South Congress Bridge, Bat observation bridge in downtown Austin, United States
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge stretches across Lady Bird Lake, featuring three traffic lanes in each direction and sidewalks for pedestrians.
The initial structure from 1869 served as a pontoon toll bridge before subsequent wooden and iron versions led to the current concrete arch construction in 1910.
The bridge houses North America's largest urban bat colony, with Mexican free-tailed bats emerging nightly from March through October to feed on insects.
Visitors can watch the bats for free from the Statesman Bat Observation Center or take guided boat tours ranging from 5 to 10 dollars per person.
The bridge supports a maternity colony where 750,000 female bats raise their pups each summer, consuming large quantities of insects throughout the region.
Address: Congress Avenue Bridge, S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
GPS coordinates: 30.26175,-97.74517
Latest update: March 4, 2025 16:43
Austin bears no resemblance to any other Texas city. Here, music escapes from bars before dusk, food trucks mingle with concert halls, and parks stretch to the Colorado River. As Texas's capital and self-proclaimed live music capital, the city brings together students, artists, and travelers seeking that unique energy found only here. Between its museums, natural swimming pools, and vibrant neighborhoods, Austin is explored on foot, by bike, or to the sound of a guitar. From Zilker Park to the Capitol, from South Congress to East Sixth Street, each place tells a part of this free and inventive local culture. A city apart, balancing nature, creativity, and the simple pleasure of outdoor living.
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