Make tracks to Glen Rose, the dinosaur capital of Texas

June 14, 3:58 PMAustin Travel ExaminerDana Smith

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Glen Rose, Texas, at the northern edge of the Texas Hill Country, offers a wealth of natural wonders, outdoor recreation, wildlife, and attractions for visitors.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is home to some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in the country. The interpretive center explains the history of the area's dinosaurs, and dinosaur tracks are visible in several locations on the beautiful Paluxy River. It's amazing to see the footprints of dinosaurs that roamed here 100 million years ago.

The park offers a range of hiking trails, including scenic pathways along the river and more strenuous hikes in the hills. The campground has partial hookups, showers, and a playground, and there's a gift shop in the park.  

Dinosaur World, an attraction just outside the state park entrance, appeals to kids with 100 life-size dinosaur models. If you like rocks and fossils, be sure to stop at the Stone Hut Fossil Shop near the park entrance and browse their selection of fossils, lovely petrified wood, and other interesting specimens.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is just a short drive from the state park. As you drive the scenic and hilly 9-1/2 mile loop through this 1,700-acre nature preserve, you'll see numerous exotic animals up close and you can toss feed to them through your car windows.

In addition to deer and antelope-like species, you'll see giraffes, rhinos, zebras and (if you're lucky) cheetahs that live in a special enclosure. Allow two to three hours for your visit, including a stop midway at the cafe and gift shop. Tickets are discounted by nearly half on Wednesdays.

In downtown Glen Rose, there are several shops around the courthouse square, along with a small historical museum. Dining choices include a new gourmet restaurant housed in a historic home just off the square. If you visit on a weekend, you can tour the fabulous collection of artwork displayed in the historic Barnard's Mill & Art Museum near the square.

Local outfitters offer canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing on the Paluxy and Brazos rivers, and there's a 36-hole golf course on the edge of town.

Just 20 minutes to the north is the charming town of Granbury, where you can browse dozens of shops surrounding one of the best-preserved courthouse squares in Texas, enjoy family-friendly live entertainment at Granbury Live and the Granbury Opera House, and go boating on Lake Granbury.

TRIP PLANNING: You can visit Fossil Rim and see the dinosaur tracks on a long day trip from Austin. Better yet, make a long weekend of it and stay at a bed and breakfast or hotel, or camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Visit the Glen Rose visitor website for details on attractions, accommodations and dining. See the slideshow below for more photos of Glen Rose, Texas.

GETTING THERE: Drive time from central Austin to Glen Rose is about 3 hours. Take U.S. 183 north to Lampasas, then continue on U.S. 281 for 65 miles to Hico. Make a right onto Texas Hwy. 6, then quickly turn left onto Texas Hwy. 220. Merge right onto U.S. 67 and continue to Glen Rose. To reach the state park, turn left from U.S. 67 onto Hwy. 205 and follow it to Park Road 59.

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