If you’ve never heard of Glen Rose, Texas we’re about to introduce you. Glen Rose is situated in North Texas. It’s in the southwest corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex just past Cleburne. Glen Rose features small-town charm, hiking trails, and historic sites and is an easy road trip add-on for those already visiting DFW, Granbury, and Waco. The town holds the title of the dinosaur capital of Texas, due to the preserved dinosaur footprints in the Paluxy River. While many visitors seek out Glen Rose looking for dino adventures, there are way more fun things to do here! Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to explore what Glen Rose has to offer.
1. Walk in the footsteps of dinos at Dinosaur Valley State Park.
1629 Park Rd 59 Glen Rose, TX 76043
Dinosaur Valley State Park is home to some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in the world. You can hike along the banks of the Paluxy River to spot the tracks up close. If it’s a hot day (and many days in Texas are) you can wade in to cool off! Once you’re done with dino spotting you can take advantage of the park’s camping, fishing, and mountain biking.
Want to experience horseback riding? Area outfitters Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company can arrange for beginner-friendly riding experiences.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The dinosaur tracks are usually the most visible during late summer when the riverbed is more visible due to a lower water level.
2. Go on safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
2299 Co Rd 2008 Glen Rose, TX 76043
If you want to work in some non-extinct creatures visit the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. This drive-through safari park is home to over 1,000 animals spanning 50 different species. Adults and kids alike will love spotting giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
You’ll drive yourself through the roughly 7-mile safari. Plan for roughly two hours. It can take longer if it is busy. Make sure you allow time to explore the Children’s Animal Center, located halfway through your drive. Jeep drivers: be aware that Jeep’s must have solid doors.
Guided tours are available starting at $39.95 per person. Or for $20 more per person you can book a Behind-the-Scenes tour. This option takes visitors behind the scenes and includes animals that aren’t visible on the public tour like wolves and black rhinos. Add-on experiences like feeding the animals are also available. Feeling adventurous? Book an overnight stay in a safari-style tent or in the Lodge.
3. Explore history at Somervell County Museum.
101 S.W. Vernon Street Glen Rose, TX 76043
Learn more about the area at the Somervell County Museum. Showcasing the history of Glen Rose and Somervell County, this free admission museum covers a ton of topics. You’ll see exhibits on everything from local Native American tribes to the Chisholm Trail to the Civil War. Local artists’ works are on display as well.
4. Get prehistoric pictures at Dinosaur World.
1058 Park Rd 59 Glen Rose, TX 76043
You’ll have the chance to see over 100 life-size dinosaur models at this outdoor museum. Dinosaur World also has a fossil dig and a playground on-site. Watch a paleontologist work and take a guided tour. You can even bring Fido, they’re dog-friendly.
Most families allow 2-3 hours to explore the dinosaur world. The kids will definitely want to hit the gift shop on the way out. They’ve got fun dinosaur toys, replicas, artifacts, and pretty geodes.
Dinosaur World is open from 9 am – 5 pm daily. If you plan on spending awhile you’ll want to pack a lunch. There is no food service on-site. Ticket prices along with add-on package prices are available on their website.
5. Unleash your inner artist at Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum.
307 SW Barnard Street Glen Rose, TX 76043
Mixing art and a historic building, Glen Rose has turned this historic building into an art museum. Former gristmill turned art gallery, Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum features works by local artists.
In addition to checking out the art, you can also tour the mill and learn about its history. Admission is free, and hours can be found on the museum’s website.
6. Climb and play at Big Rocks Park.
1014 NE Barnard Street Glen Rose, TX 76043
Big Rocks Park, as you may have deduced, features large rocks. With giant boulders that visitors can climb on and explore and shallow areas for swimming and wading, it has plenty of fun activities for the entire family. Pack a lunch and take advantage of picnic areas and free admission. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
7. Walk over to Paluxy Heritage Park.
A short walk from Big Rocks Park is Paluxy Heritage Park. The Paluxy Riverwalk connects Big Rocks and Heritage Parks. You can cross over from one to the other by walking across on the weir (a low-profile dam) unless there has been a lot of rain.
Paluxy Heritage Park is home to several historical buildings, including a schoolhouse. There are informational plaques so that you can do a self-guided tour.
8. Explore Historic Downtown Glen Rose.
100 NE Barnard Street Glen Rose, TX 76043
With a historic downtown square centered around the county courthouse, Glen Rose has a quintessential Texas feel. Surrounding Courthouse Square you’ll find boutiques, dining options, a bookstore, and more. At 100 NE Barnard Street, you’ll find the visitors center. Pop in and get some recommendations or information on the close to 30 downtown area buildings that are on the National Registry of Historic Places.
9. Kayak, fish, swim, or even scuba dive at Wheeler Branch Park.
2099 Co Rd 301 Glen Rose, TX 76043
Wheeler Branch Park, run by Somervell County Water District, features a whole bunch of underwater items for scuba divers to explore. This includes a school bus, a sailboat, a helicopter and even a creepy clown! If you plan to dive, bring your own gear. Rentals are not available onsite.
Wheeler Branch Park features a boat ramp, beach area, public restrooms, and picnic areas. Entry price is per person, we recommend checking current season fees online before visiting. Cash (no change given) or credit card payment is available. There is an extra charge for motorboats and the quantity of motorboats per day is limited.
10. Go tubing at the Brazos Outdoor Center.
1191 County Rd 316 Rainbow, TX 76077
Located about 6 miles before you cross into Glen Rose is Rainbow, Texas. If you want to have the full Texas tubing experience this is where you want to head. The Brazos Outdoor Center offers several different services. Bringing your own kayak, canoe, or tube? They offer an option to just book a shuttle service with them. You’ll float down the Brazos River and they’ll bring you back to where you left from when you’re done. Brazos Outdoor Center also offers equipment rentals.
If you’re looking for a spot to camp overnight in an RV or on a primitive site they’ve got you covered. Be sure to reserve in advance though- it’s a popular spot for Dinosaur Valley visitors.
Read More: The Complete Guide to Renting an RV
11. Head over to Cleburne for a baseball game.
1906 Brazzle Boulevard Cleburne, TX, 76033
Don’t miss the chance to see the Cleburne Railroaders in action! Playing their games at La Moderna Field, The Railroaders are a member of the American Association. This family-friendly stadium has a kids area. Family 4 packs of tickets are available for just $32. I’m a huge baseball fan and love bringing kids to club, collegiate, and minor league games. It’s an affordable way to have a family night out.
Their season generally runs from May through September. Be sure to check the game schedule if you’ll be in the area. They run a lot of cool promo nights and for what it’s worth Fridays feature fireworks and a mac and cheese bar!
12. Play a round of golf at Squaw Valley Golf Course.
2439 E US-67 Glen Rose, TX 76043
Want to see how good you really are at golf? This windy course with heavy tree coverage will test your skills. Rates vary based on the day of the week. Discounts are available for county residents, those 50 and over, and those 17 and under. Be sure to book your tee time in advance, especially at busier times of the year.
13. Taste your way through local favorites.
For a smaller town, Glen Rose has tons of dining options. We love local favorites like Green Pickle Grill, Shoo-Fly Soda Shop, and Big Cup Eatery. The two we’ve featured here are the ones we always try to work in.
Pie Peddlers
102 Walnut St, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Life is short, eat dessert first. In Glen Rose Texas, head to Pie Peddlers. They offer a wide variety of pie options. One of our favorite things though is the sampler pie. If you’re indecisive or have a few folks in your party the sampler pie is six slices in a box, you pick the varieties. It lets you try a bit of everything! Coconut Creme Pie and Chocolate Creme Pie are two of our favorites but everything is good.
Loco Coyote Grill
1795 County Road 1004 Glen Rose, TX 76043
Expect to wait if you go to the local BBQ restaurant Loco Coyote Grill. With indoor and outdoor seating and famous sawdust floors, they’re a hit with locals and tourists alike. This results in wait times on popular days and during traditional meal periods. Classic barbeque options are on the menu along with po’boys, fried fish, steaks, burgers, and tacos. You’ll pay less if you use cash, they offer a 3% discount. On Friday and Saturday nights, they have live music.
14. Christian-Centered Activities in Glen Rose
It seems a little ironic that an area of Texas famous for moonshine and whiskey-running during Prohibition now houses church-centered attractions. However, Glen Rose is well-known in Christian and homeschool circles. The following activities have heavy Biblical and religious themes.
Creation Evidence Museum
3102 FM 205 Glen Rose, TX 76043
The Creation Evidence Museum says that its purpose is to research and display scientific evidence of creation. Fossils and dinosaur exhibits are presented through the lens of opposing evolutionary theory. It is important to know this if you’re visiting, especially with children. A discussion may be necessary before visiting to explain how things will be portrayed.
Displays include a replica of Noah’s Ark, numerous fossils, and preserved hand prints. One found in Weatherford, Texas the museum dates to the Cretaceous period by the museum. The museum also leads excavations and digs. Overall there is a lot to see and it is an interesting visit, no matter what your beliefs are. Tickets to the museum are $10 per person. Children 5 and under are free.
The Promise in Glen Rose
5000 Texas Drive Glen Rose, TX 76043
The Promise is a musical experience of the life of Christ. Started in 1989, they’re currently celebrating their 35th anniversary. These shows can only be described as extra, incorporating over 150 cast and crew members, live animals, elaborate costumes, music, lighting, and more. Ticket pricing depends on selected seats. Spanish language translation devices are available in the right mezzanine. American Sign Language interpretation is available in the left mezzanine. Children’s tickets start at $13, adult tickets start at $32. There are some discounts and family nights available. They are all listed on their events page.
Shows run on Fridays and Saturdays. Seating at the Texas Amphitheater is outside, so dress accordingly. They do not make weather-related cancellations until one hour before the show. If it is only a light drizzle the show will go on. We recommend bringing a light rain jacket or poncho.
Visiting Glen Rose
Glen Rose, Texas offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages, from exploring dinosaur tracks to looking at life-size dinosaur models. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the area.
What is your favorite part of visiting Glen Rose?
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