Congress Avenue Bridge (South Congress Bridge)

Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge, also known as the South Congress Bridge, is a unique urban landmark. Beneath its concrete arches, the world’s largest urban bat colony makes its home, consisting of approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. On summer evenings, visitors and locals alike gather along the bridge, cameras at the ready, to witness the nightly spectacle of these bats emerging into the twilight sky. The bats take flight over Lady Bird Lake, creating a natural display that draws crowds and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s wildlife.