11 Awesome Things To Do in Glen Rose, Texas
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Imagine walking or dancing with the dinosaur this weekend. Or kayaking down the river, strolling to the 19th century, and end the day with star gazing. All of these are just a few awesome things to do in Glen Rose, the Dinosaur Capital of Texas.
Where is Glen Rose?
Glen Rose is a small town located in the southwest of Dallas and Fort Worth. When traffic is light, you will arrive here after an hour drive from Fort Worth and about 1,5 hours from central Dallas. It makes a great destination for a day trip from Fort Wort (and Dallas.)
If you drive from Austin it will be 2,5 hours. From Houston will be the longest, that is 5 hours.
Cleburne and Stephenville are the closest bigger cities to Glen Rose.
11 Awesome Things To Do in Glen Rose, Texas
Obviously, it’s the dinosaur tracks that attract people to come to Glen Rose. A track that was first found by a 9-year-old George Adams in the Paluxy River back in 1909.
But Glen Rose is not only about dinosaur tracks. There are other cool things to do in Glen Rose when you visit this quaint little town in the southwest of Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. From outdoor to history and food to shop, everyone in the family will have fun in Glen Rose.
Here are the awesome things to do in Glen Rose for your visit in town (of course dinosaur tracks included):
1. Dancing with the Dinosaurs at Dinosaur Valley State Park
The number one thing to do in the park is looking for dinosaur tracks. In fact, visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park is the number one thing to do in Glen Rose.
There are more than one hundred dinosaur tracks that are spread in the riverbed. Therefore, they are not always visible, particularly during the rainy season.
Five main track sites have been mapped within the park. Each has named individual track sites that include The Blue Hole, The Opossum Site, The Main Site, The Denio Site, and The Ballroom.
The best time to see the tracks is the end of summer when the water volume is low. The Ballroom has so many tracks that are facing different directions. Walking there feels like dancing with the dinosaurs.
When you visit mid to end of May, you can swim at The Blue Hole to find the tracks. Sometimes you can do it all the way to July, but it is always depending on the water volume.
Other things to do at Dinosaur Valley State Park are hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, riding horses, wildlife watching, stargazing, plunging to the Blue Hole on January 1st, and a few other awesome things. There’s also a park store and an interpretive center at the headquarters.
In the summertime, when water volume is high enough, family with children like to swim in the river. Favorite water hole is around the Main Track Site. There are spots with sand where visitors like to pitch their canopy. So, make sure you bring your swimsuits when visiting in the warmer season.
Camping in the park is so popular hence the campsites filled fast for the weekend. You need at least six month in advance to secure a site. My family and I are still haven’t got a chance to camp here.
But, a private own RV Park has just opened right before the entrance to Dinosaur Valley SP. They also have cabins and tent sites. A couple of our friends had stay there and they liked it a lot.
There are a few other RV parks in and around Glen Rose as well. If you still want to pitch a tent, check out Cleburne SP and Meridian SP that are just less than half an hour drive to the park.
Address 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043. Ph.: (254) 897-4588.
Entrance Fees Adult Day Use: $7 daily, Child 12 years and under: Free. Or, get your Texas State Park annual membership for a better deal.
Hours Park: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless camping overnight. Headquarters: 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Busy Season March to November.
2. Roaming with the Dinosaurs at the Dinosaur World
Like I mentioned above, people come to Glen Rose first for the dinosaur tracks. So, it’s just right when Dinosaur World open in Glen Rose.
Here you will find more than 100 life-size dinosaurs. Each dinosaur has a sign that tells about the dinosaur name, the type of dinosaur, when they existed, and when they roamed. The dinosaurs are displayed along a winding walkway, so it feels like you are roaming with the dinosaurs when you are walking here.
Other things that you can do here are panning for gems, digging for fossil, and visit a small educative museum at the corner of the park. There’s also a playground and picnic area, where you can enjoy a sandwich lunch you bring from home. Dogs are always welcome, but make sure they are on leash all the time.
Dinosaur World is really a fun place for the entire family, especially the little ones who like dinosaurs a lot. Before you leave, don’t forget to look around the gift shop. There are so many dinosaur and fossil related items here. I think we always came home with something from the park store.
Address 1058 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043. Ph.: (254) 898-1526.
Ticket Prices They have daily rates, excavation pass rates, annual pass rates, field trip rates, and group rates that you can check on their website.
Hours 9 a.m to 5 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Busy Season Summer, Spring Break, and Weekends.
3. Cooling off at Big Rocks Park
Unusual large rocks filled the park located by the Paluxy River. A good place to climb, jump, explore, and play for the entire family. Visitors also enjoy swimming and cooling off from the Texas heat at this park. Some people prefer to sunbathe in the summer. It’s one of the free things to do in Glen Rose, but closed when it’s flooding. One other thing, don’t come when it’s just raining. The water is normally muddy. I felt sorry when I saw the disappointment in my son’s eyes the day we went there after the rain.
Address 1014 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose, Texas 76043. Ph.: (254) 897-3081.
Hours 8 a.m to 10 p.m.
Busy Season Whenever the sun is out and the water is warm enough to swim.
4. Strolling Historic Courthouse Square
Historic Courthouse Square is where the heart of small town America is. And so does in Glen Rose. Right in the middle stood the Courthouse with a bronze statue at the front. It will catch your attention right away. The bronze statue is titled “Barnard’s of the Brazos – First Family of Glen Rose”. It is a tribute to Charles and Juana Barnard, the founding patriarchs of Glen Rose.
Along the squares are specialty stores, restaurants, a county museum, an art gallery, and a few other businesses. It’s not that big compared to the neighboring county seats, Cleburne and Stephenville. And within an easy walking distance you can find a historic inn in town.
If you like pie, Pie Peddlers is where you want to go while strolling around Glen Rose Historic Courthouse Square. I also like a cheeseburger from The Green Pickle even though it’s a bit greasy. La Vita Italian is where you go for Italian food, and last time I went there a new restaurant would be open in a week. It will serve breakfast and lunch, with dinner casserole for to go in the afternoon.
A few stores I visited have cute and unique clothes, jewelries, cooking utensils, seasonal items, and antiques. The Somervell County Museum have local history pieces on display, like fossils, antiques, clothing and tools from centuries ago, and a few other things. White Buffalo Gallery represents art pieces created by the nationally acclaimed sculpture, painter, and Glen Rose resident Robert Summers. It is also features western art and sculpture from artists like Teal Blake, Margaret Drake, Robert Fobear, Kathy Tate, and several others.
But, what I like most strolling around the Historic Courthouse Square is to find the old buildings. You must venture one to two blocks away to find more of them. Just look for the Glen Rose Landmark sign.
The square also hosts farmers market, car show, wine & arts festival, and a few other things annually.
Address 101 NE Barnard St., Glen Rose, Texas 76043.
5. Relaxing along the Paluxy Riverwalk
Take a relaxing walk along the Paluxy River that connects Big Rocks Park to Heritage Park. The riverwalk built by the city on the south side of the river. If you start from Big Rocks Park, take a sidewalk leads to a weir. After you cross the weir (unless high water prevails after heavy rain), follow the sidewalk all the way to Heritage Park. It’s an easy walk, and you can take a break on benches found along the way. The river walk is lighted, so it can be enjoyed both during the day and at night. It really is a pretty walk.
6. Going back to the 19th century at Heritage Park
Another place to learn about the city of Glen Rose history is Heritage Park. Just a few blocks from the square, you will find houses built in the mid-1800’s and a one-room school here. It’s interesting to learn about the family who lived in the houses, when it’s built, and how’s life in Glen Rose around those years. It’s just a small park, but guaranteed you to go back one to two centuries ago.
In addition to its historic buildings, you will find a playground, a picnic pavillion, and a restroom in this park. Of course, a walkway to Paluxy River Walk that will take you to Big Rocks Park.
Address Matthews St. at E. Elm St., Glen Rose, Texas 76043.
7. Back to prohibition era at the Outlaw Station
Actually, it’s a service station built in the 1920s that at one point selling more moonshine than gasoline. Rumor has it that Bonnie and Clyde were regular customers here. But when you stop, you won’t even be able to get gas. What’s left is the ruin and apparently the service station was made out of petrified wood. It looks interesting and lots of people use this place for photo shooting.
To get here is easy. When you’re coming from Cleburne, find Exxon gas station on the left. Make a left before the station, follow the road, and the Outlaw Station will be on your right hand side. Just a few yards from Exxon.
Address Old Highway 67.
8. Going on a safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
For those of you who are dreaming of going on a safari in Africa, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is the place for you. You will see more than 1,000 animals from 50 species here. You can drive your own vehicle through their 7.2-mile scenic drive, or enjoy a guided tour in one of their buses or vans.
The center is actually an animal conservation facilities. Its primary objective is to help preserve endangered species. So, expect not to see all animals during your visit. Like giraffes and rhinos, you won’t see them when the temperature is below 50F. They really take care of their animals.
But pets aren’t allowed at all at the center. You can’t even leave them in the car. Fortunately, there are veterinarians in the city that offer boarding services. Just make sure you call them ahead of time.
Another cool thing is, this center has accommodations inside the park. You can choose from staying in the Lodge, cabins, or the bunkhouses.
Address 2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, Texas 76043. Ph.: (254) 897-2960.
Entrance Fees Weekday: Adults $21.95 per person, Seniors (62+) 15% off, Child (3-11) $15.95 per person, 2 and under FREE Weekend/Holiday: Adults: $25.95 per person, Seniors (62+) 15% off, Child (3-11) $19.95 per person, 2 and under FREE.
Hours Spring/Summer/Fall: March 10 – October 31, 8.30 a.m. to 4.29 p.m. Winter: November 1 – March 9, 8.30 a.m. to 3.29 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Busy Season Spring Break, Summer, and Holidays.
9. Understanding science behind creation at the Creation Evidence Museum
Here’s the place where you can learn and understand the scientific and Biblical principles of our earth. You will find scientific evidence and exhibit displays of the creation of the world that support the Biblical creation.
Another interesting in the museum, it conducts a week of excavations every year in the summertime. You will dig for fossil at the Paluxy River from 8 a.m to 1 p.m. Then in the evening, from 6 – 7 p.m., there will be a special Creation lectures in the museum.
Address 3102 FM 205, Glen Rose, Texas 76043. Ph.: (254) 897-3200.
Admission $6 per person Free – Children 5 & under Free – Active Duty Military.
Hours Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Spring Break Special: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
10. Admiring American Indian and Oriental Arts at Barnard’s Mill & Art Museum
You will find this little art museum just a few blocks from the square. It contains oriental and American Indian arts and artifacts collection of Richard H. Moore, Jr. It is also showcasing temporary paintings and drawings from the local competitions. Another free things to do in Glen Rose.
What I like here is the museum building itself. It is part of historic Barnard’s Mill, the first permanent structure in the Glen Rose area. Mr. Moore purchased the building in 1979, and within 7 years he did a great job in restoring the mill, the cotton gin, and the Marks-English Hospital Building. Once the restoration completed, he donated the building to the Somervell History Foundation.
When you make a visit, don’t forget to check out the building all the way to the back and go to the second floor. It’s beautiful inside! You can rent this part of the museum for your private event. And when you walk outside, you will find the mill.
Address 307 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose, Texas 76043. Ph.: (254) 897-7494.
Admission Free of charge.
Hours Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
11. Kayaking or tubing on the Brazos River
Kayaking, tubing, or canoeing are pretty much relaxing here. The water volume in the river is mostly depending on the releasing from the dam. You can bring your own equipment or rent them from the rentals near the river. A lot of people bring their drinks to enjoy while doing these water activities. Besides, it’s very important to stay hydrated when you do outdoor activities under the Texas heat.
Address A few miles before you enter Glen Rose from Cleburne. Just before the bridge.
Where to stay in Glen Rose?
Glen Rose has plenty of accommodations. From hotel to cabin, B&B to Airbnb, and from RV Park to camping in the park, you can pick one whichever suits your style. As we live about half an hour from Glen Rose, we have never spent a night here. And you can always check out the Glen Rose CVB website for lodging recommendation.
Where to eat in Glen Rose?
You can find American, Chinese, to Mexican food in town, from national chain restaurants to locally owned restaurants.
Sonic, Chicken Express, Burger King, Subway, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, and Mr. Jim are your to go chain restaurants in town.
If you are looking for locally owned restaurants, you can choose from Chinese takeout like China Wok and Teriyaki Chinese, or if you prefer burgers, BBQ, and other American food, go to The Green Pickle, Hammond’s BBQ, Debbie’s, or Big Cup Eatery. For Mexican food lovers, there are Casa Azteca, Chachis, or Restaurante Montero. If Italian food is your choice, go to La Vita Italian in the courthouse square. Or, go to Riverhouse Grill for a casual elegant restaurant that serves American plates, beer & wine in a historic home.
We liked to stop at Dairy Queen on our way home from Dinosaur Valley State Park for blizzards and a pup cup for our dog Snoopy. But if we go to Glen Rose between Thursday and Sunday, our favorite place to eat is Loco Coyote Grill. A family-friendly countryside hub that serves monster burgers, BBQ, chicken fried steak, onion rings, and more.
Visit Glen Rose CVB website for the restaurants addresses and more places to check out.
Our final thought on awesome things to do in Glen Rose
We like the variation of things to do in Glen Rose, so we visited often. The fact that we live closer is an additional value. Still, there are other places and things that we haven’t visited or done yet. I will add them to the list, one at a time, after we make more trips to Glen Rose.
How about you? Have you been to Glen Rose? What are the awesome things in Glen Rose that you’ve done? Do you have any suggestions for me to try or to visit? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
(Last revision: 10/06/2021.)
Whow very exciting article, thank you
I’d never heard of Glen Rose before I read this post and I’m fascinated. I’d love to see the dinosaur tracks and looks like there are lots of other things to do as well.
Make sure to put Glen Rose in your itinerary on your next trip to Texas. 🙂
I had no idea that there is a dinosaur capital in Texas – thanks so much for this! I’d enjoy kayaking on the Brazos River too.
Now that you know, don’t forget to put Glen Rose in your itinerary when you come to Texas. 😉
My kids LOVE dinosaurs. They would seriously freak out visiting Glen Rose. Clearly must add this to our family travel bucket list. Thank you so much for the tip!
I hardly find kids who don’t like dinosaurs. Your kiddos will love this town.
Wow, this post is like made to me.. ha ha! I love to explore everything about dinosaurs in the U.S. When I first moved here I thought it was amazing that you could actually see real dinosaur tracks in the nature. We went to see some in Utah. I didn’t know they have some in Texas too. Will definitely read even more about these parks and this will go on my travel list ASAP. Thanks for showing this place to me!
Isn’t it amazing? I’ve never seen one until I moved to the U.S., too! We see lots of fossils all over the U.S., but not the tracks. I hope one day you will find yourself in Glen Rose.
Great post!! Anything with dino is a yes from me. I have never been drawn to Texas before, and honestly I didn’t know much about it anyway. Thanks for letting us know that the summer time is the best time to visit, I might plan my trip to Texas soon someday in the future soon.
Thank you, Daniel! It’s great that I got to give you more information about the U.S., especially Texas.
I never knew about Glen Rose but reading your post now makes me interested in this little town. Good to know that Glen Rose is a small town located in the southwest of Dallas and Fort Worth. Dancing and roaming with the Dinosaurs at Dinosaur Valley State Park would be the most lovely thing to do for me as I am a family traveler and therefore my kids would love it. The colorful and vibrant mural of welcome sign in this town depicting dinosaurs looks very inviting.
Everything dinosaur attracts a lot of people. In fact, I went hiking to the Dinosaur Valley SP this morning because the weather turned nice after a week of below normal, and lots of people there. Looking for the tracks and roaming around.
This excites me on so many levels! I’m really interested in Bonnie and Clyde and to know that they might have been customers at the service station makes me want to check it out. It almost reminds me of a scene from Boardwalk Empire which also took place during the Prohibition Era. My son is very young but loves all things dinosaurs, this dinosaur park looks AMAZING. What a unique way to spend a day!
I would say Glen Rose is a family town. So yeah, parents and children will enjoy their visit here.
Wow I have never heard of this place and to think a 9 year old started it all. It looks like a wonderful place to spend a day and I am sure kids would have such a blast seeing the life size dinosaur replicas. Now I know where to go the next time I am in Texas. Thanks for the info!
I actually just visited the park again for a hike this morning. Families were walking to the tracks and tried to find new ones, and kids were amazed with the life-size dinosaur models. It’s a wonderful day!
Wow this is a blast from the past!! I went here when I was in elementary school and had forgotten all about it. We went with another family and we all had so much fun! We might have to make a trip there again now that I have a little guy! Thanks for the reminder!
You should come back! Your little guy will love it!
this places that I had never heard off seems really nice and completely off-the-beaten track! One of my friend is currently driving around the US in his van and I know he will be in Texas next week. I’ll share this blog with him as I am sure he will love visiting Glen Rose! I mean, how cool is it to find Dinosaurs’ footprints!!! that can’t be missed 🙂
Thank you, Jenny! Texas is very big though. I hope he will make a turn to North Texas.
First of all, I love that welcome mural with the Dino & Texas! Gives the vibe of the town immediately!
Getting to see dino tracks would be mesmerizing. Thanks for the tip about when to visit the place. It would be a bummer if we go all the way there only to know the water flow is too much to see the tracks!
Outlaw station looks so picturesque. I’d definitely want to do a photoshoot here. My daughter would have an amazing time at the Big Rocks park! Looks super cool!
You’re right about the mural! It tells about the town right away. And yes, it’s good to give the park a call before you leave. You never know when it’s covered by water or not.
This is a part of Texas I have never visited. It would be very cool to see the dinosaur tracks. Good to know that end of summer is the best time to actually easily see the tracks. And a stop at Dinosaur World would be the perfect next stop. So funny to go to another historical era with a stop at the Outlaw Station. And then see some history at Barnard’s Mill & Art Museum. We would make sure to visit the second floor if we visit. Seems like there is a lot to keep you busy for a few days.
Yeah. This city is not well known like Austin or San Antonio. But it’s pack during Spring Break and Summer breaks. Locals and visitors from neighborhood states come for the dinosaur experiences. You need at least 2 days to do all these.