We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Glen Rose. With dinosaur fossils and safari animals, this area is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.

Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.

Drive time: ~1 hour
Est. population: 2,653
Avg. high in June: 93º

Hike, skip rocks, and soak up the sun while you search for dinosaur tracks at the state park. | Photo by @dinovalleysp

🥾Things to do

Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1629 Park Road 59
Hike along the Paluxy River for a chance to see dinosaur tracks left from an ancient ocean. Or walk among 100 life-size prehistoric reptiles at the neighboring Dinosaur World.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, 2299 County Road 2008
Drive through one of the world’s foremost wildlife conservation facilities to see 1,100 animals from nearly 50 different species at this non-traditional zoo. Bonus: Feed giraffes on the self-guided drive.

Historic Tour, 101 NE Barnard St.
Travel back in time with a walking tour of the 1893 Courthouse, the “Barnard’s of the Brazos” bronze statue + 27 other historic sites in the soul of small-town USA.
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🍽️ Fuel up after hiking

Loco Coyote Grill, 1795 County Road 1004
Relax on the patio with a cold beer, a barbecue plate, or a Howling Coyote Burger while listening to live music.

Storiebook Cafe, 502 NE Barnard St.
Stop in for a daily soup-and-sandwich combo + browse the shelves for a new summer read.

Shoo-Fly Soda Shop, 102 Walnut St.
Cool off with a sweet treat from this family-owned soda bar and ice cream shop. Try this: Marty McFly mini corn dogs + a chocolate-covered strawberry shake.

Drift off to sleep with the sounds of the African savanna at The Lodge at Fossil Rim. | Photo provided.

🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins

The Lodge at Fossil Rim, County Road 2010
Unwind at the updated lodge and enjoy rustic tranquility while listening to the nighttime sounds of the animals.

Anderson Creek Cabins, 1442 Moody Ln.
Escape to the wilderness at the peaceful country retreat with cabins set along the scenic Paluxy River.

Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1629 Park Road 59
Pitch your tent at a campsite with electricity or go primitive and hike to a secluded campsite across the river.