This cache is on the shores of Mitchell Lake, one of the only natural lakes in Texas. To get to the lake, you must first navigate around the complex system of polders managed by the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center and the San Antonio Water System (SAWS). A short distance from the cache, you can often see a large flock of American White Pelicans (known as a “pod”), perched on a pipe near the shore of the lake. With a wingspan of about 9-feet, these majestic birds are some of the largest to grace our skies. Although most migrate through, some of the American White Pelicans choose to stay at Mitchell Lake year-round. If you keep a lookout, you might also see a directionally-challenged Brown Pelican, a bird native to the Texas coasts, flying overhead.
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is located just 15-minutes south of downtown San Antonio. Mitchell Lake is an important stop along the Central Flyway, a migratory bird route that stretches from the Arctic to South America. Although it once served as a sewage disposal site, this natural lake was designated as a Wildlife Refuge in 1973. Hundreds of species of birds visit the lake and the grounds of the Center every year. But Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is not just for the birds! With over 7-miles of hiking trails, more than 1,200 acres of habitat for birding, native plant gardens, guided birding hikes, and programs and activities for the entire family, you, too, can enjoy Mitchell Lake.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 7 am-2 pm. Closed Mondays and most major holidays.
Admission: Adults-$5, Children (6-16)- $3, under 6-free. Memberships available.