Congress Avenue Bridge

The Congress Avenue Bridge, located in downtown Austin, Texas, is famous for its colony of Mexican free-tailed bats, making it one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. The bridge, which spans Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake), was built in 1910 and serves as a vital transportation artery connecting downtown Austin with the South Congress district.

From late spring to early fall, the Congress Avenue Bridge becomes the seasonal home to one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America. An estimated 750,000 bats roost beneath the bridge, emerging at dusk each evening to feed on insects that swarm over Lady Bird Lake. The sight of thousands of bats streaming out from under the bridge has become a spectacular natural phenomenon and a must-see event for visitors to Austin.

The best vantage points for viewing the bat emergence are from the bridge itself, the adjacent walkways along Lady Bird Lake, or the nearby shoreline parks. Visitors can watch as the bats spiral into the sky in search of food, creating mesmerizing patterns against the backdrop of the setting sun. Bat-watching tours, led by knowledgeable guides, are also available for those who want to learn more about these fascinating creatures and their behavior.

In addition to its role as a wildlife habitat, the Congress Avenue Bridge is an integral part of Austin's urban landscape and a symbol of the city's vibrant culture and natural beauty. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, a visit to the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the bat emergence is sure to leave a lasting impression.