Glen Rose is often done as a day-trip from Dallas. But there’s more to the town, which makes it the perfect easy getaway for families, and among the top 5 from Dallas.
D & S have been here a few times between the ages of 5 & 9. It is great though for anyone into dinosaurs, digs, fossils and rocks.
TRANSPORTATION:
Your trusty car.
Our route: Dallas-Weatherford-Glen Rose, and Glen Rose-Cleburne-Dallas
STAY:
We’ve almost always stayed at Country Woods Inn. Seldom does it happen that the lodging is the main destination, but in this case, it is. Ever since we discovered it, there is no other place we would rather stay. On our first trip, we stayed at the Carriage House cabin. But since then we have stayed at 3 different airstreams including the Spartan and the Liberty. Our reasons for staying there are so many
- Isolated from other travelers
- The amazing staff at the Inn, who help you any time of day or night
- Proximity to animals. They have everything from horses, ducks, llamas, a pig, geese, bunnies, goats, all of which are great at interacting with little kids
- Thoughtfully decorated rooms that fit each theme
- Pre-COVID, they offered free breakfasts, which I hope will come back.
- Trails, bird-watching, fishing, and proximity to the Paluxy River
- Kitchenette, TV, books, privacy, hammocks, games and so much more.
DO:
- Country Woods Inn: If you have little kids, Country Woods Inn can be your top attraction for all the reasons mentioned above.
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: Everyone’s favorite safari in the Dallas area! This is a must for adults and kids alike. Deer of all kinds, bison, ostriches, cheetahs and giraffes to name just a few. We like going in the earlier part of the day to avoid long waits. Be sure to check the website before you go, and buy your tickets online! Although we have only ever done a drive-through in our car, the center also offers informative guided & group tours. Make sure you buy enough feed for the animals and be wary of the bad-tempered ostrich!
- Dinosaur Valley State Park: See where dinosaurs roamed. Footprints can found in the bed of the Paluxy River. Great place to spend the day hiking, and it’s fun to cross the river to get closer to where the footprints are. Be sure to take your bug spray, your bathing suit (in warmer weather), water shoes, hat and water, as it tends to get pretty hot here.
- Big Rocks State Park: Beautiful place to take in the sunset, have a picnic or just climb some rocks.
- Bussey’s Stone Hut Fossil Shop: The owner is quirky and friendly. You can purchase fossils here that have been found in the area, or even around the world. Bussey’s dog is the absolute best, and we’d go just to see Clancy! There are also little “digs” in the front yard and you can pay a small fee to find some fossils.
- Downtown Glen Rose: The courthouse that’s over a 100 years old is truly a beauty. The other wonderful thing about the square is the plentiful fossils and petrified wood you can find there. Keep your eyes open!
- Abandoned petrified wood structures: There are stunning abandoned structures in the area, that have petrified wood & fossils embedded in them. Ask the locals, so you don’t miss any of it!
- Dinosaur World: Make it a dino-filled weekend with this attraction that has life-sized dinos and fossils.
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EAT
- Riverhouse Grill: Upscale for the town, friendly staff, delicious food.
- Pie Peddler: Famous all over the state for its variety of delicious pies
- Big Cup Eatery: Standard fare, good place to pick up breakfast
- The Green Pickle
NOTES:
- Stop at Weatherford, Granbury or Cleburne to make the trip even better
- Or if you have the time, take a day trip to Mineral Wells.
- The Creation Evidence Museum is also pretty popular here, but we have never been
