Memory Lane: Wonder World

In 1903 for 10 cents you could get one candle and a guided tour of Texas’ first show cave. About 15 years later, Bever’s Cave was sold for $50, one gray horse and a saddle to one Mr. Rodgers who renamed it Wonder Cave. Wonder Cave became a national attraction and was sold in 1950 to a local family who have passed it through generations ever since.

Kristin Williams is the third generation of family members who’ve owned and run Wonder World since the 1950’s. With every generation came new enhancements to the park. They added on a train, anti-gravity house, observation tower, and an arcade. Now, Kristin’s main goal is to make Wonder World a community event center.

“We’re trying to connect with other businesses downtown,” Kristin said. 

Drawing in around 50,000 tourists per year, Kristin knows Wonder World has ample opportunity to be a cultural hub for Texas State students and San Marcos locals. But most of the crowd they draw are families coming from out of state.

“It’s been a challenge to get to the college”, Kristin said.

Kristin would love each Texas State student to experience the culture of San Marcos, and Wonder World has been a historic part of that for 115 years. Now they’re adding events like Rave in the Cave, Haunted Cave Tours and the Mermaid Market where local artists can sell their work. 

Wonder World has a rich history in San Marcos and continues to develop thanks to local families like Kristin’s. Students can now get discounted tickets and locals can come to free community events. Learn more on their website, https://www.wonderworldpark.com.