Safaris, Mysteries and Dinosaurs | Glen Rose, TX

Woodall's CamperWays / RV Traveler / Sunny Desinations October 2006

Where can you walk in the footprints of dinosaurs and discover the wilds of Africa?

Living true to its title, The Dinosaur Capital of Texas, Glen Rose, just 1.5 hours south of Fort Worth, is one of the most unique spots in all of Texas.  Its laid-back atmosphere is just a disguise for the adventures that await you.  You choose your adventure, the fast pace of kayaking, mountain-biking, a wild safari or hunt the prehistoric giants from 110 million years ago.   Glen Rose is as diverse as its history. 

“It’s our small town Mayberry atmosphere that gives Glen Rose its charm.  We were voted ‘America’s Dream Town’ in 2004 and we are not only the Dinosaur Capital of Texas, but we are known as the Bluegrass Capital of Texas,” relays Billy Huckaby, Director of Glen Rose Convention & Visitors Bureau.  “For a small town we have so much to offer, we are close enough to the Dallas Metroplex, yet we are far from the rush of the big city.”

Glen Rose began as a small trading post known as Barnard’s Mill, built in 1860’s which still stands today.  Now known as the Barnard's Mill & Art Museum, it is the first and oldest building in Glen Rose.   In the 1870’s with only wagon trails leading to Barnard’s Mill for trade, its name changed to Glen Rose.   In its early beginnings it was a federal Indian reservation in 1855.  By 1876 Glen Rose became the county seat to the newly formed Somervell County, named in honor of General Alexander Somervell, who had fought in the battle of San Jacinto; who later served as a Senator in the first Texas Congress.  

With its abundant mineral springs several health sanatoriums were opened giving it a reputation as a health and recreation center, even saloons and hotels were advertising the waters of Glen Rose. The United States Geological Survey (1900) even endorsed its waters as "valuable for medicinal purposes."   Not only were Glen Rose’ medicinal effects felt, but during prohibition of the Roaring 20’s, Glen Rose was dubbed the "whiskey woods capital of the state” due to the many cedar trees of the area.

A true history’s mystery surrounds one Glen Rose resident named John St. Helen who confessed in 1870 on his deathbed to be the famous assassin, John Wilkes Booth, who shot and killed President Lincoln.  Booth was supposed to have been shot in a barn while it was set on fire.  Some speculate that the body recovered was of a man named Ruddy whom Booth had hired to retrieve his belongings (diary, locket and bank notes) for him.  Upon St. Helen’s death, witnesses who knew Booth claimed the identifying marks on the body of the dead John St. Helen were identical to those on the body of the infamous assassin of Lincoln.

Glen Rose is also known for Texas’ last “wild” river the Paluxy and the Brazos for their water recreation of kayaking, fishing, swimming and tubing.   Nearly one million visitors a year ascend on the quiet town of Glen Rose for getaways, for annual bluegrass festivals, rodeos and the quieter life of golf and horse-back riding.   One may camp and kick back to relax under moonlit nights on an ancient sea shore where colossal dinosaurs have left 110 million-year-old footprints at Dinosaur State Park.   Its 1,500 plus acres rest astride the Paluxy River where one will find dinosaur tracks in-bedded in the riverbed.  Dinosaur Valley State Park contains some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world.   Near the park’s entrance a 70-foot Apatosaurus and a 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex stand guard, originally built for a display for the, New York World's Fair Dinosaur Exhibit of 1964 - 1965.  The park offers campsites with water and electric hook ups, 12 miles of bike and hike trails.  There is an interpretive center located in the headquarters which give visual information about the area and types of dinosaurs.  The park itself lends itself to easy access to other area attractions.    

“There are several area events that appear monthly and annually.  Being the Texas Capital for Bluegrass, the campground Oakdale Park hosts several annual events -- the Bluegrass Reunion in September and two major Woodcarver’s Rallies -- one in the spring and fall.”  Huckaby smiles, “Oakdale Park is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, RV campground in the state.” 

Oakdale Park offers cabins in addition to ten and RV camping.  Another major RV campground it Tres Rios, aptly named for the joining of three waterways, the Brazos, Paluxy and Squaw Creek.  This year will be the 20th annual Woodcarving Rally at Oakdale Park which they hold several classes to learn the art and to exhibit your talents.  In the early spring there is a Dulcimer Festival hosted by the Lone Star State Dulcimer Society which offers workshops, crafts and art.  The Bluegrass music events occur through out the spring and summer but the Bluegrass Reunion is held in the fall.  If solitude is what you seek then Oakdale Park offers yet another campground, Camp ‘N’ Fish located on the Brazos River just six miles outside of Glen Rose.  Camp “N” Fish offers RV accommodations (electric / water / dump station) and one might even venture to the nearby three thousand plus acre Squaw Creek Reservoir  which is another fishing favorite.

One of the major attractions at Glen Rose is the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center which is open year around.   Its 1,800 acres of open wildlife reserve is a conservation home of several endangered species like the black and white rhinos, wildebeests, giraffes and cheetahs. It offers a close up view to the wilds with its 9.5 mile drive along the savannah-like pastures, forested areas and hillsides where the animals roam freely.  Or one may take a guided tour in an open back truck for a more educated learning experience about the wilds and the vital preservation of African wildlife or a up-close tour Behind the Scenes Tour to learn more about the white rhinos and cheetahs.     A great stop is The Overlook which yields a spectacular view of the full wildlife reservation and valley giving a birds-eye view of zebras, giraffes and antelope.   The Overlook Café offers snacks and lunches, while kids can enjoy the Children’s Animal Center where they can learn, feed and touch the pygmy goats, sheep and birds. 

“Mountain biking has become a great event here at Glen Rose,” Director, Huckaby points out, “The Quicksilver Paluxy Pedal will hold its fourth annual ride this year 2006, whose proceeds go to charity.  Also a monthly Ride the Rim at Fossil Rim is an opportunity to experience the country hillside at Fossil Rim.”

A major attraction to Glen Rose is The Promise which is a musical drama of the life of Christ. Performances 8 pm every Friday & Saturday, September thru November 11.  With a cast and crew of over 150 professionals and volunteers it is now in its 18th year.  It is performed at the Texas Amphitheatere which seats 3,000.  Its award winning musical score and live animals are a backdrop to an unforgettable drama which entertains tens of thousands of visitors each year.

“Don’t forget, besides great locations for camping we have the wild-west entertainment of rodeos and horse shows which are generally free and a big event Fossilmania at the Somervell County Expo Center,” Huckaby points out.

Glen Rose is a part of the area known as Fossil Rim which is abundant in ancient fossils, remnants of an ancient sea.  This year the 24th annual Fossilmania will be held at the Expo Center hosted by Dallas Paleontological Society.  It is an opportunity in the fall where dealers from across the country ascend to swap, trade, and sell fossils.  They offer educational programs and the opportunity to view some fascinating remnants of ancient creatures and dinosaurs.

“We have it all here at Glen Rose, Texas,” Huckaby smiles, “from extinct dinosaurs to live endangered wildlife and rodeos.  You can camp, relax by playing golf at the 4 star, Squaw Valley Golf Course or simply ride horse back along the Fossil Rim.”

For more detailed information of dates / times of the Bluegrass Reunion, Dulcimer Festival or Woodcarver’s Rally events please check out www.glenrosetexas.net .  This website is well maintained listing all the area attractions and events or one may call toll free the Glen Rose’ CVB Director, Billy Huckaby at 1-888-346-6282.  To learn more about the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and their tours check out http://fossilrim.org orcall 254-897-2960.  For ticket information and dates for the musical The Promise visit www.thepromiseglenrose.com or call 1-800-687-2661.