a hard time seeing them, until I discovered the best viewing spot. We went onto the pathway, just under the edge of the bridge. I certainly wouldn't want to be in that exact spot during a busy flight, but no-one seemed to get guano'd while we were there.

Take lawn chairs, because departure time is said to depend upon the weather and cloud cover.

The bats coming out from under the bridge are quite a sight to behold. When in Austin it is a "must-do." However, I have one recommendation. Take an umbrella (a clear one if you have it). The first time I went, at least a quarter of the people there had umbrellas. I wondered why. But not for long. When the bats come out after a long day of sleeping, the first thing many of them do is relieve themselves. The umbrella will help you see the bats and not get an up close and personal experience with guano.

A colony of Mexican freetail bats has made its home under the Congress Ave. bridge. It's the largest urban bat colony in the world. At dusk the bats fly out by what must be the millions! Quite a sight to see. There are bat tours on the river boats too.