Bison

Dramatic red rock canyons in the Texas Panhandle that are home to the official state bison herd. Kids are thrilled to see real bison roaming free along the park roads and trails. The 64-mile Trailway is one of the longest rail-trails in Texas and passes through a railroad tunnel that is now a Mexican free-tailed bat colony. Watching hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at sunset from the tunnel is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the state.

Twenty-five miles of trails wind through forests, prairies, and wetlands where kids can spot a real bison herd and an active prairie dog town. The quarter-mile boardwalk over the marsh is a hit with younger kids who love peering down at turtles and frogs. Inside the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, hands-on exhibits teach about local ecosystems, and the staff runs excellent family programs on weekends year-round.