Wonder World Park in San Marcos

Wonder World Park: Enjoy a guided tour and discover the nation’s only true example of an EARTHQUAKE-FORMED CAVE. Go deep underground and see up close the devastation of a major quake. Exit by the “Stratavator” and ride high into the sky to the TEJAS OBSERVATION TOWER. Be amazed by the Topsy-Turvy World of the ANTI-GRAVITY HOUSE where everything is backwards, even water flows up hill! Board the train and splash through the waterfalls of MYSTERY MOUNTAIN on your way to the TEXAS WILDLIFE PETTING PARK.

Ever explore an earthquake from deep inside the earth? Let us lead you into the Balcones Fault Line Cave; the only real earthquake cave open for viewing and an eye opener to Mother Nature’s devastating raw forces. The tour is lead by our guides trained to reveal stories of past geological eras of the Earth’s history. Fossilized prehistoric life encased in the many strata formations and huge boulders suspended mid-air are just part of the spectacular and rare sites the cave offers.

Fun Facts & Visitor Information

Q. Are there other rooms in Wonder Cave not seen during the tour?
A. Yes. Exploration of these rooms would require individual flashlights, hardhats and rope.

Q. What should I wear and what should I bring to enjoy my visit at Wonder World Park?
A. Our tour is a walking tour through the cave and we recommend wearing non-skid shoes. The cave is not wheel chair accessible or stroller accessible. For parents with babies and small children who are learning to walk, we recommend using a front-load baby carrier. A child tends to sit up high in back packs and may hit his head on parts of the tour.

Q. Are there any organisms indigenous to Wonder World  Cave?
A. Although an occasional spider, cricket or roach may come in through the elevator shaft; the only indigenous creature is a black and white salamander.

Q. Are there bats in Wonder Cave?
A. No. They have no way to get in. San Marcos does have a colony though; the Mexican Freetail bats live in the parking garage at Comanche and Vista streets on the Texas State University campus. They migrate to Mexico for the winter.

Q. What is the difference between a cave and a cavern?
A. There is no difference. The cavern just refers to an especially large cave.

Q. Has there been seismic activity in the Balcones Fault zone in recent times?
A. Although the Balcones Fault Zone is generally considered to be inactive, some scientists suggest the earthquakes that occurred just east of Austin in 1873 and 1902 were caused by movement along the eastern part of the fault system (Swanson, 1995). The closest earthquake to San Marcos occurred in Seguin in 1847. All of the above mentioned earthquakes had an estimated intensity of less than 5 on the Richter scale. The Seguin quake was estimated at 3.5.

Experience the Wonder

Welcome to Wonder World Park, a one-of-a-kind Theme Park, known as the 1st show cave in Texas. Visitors have enjoyed touring the Balcones Fault Line Cave for over 105 years, and now, the park has many other attractions for family fun and entertainment.

Enjoy a guided tour and discover the nation’s only true example of an EARTHQUAKE-FORMED CAVE. Go deep underground and see up close the devastation of a major quake. Exit by the “Stratavator” and ride high into the sky to the TEJAS OBSERVATION TOWER. Be amazed by the Topsy-Turvy World of the ANTI-GRAVITY HOUSE where everything is backwards, even water flows up hill! Board the train and splash through the waterfalls of MYSTERY MOUNTAIN on your way to the TEXAS WILDLIFE PETTING PARK.

Educational and fun for ALL ages, Wonder World Park Cave and Attractions is just minutes from I-35 in San Marcos between Austin and San Antonio. Gift shops, free picnic grounds, free parking and much more await your visit.