Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area |
|
|---|---|
 Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area
Location in Texas
Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area
Location in the United States
|
|
| Area | 1,859.7 acres (752.6 ha) |
| Established | 1985 |
| Visitors | 1,357 (in 2025) |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Website | Official site: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-sinkhole |
Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area is a very special place in Edwards County, Texas, USA. It's a huge nature reserve covering about 1,860 acres (753 hectares). This amazing natural area is famous for being home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats! These bats put on an incredible show every evening from April through October when they fly out of the sinkhole at sunset. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department helps manage and protect this unique habitat.
Contents
What is Devil's Sinkhole?
The Devil's Sinkhole is a giant, deep hole in the ground, like a natural cave opening that goes straight down. It was formed over many, many years by water slowly wearing away the rock. The opening at the top is about 50 feet (15 meters) wide and 140 feet (43 meters) long. From there, the cavern drops even further, about 350 feet (107 meters) deep! Imagine a hole almost as tall as a 35-story building!
A Home for Bats
This massive underground space is the perfect home for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats. They spend their days sleeping inside the cool, dark cavern. When evening comes, especially during the warmer months from April to October, they all fly out together to hunt for insects. It's an amazing sight to see so many bats emerge at once, swirling into the sky!
How This Special Place Was Found
People who lived in this area long ago likely knew about the sinkhole. In more recent times, a rancher named Ammon Billings and his group discovered it in 1876. They were exploring west of Hackberry Creek in Edwards County. The next day, on May 21, 1876, Ammon Billings returned with his wife, Lucinde Katherine Billings, and other spouses. It was then that they truly encountered the sinkhole. Mrs. Billings and the other wives gave it the name "The Devil's Sinkhole." Later, in 1889, a person named H. S. Barber carved their name inside the cave.
Protecting This Special Place
Because the Devil's Sinkhole is such an important natural wonder, it received a special honor in 1968. It was named a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. This means it's recognized as one of the best examples of natural history in the United States. In 1985, the land around the sinkhole was given to the state of Texas. It officially opened to the public in 1992, allowing people to visit and learn about this incredible place.
Visiting Devil's Sinkhole
If you want to visit Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area, you need to plan ahead! You can only get in by making reservations in advance. During the summer, you can join special evening tours to watch the amazing bat flight. There are also guided nature hikes where you can explore the area and learn about its plants and animals. The park has a special viewing platform that is easy for everyone to use, including those in wheelchairs. There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. Tours are led by the Devil's Sinkhole Society, a group of local volunteers. They work with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Bat Conservation International to help visitors learn all about the sinkhole and its bats.
