Cave without a Name, Boerne, TX

Eleven miles outside of Boerne, Texas is a national natural landmark visitors may wish to see. The Cave without a Name runs along FM 474 and has been a commercial location since 1939. The cave was created more than 10 thousand years ago. There is evidence of prehistoric animals and human contact with the cave from the early centuries. Archeologists have discovered 20th century remains from humans in the cave. It was a small animal farm at first for the humans. Traps were laid in the opening of the cave.

After its initial use in the 19th century it was forgotten, until 1920. During the Prohibition era local residents decided to create a moonshine distillery in the uppermost area of the cavern. Once prohibition was over it was forgotten, until the owner decided to make it a commercial landmark. In the 30's the owner began advertising the cave. The owner, it is said, opened up a contest to name the cave. A boy suggested it was too beautiful to have a name, so as the winner he received $250 in cash and it was named the Cave without a Name.

Inside the cave a stairwell was built to lead guests into the cave's belly. The stairwell has 126 steps and takes visitors 90 feet into the earth. The temperature inside is 66 degrees Fahrenheit all year. There are really only two areas the public is allowed to go;the main set of chambers and then the extension that leads to the underground section of the Guadalupe River. However, this extension is only open to those who have proper training in diving. In fact any scuba diver with a cave diving certification can come to the cave for a magical underwater experience.

There are treacherous areas in the cave for those who dive. For example Dead Man's Cave was investigated for why rain water was not draining, and it ended in the death of the owner's son. This is why only experienced cave divers are welcome in the second area. As of 2006 the National Park Service declared the cave a National Natural Landmark.

Tours of the cave will take 60 minutes. There are six rooms that are a part of the tour. Tours are set to depart throughout the day, about every hour. Children who are six or under can go free with a paid adult. Adults are $14 and children are $7 for entry. Anyone with a military discount, seniors, or other discount programs will get a few dollars savings on the entry fee.

Hours of operation are 9am to 6pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. After Labor Day the hours are 10am to 5pm. The cave is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but not for other holidays. Cameras and video recorders are welcome inside the cave, and visitors are encouraged to bring these items. Throughout the year are events worth visiting like the Fall Equinox Ceremony, which has live music from local Native Americans.