25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Glen Rose (TX)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Glen Rose, TX?

Glen Rose is an exciting city and the county seat of Somervell County, Texas, United States. The beautiful town of Glen Rose is known for the Dinosaur Valley State Park, where scientists found dinosaur footprints preserved on the limestone in the Paluxy River bed.

The city is also famous for its prehistoric wonders and wildlife safaris. Lewis Jordan came up with Rose Glen because the scenic countryside reminded her of her native Scotland. There are so many places to visit in the town like parks, museum, restaurants, galleries, historical and art centers and many others.

Are you planning a vacation in Glen Rose? Here are the best things to do in Glen Rose, TX.

Things to Do in Glen Rose

1. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Credits: Barnes Ian / Shutterstock
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

The Wildlife Center is one of the top places to visit in Glen Rose as its Africans come to Texas.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center features an 18,000-acre facility, which provides a 7.2-mile scenic drive where you will discover and interact with about 1,100 exotic and endangered wildlife roaming free in herds. You will find over 50 species of wild animals, including giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, wolves, and others.

The Fossil Rim is the best place to visit in Glen Rose as it offers a spectacular experience and exciting adventure. The center is dedicated to the conservation of species in peril. The center trains professionals to conduct scientific research responsibly run their natural resources; they’re also committed to public education.

You will discover the Overlook Cafe near the center, and you will love their delicious food alongside the fantastic view overlooking the Park. Discover the Nature Store that offers a lovely selection of souvenirs to take home to your loved ones.

Address: 2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043

2. Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Credits: Fredlyfish4 / Shutterstock
Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a 1,524.72-acre park set astride the Paluxy River, situated northwest Glen Rose in Somervell County. The Paluxy River runs through the wooded, semi-rocky Park, and horses can drink from the River.

The Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of the attractions to visit in Glen Rose as you will discover dinosaur footprints; you can also walk in their tracks in the bed of the River.

Visiting the Park is one of the best things to do in Glen Rose. Explore Dinosaur Valley State Park with your family or friends to discover exciting things about the Park, including rocks, camping, hiking, scenic views, picnicking, and others. You will also enjoy riding horses in the Park.

You can also visit the interpretive center, look for a geocache, shop at the park store for souvenirs, books, fish supplies, and others.

Address: 1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043

3. Big Rocks Park

Big Rocks Park
Credits: Jaycee Paparazzi / Shutterstock
Big Rocks Park

You are sure to find many enjoyable things to do in Glen Rose, one of them is visiting the Big Rocks Park situated on the Paluxy River. The Big Rocks Park is full of huge rocks; you will also discover many shallow areas for kids to climb and play in.

Go to the Big Rocks Park with your family or friends to enjoy swimming or cooling off from the Texas heat, or enjoy your lunch while relaxing underneath the trees.

There are many areas to walk along the Paluxy River, as you enjoy strolling in the picturesque environment and the sounds of Glen Rose. The Big Rocks Park is one of the best places to visit in Glen Rose because it is accessible to everyone, and it features incredible facilities and scenic views and paths you will love.

4. Dinosaur World

Dinosaur World
Credits: Lorie / Flickr
Dinosaur World

The Dinosaur World features more than 150 life-size dinosaurs in a natural outdoor setting, natural fossils and fossil replicas, a dinosaur dig for children, a playground, an exciting museum, and many others.

Dinosaur World provides fun for the entire family or friends; your children are sure to love the place, especially those fascinated by dinosaurs. Guests that explore Dinosaur World get the chance to stroll among the dinosaurs.

Dinosaur World also provides its guest’s picnic tables and drink machines. Pets are allowed in the area but must be on a leash. The gift shop of Dinosaur World provides excellent value in prehistoric toys, games, artifacts, lovely geodes, and others. Dinosaur World offers field trips, making it one of the top places to visit in Glen Rose.

Address: 1058 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043-5646

5. Paluxy River

Paluxy River
Credits: Nicolas Henderson / Flickr
Paluxy River

The Paluxy River can also be called the Paluxy Creek; the River is a tributary of the Brazos River. Formed by the convergence of the south Paluxy River and the North Paluxy River close to the Bluff Dale, Texas, in Erath County, the River flows 47 km before it joins the Brazos east of Glen Rose, on south-central Somervell County.

Paluxy River is popularly known for the numerous dinosaur footprints Baden in its bed near Glen Rose at the Dinosaur Valley State Park. The Paluxy River is a beautiful place to visit with your loved ones. The parts of the River are shallow enough to wade in and deep enough to relax in a tube.

You will also enjoy fishing, picnicking, swimming, or relaxing in the area. In search of fun places and should be added to your list of things to do in Glen Rose, be sure to go to the Paluxy River.

6. Historic Downtown Glen Rose

Historic Downtown Glen Rose
Credits: Nicolas Henderson / Flickr
Historic Downtown Glen Rose

The Historic Downtown Glen Rose is a quaint and unique place loaded with dining options, museums, beautiful galleries, parks, and stores. The Historic Downtown Glen Rose is one of the attractions to visit in Glen Rose. It welcomes explorers on vacation in the city to embark on the memorable adventure of exploring the city.

Visitors discover and enjoy all the incredible picturesque sights, lovely tastes, sounds, and other unforgettable experiences Glen Rose has to offer. As you explore the city, you will learn and find new and exciting things like the history of Glen Rose, unique arts, lodging, shops, incredible dining, and many others.

Visitors are advised to visit the Historic Downtown Glen Rose as it is one of the top places to visit in Glen Rose. At the Glen Rose Downtown Square, you will discover eclectic varieties of water, eats, and experiences for every taste and price point.

Address: Courthouse Square, Glen Rose, TX 76043

7. Paluxy Heritage Park

Paluxy Heritage Park
Credits: Michael Barera [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Paluxy Heritage Park
If you’re on holiday with your friends or family and you’re in search of the best place to visit Glen Rose for a beautiful picnic with your loved ones, be sure to visit the Paluxy Heritage Park.

Paluxy Heritage Park is surrounded by a view of a river and some historic houses from an earlier time in Somervell County. At Paluxy Heritage Park, you will find a log home, an early Stone home, an early school, plus other historic structures.

Paluxy Heritage Park is an incredible place to freshen up or relax; there’s a playground for kids in the Park alongside a pavilion for picnicking and parties. You also discover a lovely walkway which is great for a stroll, and you can also walk over to Big Rocks Park.

Your kids are sure to love the Park as there’s enough space for them to walk around or play in the playground. You can also enjoy reading the different plaques at each location of the Park.

Address: Matthews St. Fm-56, Glen Rose, TX 76043

8. Creation Evidence Museum

Creation Evidence Museum
Credits: Jim Bowen/ Flickr
Creation Evidence Museum

The Museum is a non-profit educational creationist museum in Glen Rose in Somervell County. Creation Evidence Museum is committed to researching and displaying scientific evidence for creation.

Established in 1984 by Carl Baugh, the museum researches and displays exhibits that support creationism, it also portrays the Earth as six thousand years old and humans coexisting with dinosaurs.

On the second-floor balcony of the Creation Evidence Museum, you will find a 12 feet (3.7 m) high statue of Tom Landry, who is Dallas Cowboys football coach.

One of the displays you will see in the Creation Evidence Museum is the London Artifact, also known as the London Hammer; the artifact is a hammer “of recent American historical style” and an out-of-place artifact discovered in 1934 in London, Texas.

Address: 3102 FM 205, Glen Rose, TX 76043-5602

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9. Somervell County Museum

Somervell County Museum
Credits: J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Somervell County Museum

Established in 1965, Somervell County Museum features local culture from prehistory to relatively current. Somervell County Museum is home to a menagerie of items donated by the residents of Somervell County and their families through the years.

Somervell County Museum consists of an extensive barbed wire collection, a wooden headstone, arrowhead collection, weaving loom, printing press, and a wooden leg, dolls. You will also find hand tools used at Barnard’s Mill, a mural displaying the 1954 National-Geographic article of the excavation of the dinosaur traces, Civil War uniforms, weaponry, and others.

Visiting the Somervell County Museum is one of the best things to do in Glen Rose because you will discover one of the more exciting exhibits on a wall dedicated to John St. Helen and the history behind the exhibit. You’re sure to enjoy walking around the Museum as you find and learn unique and exciting things about the city.

10. Glen Rose Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau is a visitor’s center for people on their way to the spectacular city or is already in the town.

A visit to Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau is one of the top things to do in Glen Rose, TX,as you get to know the great history of the city and unique things to do, and where to explore. Glen Rose is an excellent getaway destination that also offers something for everyone.

The friendly and helpful staff in Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau can also help you plan your perfect adventure in the city. You will be given brochures, directions, lodging details, and other information to help you during your Time in the town.

11. Barnard’s Mill

Barnard's Mill
Credits: Michael Barera [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Barnard’s Mill
Barnard’s Mill is situated in Glen Rose, Texas, added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 9, 1982. Barnard’s Mill building is owned by the Somervell History Foundation and runs as Barnard’s Mill Art Museum. The collections you will find at Barnard’s Mill, and Art Museum are world from Amy Miears Jackson, Jewell Miears Fielder, Robert Summers, Jack Bryant, R. Kleinfelder, Morris Henry Hobbs, Asian and Native American art and artifacts.

Barnard’s Mill was originally a water-powered gristmill and previously a steam-powered burr mill. Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum is available for weddings, receptions, and special events.

The Barnard’s Mill is the oldest structure in Glen Rose. If you do not know what to do in Glen Rose, kindly visit the Mill to explore the exhibits and learn great history about the city.

Address: 307 SW Barnard Street, Glen Rose, TX 76043-4600

12. Tres Rios Park

Tres Rios Park
Credits: PPstock / Shutterstock

The Tres Rios Park rests at the confluence of three rivers two miles from Glen Rose, Texas; the three rivers are Paluxy River, Brazos River, and Squaw Creek. The Park is popularly known for its dinosaur museum and fossil grounds.

The Tres Rios Park features fun things to do in Glen Rose, Texas; visit the Park to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and rafting. Tres Rios Park provides spacious meeting rooms for family reunions, regular activities such as kayak demonstrations, community clean-ups of the surrounding rivers, and jam sessions.

Members and visitors can also participate in events and fun activities in the Tres Rios Park, including the bingo, stitching, potluck dinners, cards, nature walks, wood crafts, and many others. Tres Rios Park is one of the attractions to visit in Glen Rose, Texas.

Address: 2322 Cr 312, Glen Rose, TX 76043-6046

13. Wheeler Branch Park

Wheeler Branch Park
Credits: PalSand / Shutterstock

Somervell County Water District established Wheeler Branch Park on August 7, 2010. Wheeler Branch Park starts from 7:00 am till the closing time posted at the gatehouse.

The Branch Park consists of a boat ramp with a floating dock, public restrooms, covered picnic areas, a beach area with its floating dock island, and an extensive pavilion. Wheeler Branch Park is also accessible for fishing.

You’re sure to enjoy a wonderful day in Park, as it is one of the attractions in Glen Rose, Texas. A firework show happens in the Park, and the lake is prominent and clean. You can also practice water diving training in the lake.

Visit the Wheeler Branch Park if you search for the best spot to plan your family weekend, picnics, or friends gathering or reunions.

Address: 2099 County Road 301, Glen Rose, TX 76043-5444

14. The Promise in Glen Rose

The Promise in Glen Rose
Credits: Jamesddornan [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
The Promise in Glen Rose
Are you looking for what to do in Glen Rose, Texas? Are you on holiday with your friends or family in Glen Rose? Do well to visit the Promise in Glen Rose as it displays and conveys the story that began on the banks of the Paluxy River in the historic city.

The story is all about the Promised one, who is Jesus; the report exhibits events of Jesus’ birth, baptism temptation, and his ministry; based on the scripture while using the music of award-winning contemporary Christian artists.

The Promise offers a modern touch to the most amazing story ever told. The Promise provides a lifetime experience to its audience, alongside its unique musical score, live animals, a crew, and a cast of over 150 dedicated Christian artists.

The Promise is performed yearly at Texas Amphitheater, the largest permanent outdoor theater in the state. The theater has a Greco-Roman design and 3,200 seating capacity, making it an exciting place to experience The Promise.

Address: 5000 Texas Dr, Glen Rose, TX 76043-4338

15. Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company

Credits: gabati / Shutterstock

If you love horse riding, and you’re in search of the top places to visit in Glen Rose to enjoy riding horses. The Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company is the right destination for you. Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage features a beautiful horse experience in Dinosaur Valley State Park.

You can also visit the Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage with your kids as there are guides in the ranch that can help them, plus there are other activities for your kids in the area. You’re sure to create lovely memories with your loved ones in Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage.

The Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage also offers horse-dream carriage services for all your events, including romantic events, weddings, parades,

quinceaneras, photoshoots, and family reunions. The horses also play their part in making your events incredible, as they look beautiful for the camera.

Address: 1629 Park Road 59 Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose, TX 76043-5655

Planning a road trip in Texas? explore this list of things to do in Round Rock and things to do in Amarillo for a memorable Texas road trip.

 16. Squaw Valley Golf Course

Squaw Valley Golf Course
Credits: Artikom jumpamoon / Shutterstock

The Squaw Valley Golf Course is situated in Glen Rose, Texas, 60 miles southwest of the DFW Metroplex. The Golf Course has 36 holes of Championship Golf, and they are rated as one of the top courses in the state.

So if you’re a golfer, and you’re searching for the top places in Glen Rose to play golf with your loved ones, the Squaw Valley Golf Course is the right place you need to explore in the city.

Squaw Valley displays beautiful vistas of century-old Squaw Creek and Oak trees, which meanders through the courses. The experts and courteous staff of PGA professionals in the Golf Course will make you enjoy a memorable visit. Squaw Valley Golf Course is open from Monday through Sunday, and tee times are accepted five days in advance.

Address: 2439 E Highway 67, Glen Rose, TX 76043-6033

17. Dinosaur Valley RV Park

Dinosaur Valley RV Park
Credits: Dinosaur Valley RV Park / Facebook
Dinosaur Valley RV Park

Dinosaur Valley RV Park is one of the attractions in Glen Rose you need to visit as it features incredible views and other fun things to do in Glen Rose. You will enjoy the cowboy and Indians-themed campground alongside the latest amenities, including spacious drive-through RV spots with 50-amp full hookups and completely furnished cabins you will love to explore.

You have ever wondered what it will be like to live out your childhood dream as a cowboy? Well, you can kindly go to Dinosaur Valley RV Park to have fun in the park-like a cowboy.

There are many amazing things to learn in the Park about the state’s great history. You will also find a cabin, a tepee, and several other RV hookups; the Park lets you escape the big city and tap into your primitive nature. So be kind to grab your boot your hat and hop into your RV, as an exciting adventure awaits you.

Address: 1099 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043-5647

18. Green Pickle – Texas Beer Garden & Gallery

Green Pickle
Credits: Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

Green Pickle is a Texas beer garden that specializes in Texas beers and wines. At the same time, you enjoy your freshly made sausage, alongside listening to good music, or you can view the artworks from a well-talented artist in the gallery. Explore the Green Pickle- Texas Beer Garden and Gallery to either relax.

Green Pickle- Texas Beer Garden and Gallery is rated one of the fun things to do because of its great music, delicious food, unique artworks, and many other things you will discover in the Garden and the Gallery.

You will also love these delicious and juicy buffers offered in Green Pickle and other snacks and food sold at an affordable price. Green Pickle- Texas Beer Garden and Gallery opens every Sunday to Tuesday from 11 am to 3:00 pm, on Thursday from 11:00 am to 7 pm, and on Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 8 am; they’re closed on Wednesdays.

Address: 212 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043-4801

19. Texas Treasures

Texas Treasures
Credits: Michael Barera [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Texas Treasures
Texas Treasures is a fine art gallery situated on South Main Street close to River Road. The Texas Treasure art gallery has been restored to offer a lovely environment for the creative works of more than 30 leading plus highly acclaimed international artists.

Texas Treasures welcomes its visitors to their fantastic gallery, where you will discover all sorts of products around the great state of Texas. Texas Treasures specializes in Texas-themed souvenirs, t-shirts, and novelty items. Texas Treasures also carries gourmet Texas salsas, BBQ sauces, and candies.

At the Texas Treasures, you will also find baby accessories, unique antiques, the latest Western and trendy handbags, style purses, rhinestones buckle handbags. You will also find cross buckle handbags, travels in all designs, studded-looking purses, camouflage handbags, messenger purses, patchwork bags, and many others.

Address: 103 Elm St, Glen Rose, TX 76043-4831

20. Cheerful Heart

Cheerful Heart
Credits: Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock

Cheerful Heart is a Texas boutique specializing in apparel, gifts, decor, and many others. Cheerful Heart has something for everyone, both for newborns to adults, including shorts, dresses, fashionable tops, t-shirts, jeans, rompers, and others.

A visit to Cheerful Heart is one of the best things to do in Glen Rose, TX, to find unique accessories, gourmet food, home decor, plus men’s wear and man cave accessories. You will also find lovely gifts to buy for your loved ones.

Cheerful Heart is one of the top places to visit in Glen Rose because it features almost everything you will love to buy, including spa products and fashions from infants to women sizes. Cheerful Hearts offers visitors the best and most exciting shopping experience; they can also create a one-of-a-kind centerpiece alongside artworks, clocks, dishes, welcome gifts for a new homeowner, trays, and many others.

Address: 1207 NE Big Bend Trl, Glen Rose, TX 76043-5010

21. Wabi + Sabi

Wabi + Sabi
Credits: Syda Productions / Shutterstock

A visit to Wabi + Sabi is one of the unique things to do in Glen Rose, TX, as the owners provide arts, paintings, and other handcrafted items. Wabi + Sabi offers from art to upholstery.

The owners of Wabi + Sabi are Michael and Lorraine Ruegsegger, who has lived in the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas” for close to five years, and they fell in love with the history that encompasses downtown. The owners incorporated their art focus onto a business, which gave birth to Wabi + Sabi.

Wabi-sabi means the art of imperfection, as the store features a great blend of artisans and vendors that create unique and beautiful items. Wabi + Sabi features artists who do paintings, some photography, handcrafted handbags, and you will find antiques, plus upholstered furniture.

You will also discover unique lampshades, crystals, and vessels obtained from onyx, minerals, crystals, and others. Wabi + Sabi is open every Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Address: 116 NE Barnard St Historic Downtown Square, Glen Rose, TX 76043-4800

22. Lost in Time

Lost in Time
Credits: Michael Barera [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Lost in Time
There is so much to find and purchase in Lost in Time for your friends, family, and home. In Lost in Time, you will find a boutique section that features lots of unique items that are of good quality.

You will also love to buy a nutcracker, beanie baby, a cannon figurine, and jewelry from the boutique.

Lost in Time has man cave items, knives, jewelry candies, unique artworks, vintage jewelry, fishing gear, home goods, and many others. Lost in Time opens every Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The store is a good stop and the right place to find beautiful items.

Address: 114 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043-4800

23. Miss Dixie’s Cottage

Miss Dixie's cottage
Credits: Miss Dixie’s cottage / Facebook
Miss Dixie’s cottage

Miss Dixie’s Cottage is one of the attractions in Glen Rose you have to visit to find French country furniture and handmade pillows. You are sure to enjoy shopping in the historic Glen Rose square.

The locally-made pillows are farmhouse style and country French; Miss Dixie’s Cottage also specializes in handmade coat racks.

Stop by at Miss Dixie’s Cottage to enjoy an outstanding shopping experience as you buy gifts for your loved ones, candles, home decor, women’s clothing, and many others you will love to buy.

Address; 115 E Elm St, Glen Rose, TX 76043-4829

24. Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center

Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center
Credits: Junjira Limcharoen / Shutterstock

If you are a Christian vacationing in Glen Rose with your kids, you should head to Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. 

Glen Lake Camp and Retreat is a Christian camp in Glen Rose, TX.

Campers can experience the gorgeous Texas hills at this camp and retreat center while staying in several comfortable cabins and lodges. 

Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is dedicated to loving profoundly, hosting and serving more than 16,000 people every year. 

This unique camp welcomes students, children, volunteers, and families from every part of the country to experience the presence of God in a fun way. 

During fall and spring, the facility serves as a venue for churches and groups to escape distractions and concentrate on their relationship with God. 

In the summer, the camp host more than 2,000 who come from different parts of Texas. 

Address: 1102 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043, United States

25. Bone-anza Barn

Bone-anza Barn
Credits: Aris-Tect Group / Shutterstock

If you are looking for where to buy antiques and used books during your trip to Glen Rose, make a quick stop at Bone-anza Barn. 

Bone-anza Barn is a furniture and antique store in Glen Rose. The shop sells vintage furniture, books, collectibles, and glassware. 

You can even find first-edition and signed copies of books in this shop. The owner of this store is also polite, helpful and knowledgeable. 

The people here are welcoming and will chat with you and help you find anything you want. 

Address:112 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043, United States

Texas holds quite some fun attractions and activities, explore some of its fun cities, here are guides on Lufkin , WaxahachieBandera, and Midland.

Start Planning your Trip to Glen Rose.

Visit the beautiful city to experience the fun activities and tours around Glen Rose; there are so many places to explore and exciting adventures to engage in during a visit.

You will love the delicious food served in the restaurants of Glen Rose, visit the historic museums and buildings, the beach, the lake, the parks, explore natural beauty accompanied with scenic views of the environment, and many other places you will discover.

You can also enjoy biking, mountain climbing, swimming, taking pictures, picnicking, camping, and others. You will get to meet the friendly and beautiful residents of Glen Rose, and you’re sure to learn amazing things.

What are you waiting for? Start preparing your bags for your visit to the city with your family or friends.