We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Glen Rose. With dinosaur fossils and safari animals, this area is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~1 hour
Est. population: 2,653
Avg. high in June: 93º
Hike, skip rocks, and soak up the sun while you search for dinosaur tracks at the state park. | Photo by @dinovalleysp
🥾Things to do
Dinosaur Valley State Park
, 1629 Park Road 59
Hike along the Paluxy River for a chance to see dinosaur tracks left from an ancient ocean. Or walk among 100 life-size prehistoric reptiles at the neighboring Dinosaur World
.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
, 2299 County Road 2008
Drive through one of the world’s foremost wildlife conservation facilities to see 1,100 animals from nearly 50 different species at this non-traditional zoo. Bonus: Feed giraffes on the self-guided drive.
Historic Tour
, 101 NE Barnard St.
Travel back in time with a walking tour of the 1893 Courthouse, the “Barnard’s of the Brazos” bronze statue + 27 other historic sites in the soul of small-town USA.
🍽️ Fuel up after hiking
Loco Coyote Grill
, 1795 County Road 1004
Relax on the patio with a cold beer, a barbecue plate, or a Howling Coyote Burger while listening to live music.
Storiebook Cafe
, 502 NE Barnard St.
Stop in for a daily soup-and-sandwich combo + browse the shelves for a new summer read.
Shoo-Fly Soda Shop
, 102 Walnut St.
Cool off with a sweet treat from this family-owned soda bar and ice cream shop. Try this: Marty McFly mini corn dogs + a chocolate-covered strawberry shake.
Drift off to sleep with the sounds of the African savanna at The Lodge at Fossil Rim. | Photo provided.
Russ Robinson
🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins
The Lodge at Fossil Rim
, County Road 2010
Unwind at the updated lodge and enjoy rustic tranquility while listening to the nighttime sounds of the animals.
Anderson Creek Cabins
, 1442 Moody Ln.
Escape to the wilderness at the peaceful country retreat with cabins set along the scenic Paluxy River.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
, 1629 Park Road 59
Pitch your tent at a campsite with electricity or go primitive and hike to a secluded campsite across the river.