Inner Space Cavern

Inner Space Cavern was discovered when the Texas Highway Department was conducting surveying of the ground for the construction of Interstate 35.

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the key to crystals ᵇʸ ˢᵃʳᵃʰ ᵇᵃʳᵗˡᵉᵗᵗ

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Exploring Laubach Canyon, 1983

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First exploration of the cave, November 1963.

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To truly show our love and appreciation of the cavern, we must always follow the Caver's Motto:

"Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time."

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It's #CaveScience Wednesday!

Today, we're gonna talk about phosphorescence in calcite!

If you've been to our cave, you've undoubtedly seen the beautiful formations that we have to offer. But did you know that if you shine an ultraviolet light onto those formations, that they'll actually briefly glow in the dark?

That is because calcite is a phosphorescent mineral! When an ultraviolet light is shined upon it, it excites the electrons within the mineral. This energy is absorbed by the calcite and then released relatively slowly in the form of light as the excitement of the electrons wears off. This is why when you shine a concentrated UV light on calcite, it appears as though you can "draw" on the rock. The light is held and slowly released as the beam goes across it, allowing the light to be visible to the naked eye briefly before fading away.

The more you know!

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It's #CaveScience Wednesday!

Today we're going to learn about rimstone!

Now, if you've been on our tours, you've undoubtedly seen our magnificent Flowing Stone of Time. Rimstone is formed by calcium bicarbonate leaving behind trace amounts of calcite as the water flows down the rocks. But what happens when that water reaches the bottom? Rimstone happens! When the water reaches the bottom, it pools up. The force caused by the water flowing down from the rock causes the water to push up against the edge of the pool and that's where the calcium gets deposited. As the water is pushed over time, it creates the small edges of the pools that you can see in the picture above.

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"And here we can observe a cave dweller in her natural habitat. She has found an appropriate "hidey-hole" that suits all of her needs. Although they would appear to live a solitary life, the opposite is true. The Cave Dweller knows that living in such a habitat is a team effort and they are always willing to help those who need it. Because of this, the cave dweller is very friendly towards outsiders and very helpful towards those who trespass into their territory. The only way to anger a cave dweller is to touch the cave's delicate formations with one's bare or muddy hands.

To view a cave dweller in person, one only needs to schedule a "Wild Cave Tour" at the dweller's place of residence, Inner Space Cavern."

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It's #CaveScience Wednesday! Today, we're gonna talk about calcite growth! Above, we can see a stalactite starting to form on one that was broken off over 50 years ago. Those little flakes of calcite are how all stalactities start out! Limestone caves are mainly composed of calcite, which is a common mineral that is found in sedimentary rocks. Calcite is made of calcium and carbonate ions (CaCO3). Now, when rainwater trickles through the rocks, it picks up carbon dioxide and other minerals from the limestone. When the water, carbon dioxide, and calcium carbonate mix together, we get something called calcium bicarbonate, which is basically dissolved calcite. The water carries the substance through the rock until it comes into contact with the air in the cave. When that happens, some of the calcite re-solidifies and it starts growing around the crack that the water dripped from. As the water continues to drip, the length and thickness of the calcite continues to form, eventually turning into a soda straw and then, if it turns solid, a stalactite.

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Are you tired of the 100+ degree weather trying to burn off your skin? Is the sun just too bright and annoying for you? Do you need an escape from the unforgiving, relentless heat that Texas likes to pour on you? Then come down (literally) to Inner Space Cavern! We’re about 20-30 degrees cooler than the cruel, unabating sun! So forget the outdoors! Come see an indoor kind of outdoor that is cool in more ways than one!

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It's been pouring all day and the forecast says there's more on the way?! Not a problem! While there are some caves that do flood when the rain comes, ours DOES NOT! Due to the nature of our cave, the rain water takes about 4 - 7 days to reach the cave and it comes in at a very controlled rate. As a result, our cave does not flash flood! So, come rain or shine, we'll be open! And we're a great respite from the pouring rain. ; )

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Feeling patriotic? So are we! From July 2nd - July 7th, we are extending our hours for the holiday week! We will be open from 9 am - 6 pm. We will also be open on the 4th of July! #murica

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Dogtooth Spar (pictured here from our cave) is a type of speleothem that resembles a dog's teeth (hence the name). Don’t be fooled by the pictures! They are actually just centimeters long. They are formed by mineral precipitation through water-bourne calcite! Underneath the triangular points is a layer of crystalline calcite (which you can see pictured at the base of some of the triangles). [Learn More]