7 Things To Do For A Fantastic Experience In Glen Rose, Texas

Known for prehistoric creatures that roamed the area millions of years ago, Glen Rose, Texas, is often referred to as the dinosaur capital of Texas. 

But this small town on the Paluxy River in Somervell County makes an excellent destination for travelers seeking a variety of experiences. Galleries featuring world-renowned artists, a historical town square, and award-winning wines are also part of its charm.

Located on the northern edge of the Texas Hill Country, the limestone hills and cool green waters of the Paluxy River provide a soothing backdrop for both culture and outdoor enthusiasts. 

1. There’s More To Glen Rose Than Prehistoric Creatures

Let’s begin in the heart of Glen Rose, the historic downtown town square.

Like many small towns in Texas, the town square is anchored by a historic courthouse. The Romanesque revival-style courthouse was built of limestone in 1893, The courthouse square was traditionally a place for weekend produce markets and for neighbors to gather. Surrounding the square are small local businesses that inhabit the vintage storefronts. 30 buildings on the square are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. You can download a map of the buildings here (opens as PDF) and then take a self-guided tour.

Visit the Somerwell County Museum

If you want to delve into the history of the area, book a tour of the Somervell County Museum with local historian Dennis Moore. Dennis’s family has lived in the area for over 100 years. Plus, the museum is packed with memorabilia, photos, and relics; you need Dennis to help you make sense of it all. Either way, be sure to see the dinosaur tracks located outside of the museum.

A few of my favorite buildings on the square are the old stone ice house and the beautiful limestone building located on the corner of NE Barnard and Walnut Streets. Formerly the Campbell Building, this is the site of the first retail complex in Glen Rose. The two-story building now houses an art gallery, a wine-tasting room (more on that later), and a ladies’ boutique. 

You can enter through the clothing store, which leads you to the White Buffalo Gallery and continues to the Bull Lion Ranch wine bar. Or, start at the bar and end up doing some retail damage at the White Buffalo. Be sure to stop in the gallery and say hello to the Duke, a life-size bronze statue of John Wayne by nationally recognized artist Robert Summers.

2. Meet The First Family Of Glen Rose

Before leaving the town square, notice the bronze sculpture of a woman on horseback and the man standing next to her. The name of this sculpture is Barnard’s On The Brazos, The First Family of Glen Rose, by Robert Summers. The sculpture is of the town founders, Juana and Charles Barnard.

Juana had been captured by Comanche Native Americans, and George Barnard, Charles’s brother, bought her freedom. She and Charles fell in love, or so the story goes. They then settled in Glen Rose and built a water-powered gristmill on the banks of the Paluxy River. This is the original site of the town of Glen Rose. The Barnards owned and operated the mill from 1860 to 1874. 

The Mill changes ownership

The mill saw several more changes of ownership and purpose; it was used as a cotton gin, then later a hospital and a sanitorium for visitors who wished to partake of the healing sulfur waters in the area. Just down the street from the mill is the Inn on the River, the original lodging for visitors to the sanitorium. Check booking.com for prices at the Inn. 

Today the property and mill are owned by the Somervell History Foundation, which has restored all of the buildings and turned them into an art museum with a world-renowned collection that includes paintings by Lester Hughes, Amy Miers Jackson, and Morris Henry Hobbs. For more information and hours, visit the Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum website. For art and culture lovers, this is one of the best things to do in Glen Rose.

SAVE IT ON PINTEREST!

3. Before The Barnards, There Were Theropods And Sauropods

People from all over the world travel to Glen Rose to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park. In 1908, dinosaur tracks were discovered in the Paluxy River bed. About 40 years later, a man named R. T. Bird, who was collecting fossils for the American Museum of Natural History, heard about dinosaur footprints and traveled to Glen Rose. While there, he also discovered the first distinct sauropod tracks ever found.

The best time to see the dinosaur tracks is in the summer months when the river is usually low. If your mobility is limited don’t worry, there are some viewing points where you can look down onto the riverbed. 

Aside from the dinosaur tracks, the park is a popular spot for hiking, with 20 miles of trails, plus camping, bird-watching, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking opportunities. A visit to Dinosaur Valley State Park could easily be a weekend trip or a day trip for the entire family. 

If you do come in the summer, know that Texas is very hot, and plan accordingly. Wear UV protective clothing and a hat, and bring your water bottle, especially if you plan to do more than peer at the tracks.

There are a wide variety of camping options at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Some cabins have electricity but most do not. There are also campgrounds. Call ahead to book group facilities. For more information on all the facilities call (254) 897-4588.

4. Big Rocks Park

Big Rocks Park is aptly named for the enormous rocks in the Paluxy River. There are plenty of shallow areas for swimming or simply soaking to cool off in the hot Texas summers. Shady trees and picnic tables make it one of the best places to hang outdoors, and it’s free. Be sure to check this advisory about water conditions at the park. 

5. Dinosaurs Aren’t The Only Wild Things In Glen Rose

Feed giraffes. Marvel at Rhinos. Observe cheetahs. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center consists of over 1,700 acres of land, providing habitat for over 1,000 animals, both exotic and native to the area.  Fossil Rim is one of the top things to do in Glen Rose and voted the Best Wildlife Park by the 2020 USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards. 

 According to the website: “Dedicated to the conservation of species in peril, Fossil Rim conducts scientific research and responsibly manages natural resources and public education. Through these activities, we provide a diversity of compelling learning experiences that inspire positive change in the way people think, feel, and act with nature.”

There are two ways to tour the park — you may drive your own vehicle or take a guided tour. Tickets are purchased online and the tour must be booked in advance. The park road is about seven miles and takes about two hours to complete, longer if you go on a busy weekend. Food to feed the animals is free when you purchase your admission or are on a guided tour.  Each car is permitted one bag of food.

About halfway through the park, there is a gift shop and cafe. This is the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, and take in some of the views as well. 

Fossil Rim has a comprehensive FAQ that you should read in advance of your visit. It will ensure you have the best possible experience and the animals are safe. Though you are in a vehicle, never forget that these are wild animals, and they are unpredictable. 

6. Scouting Wild Animals Can Make You Thirsty

Don’t leave Glen Rose without checking out the local wine bar, Bull Lion Ranch, located in the Campbell Building, now the White Buffalo complex.

Proprietor Chuck Tordiglione is the fourth generation of Tordigliones to grow wine grapes. He focuses on Italian wine varietals like sangiovese, Montepulciano, trebbiano, and vermentino, with a few non-Italians in the mix, such as tempranillo, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon. Live music and small bites make Bull Lion Ranch a fun spot for a stop in Glen Rose. It all seems to be a winning combination for Chuck.  Bull Lion Ranch has won many gold medals for its Montepulciano and Texianti red wines. 

The Bull Lion Ranch vineyards are in the Chalk Hill AVA, not far from Glen Rose. Chuck grows all his grapes for the red wines, and purchases grapes from farmers in the Texas High Plains AVA for the white wines. Chuck is 100 percent pro-Texas and Texas wines, which you’ll discover if you have the chance to chat with him. He has big plans for Texas wine and wine lovers.  The best part is if you love the wines, you can find them in many local supermarkets across Texas. 

7. Ed Young Station

Dinosaur tracks are not the only fossils to explore in Glen Rose. Huge deposits of petrified wood were excavated in the area in the 1920s. There was so much of it that people began to build with it. Around town, you can find several homes and other facades that incorporate petrified wood and quartz crystals. 

By far the most interesting building still standing (though barely) is an abandoned service station on Old Highway 67 aka County Rd. 312. According to Dennis Moore, a historian and former mayor tempore of the town, the station acted as a speakeasy during Prohibition.

From Highway 67 heading west, you’ll turn left in front of an Exxon Tiger Mart onto Highway 333. Follow it until you come to the fork in the road (Sycamore Grove) and veer to the right, which becomes Old Highway 67 (County Rd. 312). Ed Young’s Station will be on your right.

Know if you go 

Glen Rose is a place where you can spend one day or several days. It all depends on what interests you.  It could even become your go-to place. A getaway where you and your family can enjoy the quiet beauty of the countryside and a good glass of locally-produced wine. Many attractions have free admission, a big bonus these days.

Downtown Glen Rose is an easy day trip from Fort Worth or Dallas.  Fort Worth and about an hour and thirty minutes from Dallas. The best way to get there is to drive. You’ll want your car to get around to the different parks in the area. This small Texas town has something for the whole family in the rolling hills of north Texas.