From safaris to Museums and great theatres, there are many things to do in Glen Rose, TX, on your next vacation.
The dinosaur capital of Texas offers plenty of fun and unique adventures to keep you entertained all weekend.
Glen Rose is the county seat of Somervell County, Texas, United States; an exciting city to be in.
The beautiful town of Glen Rose is famous for Dinosaur Valley State Park, where scientists found dinosaur tracks preserved in limestone in the bed of the Paluxy River.
The city is also famous for its fictional wonders and wild safaris. Lewis Jordan came up with the name because the picturesque landscape reminded her of Scotland.
There are many things to do in Glen Rose cities, such as visiting parks, museums, restaurants, galleries, history, art centers, and many more.
Glen Rose is your most deserving getaway if you’re looking for the perfect destination full of outdoor adventures and educational experiences.
Glen Rose is mostly visited as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” sitting brilliantly in Somervell County, north of Texas.
Explore the city’s natural beauty, learn about its heritage, and enjoy the small-town charm of Glen Rose.
If you intend to visit Glen Rose soon, below are the best things to do in Glen Rose, TX.
Fun Things to Do in Glen Rose
1. Paluxy Heritage Park
If you are on vacation with your friends or family and looking for great places to visit having fun things in Glen Rose with your loved ones, don’t forget to visit Paluxy Heritage Park.
Paluxy Heritage Park is surrounded by river views and some historic homes from an earlier time in Somervell County.
Paluxy Heritage Park features a log house, an early stone house, an early school, and other prehistoric structures.
Paluxy Heritage Park is one breathtaking place to refresh or relax; the park has a children’s playground next to the pavilion for picnics and parties.
You will also discover a beautiful boardwalk that is great for walking, and you can also walk to Big Rocks Park.
Your kids will definitely love the park as there is plenty of space for them to walk around or play on the playground.
You can also humor yourself by reading the different plaques at each park location.
2. Museum of Creation Records
The museum is a non-profit creationist museum in Glen Rose, Somervell County. The Creation Evidence Museum is committed to researching and displaying the scientific evidence of creation.
Founded in 1984 by Carl Baugh, the museum researches and exhibits supporting creationism, also depicting the Earth six thousand years ago when humans used to coexist with dinosaurs.
On the second-floor balcony of the Creation Evidence Museum is a 12-foot (3.7 m) statue of Tom Landry, who is the football coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
One of the exhibits you will see at this Museum is the London Hammer.
The artifact is a “Recent American Historic Style” hammer and a misplaced artifact discovered in 1934 in London, Texas.
3. Somervell County Museum
Established in 1965, the Somervell County Museum presents local culture from prehistoric times to the relatively contemporary.
The Somervell County Museum is home to a menagerie of items donated by Somervell County residents and their families over the years.
The Somervell County Museum consists of an extensive collection of barbed wire, a wooden tombstone, a collection of arrowheads, a loom, a printing press, wooden legs, and dolls.
You’ll also find hand tools used at Barnard’s Mill, a mural depicting a 1954 National-Geographic article on the excavation of dinosaur tracks, Civil War uniforms, weapons, and more.
A visit to the Somervell County Museum is one of the best things to do in Glen Rose because the wall is dedicated to John St. Helen and the history of the exhibition.
You will definitely enjoy walking around the museum as you find and learn unique and exciting things about the city.
Things to Do in Glen Rose at Night
1. Green Pickle – Texas Beer Garden & Gallery
The Green Pickle is a Texas beer garden that specializes in Texas beers and wines.
At the same time, you can enjoy your freshly made sausage while listening to good music or viewing artwork from a talented artist in the gallery.
Explore the Green Pickle-Texas Beer Garden and Gallery and relax.
The Green Pickle – Texas Beer Garden and Gallery is rated one of the fun things to do in Glen Rose because of its great music, delicious food, unique artwork, and many other things you’ll discover at the garden and gallery.
You will also love the delicious and juicy puffs offered at Green Pickle and other snacks and food sold at an affordable price.
The Green Pickle-Texas Beer Garden and Gallery are open every Sunday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; they are closed on Wednesday.
2. Texas Treasures
Texas Treasures is an art gallery located on South Main Street near River Road. The Texas Treasure Art Gallery offers a beautiful setting for the creative works of over 30 leading and highly acclaimed international artists.
Texas Treasures welcomes visitors to its fantastic gallery, where you will discover various products from all over Texas.
Texas Treasures specialize in Texas-themed souvenirs, t-shirts, and novelties. Texas Treasures also carries gourmet salsas, BBQ sauces, and candies.
At Texas Treasures, you will also find baby accessories, unique antiques, the latest western and trendy handbags, stylish purses, and rhinestone buckle purses.
You will also find handbags with a cross buckle, travel in all designs, studded wallets, camouflage handbags, messenger wallets, patchwork bags, and many others.
3. Cheerful Heart
Cheerful Heart is a Glen Rose boutique specializing in clothing, gifts, decor, and more.
Cheerful Heart has something for everyone, both newborn and adult, including shorts, dresses, fashion tops, t-shirts, jeans, booties, and more.
Visiting Cheerful Heart is one of the best things to do in Glen Rose, TX, for unique accessories, tasty food, home decor, plus men’s clothing and man cave accessories.
You will also find thoughtful gifts to buy for your loved ones here.
Cheerful Heart is one of the best places to visit in Glen Rose because it offers just about everything you’ll love to shop for, including spa products and fashion from baby to women’s sizes.
Cheerful Hearts offer visitors the most exciting shopping experiences; they can also create a unique centerpiece alongside artwork, clocks, tableware, housewarming gifts, trays, and more.
Things to Do in Glen Rose For Couples
1. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
The Wildlife Center is one of the best places to visit in Glen Rose when its Africans come to Texas.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is an 18,000-acre facility that provides a 7.2-mile scenic drive where you’ll discover and interact with over 1,100 exotic and endangered wildlife that roams freely in herds.
You will find over 50 species of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, wolves, and more.
Visiting Fossil Rim is one of the best things to do in Glen Rose because it offers a spectacular experience and exciting adventure.
The center is dedicated to the protection of endangered species. The center trains professionals to conduct scientific research and responsibly manage natural resources; they are also dedicated to public enlightenment.
You can find Overlook Cafe near the center, and you will love their delicious food along with the fantastic view of the park.
Discover the Nature Store, which offers a beautiful selection of souvenirs to take home to your loved ones.
2. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a park straddling the Paluxy River with a 1,524.72 land mass.
Northwest of Glen Rose in Somervell County. The Paluxy River flows through the wooded, semi-rocky park, and horses can drink from it.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great attraction to visit in Glen Rose as you will discover dinosaur tracks; you can also walk in their footsteps on the riverbed.
Visiting the park is one of the amazing things to do in Glen Rose.
Explore Dinosaur Valley State Park with your loved ones and discover exciting things about the park, including rock climbing, camping, hiking, scenic views, picnicking and more.
You can also enjoy horse riding in the park.
You can also visit the interpretive center, search for geocaches, shop for park souvenirs, books, fishing supplies, and more.
3. Glen Rose Historic Center
Historic Downtown in Glen Rose is a unique place full of dining options, museums, beautiful galleries, parks, and shopping.
Historic Downtown Glen Rose should be one of the things to do in Glen Rose.
It welcomes city holiday explorers to embark on an unforgettable city exploration adventure.
Visitors discover and enjoy all the incredible scenic sights, beautiful tastes, sounds and other unforgettable experiences Glen Rose offers.
As you explore the city, you’ll learn and find new and exciting things like Glen Rose’s history, unique arts, lodging, shopping, incredible dining, and much more.
Visitors are encouraged to visit Historic Downtown Glen Rose as it is one of the best places to visit in Glen Rose.
At Glen Rose Downtown Square, you’ll discover eclectic types of water, food, and experiences for every taste and price point.
Things to Do in Glen Rose For Kids
1. Big Rocks Park
There are sure to be many enjoyable activities in Glen Rose, one of which is a visit to Big Rocks Park on the Paluxy River.
Big Rocks Park is filled with huge rocks; you will also discover many shallow areas where children can climb and play.
Head to Big Rocks Park with family or friends to enjoy swimming, cool off from the Texas heat, or enjoy lunch while relaxing under the trees.
Along the Paluxy River, there are many areas to walk as you enjoy walking in the scenic surroundings and sounds of Glen Rose.
Big Rocks Park is one great place to visit in Glen Rose because it’s accessible to everyone and offers incredible facilities, scenic views, and trails you’ll love.
2. Dinosaur World
Dinosaur World features over 150 life-size dinosaurs in a natural outdoor environment, natural fossils and fossil replicas, a dinosaur dig for kids, a playground, an exciting museum, and much more.
Dinosaur World provides entertainment for the whole family or friends; your kids will definitely love this place, especially those who are fascinated by dinosaurs.
Guests who explore Dinosaur World have the opportunity to walk among the dinosaurs.
Dinosaur World also provides its guests with picnic tables and drink machines. Pets are allowed on the premises but must be on a lead.
Dinosaur World Gift Shop offers excellent value in prehistoric toys, games, artifacts, beautiful geodes, and more.
Dinosaur World offers tours, making it one of the best places to visit in Glen Rose.
3. Paluxy River
Paluxy River may also be called Paluxy Creek; it is a tributary of the Brazos River, formed by the convergence of the South Paluxy River and the North Paluxy River near Bluff Dale, Texas, in Erath County.
The Pauluxy river flows 47 km before joining the Brazos east of Glen Rose, in south-central Somervell County.
The Paluxy River is famous for the numerous Baden dinosaur tracks in its bed near Glen Rose in Dinosaur Valley State Park.
You can visit the Paluxy River with your loved ones. Some parts of the Pauluxy river are shallow enough to wade in and deep enough to relax in.
You can also enjoy fishing, picnicking, swimming, or relaxing in the surroundings. When looking for fun places to add to your list of things to do in Glen Rose, be sure to head to the Paluxy River.
Indoor Activities in Glen Rose For Adults
1. Barnard’s Mill
Barnard’s Mill in Glen Rose, Texas, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 9, 1982. The Barnard’s Mill building is owned by the Somervell History Foundation and operates as the Barnard’s Mill Art Museum.
The collections found at Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum are world-class, from Amy Miears Jackson, Jewell Miears Fielder, Robert Summers, R. Kleinfelder, Morris Henry Hobbs, Asian and Native American art and artifacts.
Barnard’s Mill was originally a water-powered mill and earlier a steam-powered milling mill. Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum is available for weddings, receptions, and special events.
Barnard’s Mill is the oldest structure in Glen Rose. If you don’t know what to do in Glen Rose, please visit the Mill to see the exhibits and learn about the town’s great history.
2. Tres Rios Park
Tres Rios Park sits at the confluence of three rivers two miles from Glen Rose, Texas; the three rivers are the Paluxy River, Brazos River, and Squaw Creek.
The park is popularly known for its dinosaur museum and fossil site.
Tres Rios Park offers fun activities in Glen Rose, Texas. Visit the park and enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and rafting.
Tres Rios Park offers spacious meeting rooms for family gatherings, regular activities such as kayak demonstrations, community cleanups of nearby rivers, and jam sessions.
Members and visitors can also participate in events and fun activities at Tres Rios Park, including bingo, sewing, potluck dinners, cards, nature walks, wood crafts, and much more.
Tres Rios Park is one of the attractions to visit in Glen Rose, Texas.
3. Wheeler Branch Park
Somervell County Water District established Wheeler Branch Park on August 7, 2010. Wheeler Branch Park is open from 7:00 a.m. until closing time posted on the gatehouse.
Branch Park consists of a boat ramp with a floating dock, public restrooms, covered picnic areas, a beach with a floating harbor island, and an expansive pavilion.
Wheeler Branch Park is also accessible for fishing.
You will surely have a wonderful day at the park as it is one of Glen Rose, Texas attractions. There are fireworks in the park, and the lake is clear and clean.
You can also practice scuba diving in the lake.
Visit Wheeler Branch Park if you are looking for the best place to plan a family weekend, picnic, or get together with friends or get together.
Romantic Things to Do in Glen Rose
1. Eagle Eye Ranch Transportation Company
Enjoy horseback riding if you love horseback racing and need the best places to visit in Glen Rose.
Eagle Eye Ranch Company is the right spot for you. Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage offers a beautiful horseback experience in Dinosaur Valley State Park.
You can also visit Eagle Eye Ranch company with your kids as there are guides at the ranch to help them and other activities nearby for your kids.
You will surely create beautiful memories with your loved ones in the Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage.
Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage also offers dream horse carriage services for all your events, including romantic events, weddings, parades, quinceaneras, photo shoots, and family gatherings.
Horses will also make your events incredible as they look beautiful for the camera.
2. Squaw Valley Golf Course
Squaw Valley Golf Course is in Glen Rose, Texas, 60 miles southwest of the DFW Metroplex.
The golf course has 36 holes of professional Golf and is rated as one of the best courses in the state.
So if you enjoy golfing and you are looking for the best places in Glen Rose to play golf with your loved ones, Squaw Valley Golf Course is the right place to explore the city.
Squaw Valley offers beautiful views of century-old Squaw Creek and the oak trees that meander between the courses.
The expert and courteous staff of PGA Professionals on the golf course will ensure you have an unforgettable visit.
Squaw Valley Golf Course is open Monday through Sunday, and tee times are accepted five days in advance.
3. Dinosaur Valley RV Park
Dinosaur Valley RV Park is one must-see attraction in Glen Rose for its incredible views.
You’ll enjoy a cowboy and Native American-themed campground with the latest amenities, including spacious RV sites with 50 amp hookups and fully furnished cabins you’ll love to explore.
Have you ever wondered what becoming your childhood dream of becoming a cowboy would be like?
Well, you can go to Dinosaur Valley RV Park and have fun in the park like a cowboy.
You can learn a lot about the state’s great history in the park.
You’ll also find a cabin, tipi, and several other RV hookups; The park allows you to escape from the big city and penetrate your primitive nature.
So be kind, grab a boot and a hat and hop into your camper because an exciting adventure awaits.
Free Things to Do in Glen Rose
1. Glen Rose Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau is a visitor center for people on their way to or already in the great city.
A visit to the Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau is one of the best things to do in Glen Rose, TX because you’ll learn about the city’s great history and unique things to do and explore.
Glen Rose is an excellent retreat that also offers something for everyone.
The friendly and helpful staff at the Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau will also help you plan your perfect adventure in town.
You will receive brochures, directions, accommodation details and other information to help you during your stay in the city.
2. The Promise at Glen Rose
Looking for things to do in Glen Rose, Texas? Are you vacationing with your friends or family in Glen Rose?
Do well to visit Promise in Glen Rose as it depicts and conveys the story that began on the banks of the Paluxy River in the historic town.
The story is about the Promised One, who is Jesus; the account shows the events of Jesus’ birth, the temptation of baptism, and his ministry, based on scripture, using music from award-winning contemporary Christian artists.
The Promise offers a modern twist on the greatest story ever told. With a unique musical score, live animals, crew, and a cast of over 150 dedicated Christian artists, The Promise provide its audience with the experience of a lifetime.
The Promise is performed annually at the Texas Amphitheater, the largest permanent outdoor theatre in the state. The theatre has a Greco-Roman design and a seating capacity of 3,200, making it an exciting place to experience The Promise.
2. Wabi + Sabi
Visiting Wabi + Sabi is one of the unique things to do in Glen Rose, TX, as the owners provide art, paintings, and other handmade items. Wabi + Sabi offers everything from art to upholstery.
The owners of Wabi + Sabi are Michael and Lorraine Ruegsegger, who has lived in the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas” for nearly five years and have fallen in love with downtown’s history.
The owners incorporated their artistic focus into the business that gave birth to Wabi + Sabi.
Wabi-sabi means the art of imperfection, as the shop features a wonderful mix of artisans and vendors who create unique and beautiful items.
Wabi + Sabi features artists who paint, photograph, and handcraft handbags, as well as antiques and upholstered furniture.
You will also discover unique lampshades, crystals, and vessels obtained from onyx, minerals, crystals, and more.
Wabi + Sabi is open every Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Cheap Things to Do in Glen Rose
1. Lost in Time
In Lost in Time, you can find and buy stuff for your friends, family, and home. In Lost in Time, you will find a boutique section that offers many unique items of good quality.
You will also like to buy a nutcracker, beanie, cannon figure, and jewelry in the boutique.
Lost in Time features cave objects, knives, candy, unique artwork, antique jewelry, fishing gear, household items, and much more.
Lost in Time is open every Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The shop is a good stop and the right place to find beautiful things.
2. Miss Dixie’s Cabin
Miss Dixie’s Cottage is one of Glen Rose’s must-visit attractions for French country furniture and handmade pillows. You will certainly enjoy shopping in the historic Glen Rose Square.
Locally made pillows are farmhouse style and country French; Miss Dixie’s Cottage also specializes in handmade hangers.
Stop by Miss Dixie’s Cottage for a great shopping experience as you purchase gifts for your loved ones, candles, home decor, women’s clothing, and much more that you will love to buy.
3. A Fairy Tale Cafe
Part bookstore, part cafe. The Storybook Café offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, pasta, and daily specials. What I like about this cafe is its playroom for children.
Children can play with toys, read books or dress up. It will definitely make dining easier when you have small children.
Cool Places to Visit in Glen Rose
1. Rough Creek Lodge and Resort
This resort is a bit pricey but worth it. Located on 11,000 acres, it has everything. Guests can book a room in the main lodge, one of the many separate lodges, or a spacious house.
As part of your stay, guests can enjoy a biplane, climbing wall, largest maze in Texas, fishing boat, batting cage, kids ranch, s’mores, fossil hunt, outdoor games, hay rides, live music, rocket launch, archery, and next. As well as an award-winning restaurant.
2. Oakdale Park
This peaceful park offers 120 RV sites with full hookups, cabins, bunkhouses, a spa, a playground events center, picnic areas, an outdoor stage, and a large pool that is open to the public.
It originally opened in 1925 as a campground and motoring ground with the largest pool in Texas at the time.
3. Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant
If you’re a tech geek or want to add an interesting experience to your trip to Glen Rose, visit the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant.
Enjoy a highly educational trip to the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant Visitor Center to discover the science behind nuclear power.
The Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant Visitor Center features educational exhibits and information kiosks that explain the complex science behind nuclear power.
You can also visit the training center to see how nuclear power plants work.
The Comanche Peak Power Plant tour is free, but reservations are required, so book in advance to plan your visit.
Conclusion
Glen Rose is indeed as amazing as you heard it will be.
We hope you have the best time doing any of the above-listed things to do in Glen Rose.
