Wonder World Park, San Marcos, TX

Wonder World Park is considered the first show cave in Texas. It has been a "theme'' park for more than 105 years. The cave is located in San Marcos, Texas where tours and live entertainment are part of the fun. The cave is located on 1000 Prospect Street. To reach the cave one must head along I-35 between Austin and San Antonio. Wonderland World Park is open all year round with a gift shop, free picnic area, parking, and more.

The cavern itself that one can tour was created by an earthquake. As one heads deep into the earth it is possible to see what the major quake did to the land. After the tour groups are let out by the Stratvator, which takes guests to the Texas Observation Tower where it is possible to see the landscape. Also at the park is the Topsy Turvy Anti Gravity House. Everything inside the house is backwards; even the water will flow uphill. It is possible to take a train ride and then splash through waterfalls at Mystery Mountain. Not only is all that at the park, there is also the Wildlife Petting Park.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day the park is open 8am to 8pm. Winter hours are 9am to 5pm during the week and 9am to 6pm on the weekends. Tickets are $18.95 for people 13 and up. Youth tickets are $13.95 for those between 6 and 12. Children 3 to 5 are $7.50, and anyone under three is free. Senior citizens and active military can enjoy discounts. The park is closed for Christmas Eve and Day. The tickets provided can allow visitors into all areas of the park. It is also possible to just buy the cave tour or perhaps the petting park.

The cave is a constant 72 degrees all year long. Wonder World Park cave or Balcones Fault Line Cave as it is called sits on the Balcones fault line. This fault line is what caused the earthquake to occur centuries ago. It allowed the earth to open, dirt to sink and the cave entrance to be found. Geologically the cave is very important. There are also fossils from the prehistoric era.

The cave is of course just part of what draws individuals into the area. Mystery Mountain was built in order to provide rides for guests to the park. The train will bring guests to the waterfall where it is possible to get soaked before heading to the petting zoo. The petting zoo allows adults and children to feed deer before heading back towards the gift shop and parking.

On site is also the Wonder World Cafe. The cafe serves beverages, sandwiches, and many other snacks. One can eat indoors or sit at the picnic tables. It is also possible to bring food rather than buying it at the cafe. The gift shop sells rocks, toys, and other unique gifts one might want to take home from after the visit to the cavern.