With a population hovering around 2500, Glen Rose, Texas isn’t something that would jump out at you during your family vacation planning. It’s a hidden gem located just an hour or so southwest of the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex. There is more to this tiny community than would would see at first glance. Here are 8 things to know about Glen Rose, Texas before you visit! Keep in mind these are all awesome, family friendly activities.
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center– If you’ve ever dreamed about being on safari this is the place for you. Chose from a variety of tour types, including driving yourself through the park. Pick up a bag of animal food (limit 1 per vehicle) and set out at your own pace to see the animals. Weekend are a few dollars more than weekdays for admissions, kids 2 and under are free. There are plenty of discounts available so, check their website before go so you being applicable information for discounts. We used our Texas State Parks pass for 25% off. We loved seeing the animals up close and identifying each of them in our animal identification guide we picked up at the entrance. Midpoint of the drive you’ll find your self in a gift shop/cafe and children’s learning center. We had a lesson on identifying antlers vs. horns and saw an emu egg just after it was laid!
2. Home of the Creation Evidence Museum- a museum that boasts scientific evidence of Biblical creation through exhibits and educational lectures. Closed on Sundays and Mondays- kids 5 and under are free, as is active duty military.
3. Dinosaur World- brought to you by the same folks as the fossil rim wildlife center, find yourself surrounded by over 150 life-size models of dinosaurs in natural outdoor settings, plus a fossil dig, playground, museum & more. You can bring in coolers with snacks and drinks and prepare to spend the day exploring!
4. Dinosaur Valley State Park– one of many amazing Texas State Parks, Dinosaur Valley is the home to fossilize dinosaur tracks from various time periods. The river beds are covered in these amazing formations and it’s eye opening to think your standing right where dinosaurs once walked. Keep in mind the tracks are in the river bed so rain boots or waiters are encouraged for exploring, you can rent waders on site. Don’t forget the Jr. Ranger program where the kids can get a lesson on all things dinosaur and earn their pin. I stopped in the camp store and picked up a commemorative patch to add to the kids collection. Admission into the park is $7 per adult and free for kids under 12 years old. Consider a state park pass for admission to support the Parks and entrance for you family in to all the state parks in Texas for 1 year!
5. Downtown Glen Rose- filled with quaint shops, restaurants and an old fashion soda fountain. You’re bound to find something everyone will enjoy.
6. Glen Rose was the home of John Graves, author of Goodbye to a River.
7. Treehouse!– while staying in Glen Rose you don’t have to book a room at a local hotel. Rather experience something new and stay in a treehouse!
8. National Cowboy Day is a BIG deal– Sometime in late July, Glen Rose Texas turns into something straight out of the Wild West, complete with cowboys and gunfights. Complete with a parade, vendors, live music and food.
