A LOCAL'S GUIDE TO SPENDING 48 TO 72 HOURS IN GLEN ROSE, TEXAS
48 to 72 Hour Itinerary in Glen Rose, Texas
Glen Rose, Texas is located about an hour and a half outside of Dallas, making it the perfect weekend destination. This small but charming town offers a variety of activities, from feeding giraffes at a real-life safari to stepping back in time with dinosaurs to exploring iconic boulders in the Paluxy River bed and even shopping on the historic Glen Rose Square. There's truly something for every type of traveler. What makes Glen Rose so special to me in particular is that it’s my hometown! I lived in Glen Rose until I was 18 and left for college and have since been traveling back to see family, friends, and sometimes even to play tourist! That being said, in this article, you’re going to find the “Glen Rose Must-Do’s” but you’ll also find what a local recommends such as spots that might be off the beaten path, specials at restaurants, parks that someone visiting for the first or second time might not recommend, and everything in between. Here’s my two to three-day itinerary for Glen Rose, TX!
Disclaimer: This article is in partnership with Visit Glen Rose, but as always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
How to spend 48 hours in Glen Rose, Texas — one of America’s dream towns
Day One
Walk with the Dinosaurs at Dino World
Dive into the prehistoric world at Dinosaur World. You’ll find numerous boardwalks that wind through natural areas shaded by centuries-old oak trees and a dino-themed playground that features slides, swings, and all-around family fun — BUT the best part is visitors get the opportunity to get hands-on with fossil digs and marvel at hundreds of life-sized dinosaur replicas.
Pop over to Dinosaur Valley State Park to see real Dino Tracks
Did you know that Glen Rose is also referred to as the Dinosaur capital of Texas?! It’s because of the beautiful Dinosaur Valley State Park. It’s one of my all-time favorite parks in Texas because of its amazing trails, camping, backpacking areas, and of course the Dinosaur tracks!🦖🦕 Find additional information here!
Enjoy lunch at The Green Pickle
The Green Pickle is right off the Glen Rose Historic Square and is a great place to grab a bite to eat on your first day in Glen Rose. In addition to burgers and fries, they have chicken fried steaks, chicken sandwiches (my favorite), and even homemade pies.
Do a little shopping on the Glen Rose Historic Square
The Glen Rose Historic Square is the perfect place to do a little damage shopping! There are stores along the entire square as well as a little off it so be sure to visit them all! My personal favorites are Barnard Street Mercantile and Feast!
Grab a treat at Shoo-Fly Soda Shop
While on the square, pop over to Shoo-Fly Soda Shop to grab a homemade soda or ice cream treat. In addition, the shop has tons and I mean tons of gifts, old fashioned candy like taffy, chocolate, you name it! It’s worth exploring while sipping your soda.
Check into your hotel/Airbnb
Just recently, we stayed at the lovely Compass Cottage right in the heart of Glen Rose. It was perfect for walking to and from The Square to drop off leftovers and even heavy shopping bags. In addition to this adorable Airbnb, I have a full list of places to stay in Glen Rose, which you can find here.
Pop over to the Somervell County Museum
The Somervell County Museum is only open Friday through Sunday but well worth it if you’re visiting on a weekend because of its vast collection of Glen Rose artifacts. It’s free but always takes donations. Be sure to pop around to the right side of the museum to see the dinosaur track as well.
Sip sangria and enjoy a wine tasting before dinner at Bull Lion Ranch Winery
Bull Lion Ranch Winery is a wonderful little gem on the Glen Rose Historic Square where you’ll feel transported to a tasting room in Fredericksburg, Texas, or in the Texas High Plains.
Enjoy a slice and Italian food at Pinstripes Pizza and Pasta
Pinstripes Pizza & Pasta is a great place for sit-down Italian food and a slice of pizza. The overall vibe of this spot is great for families and friends and be sure to grab a slice of cheesecake on your way out!
Day Two
Start your day with breakfast at Debbie’s
Debbie’s is an old school no fluff diner I’ve been going to since I was about five years old. It’s a great place to really feel like a local because you’re sure to be surrounded by them coming in for their daily coffee and breakfast chats with friends. I highly recommend breakfast over their lunch.
Go for a walk in Heritage Park & the River Walk
Heritage Park is a lovely spot to walk after breakfast and learn a little bit about the history of the area. There are beautiful historic houses with plaques to read and then head over to the River Walk which takes you to Big Rocks Park.
Explore Big Rocks Park
Big Rocks Park is one of the most iconic natural beauties in Glen Rose, Texas. Visitors can swim in the river or climb on the rocks to enjoy the views. If you do visit, be sure to throw away your trash in the trashcans and keep this gorgeous spot looking pretty.
Grab a snow cone from Funky Munky
While you’re near Big Rocks Park, walk about 3 minutes to Funky Munky Shaved Ice and get a snow cone. My go-to is wedding cake with cream!
Relax a little bit at your hotel/Airbnb
I love some good downtime relaxing at my hotel/Airbnb when exploring and traveling. The Birdhouse cabin at Skybox Cabins is a must while in Glen Rose for its unique architecture and style in Glen Rose. Read my full write-up on this property here.
Stuff your face with BBQ from Hammond’s BBQ
Hammond’s BBQ is a great spot for lunch after exploring the city all morning. I worked at Hammond’s BBQ in high school as a server and cashier so I know all the details of this place and can still safely say it’s a favorite! My go-to is a mixed plate with your choice of two meats and two sides. Be sure to ask what pie they have available for dessert for there or to-go too!
Marvel at the gorgeous artwork at the historic Barnard’s Mill Museum
Walk off some of that BBQ from Hammond’s at Barnard’s Mill Museum which has been around since 2000. The mill started as a water-powered gristmill in 1860 then to a steam-powered burr mill. It was sold for $10 and turned into a cotton gin in 1895, a health spa with mineral waters in 1943, a hospital and clinic in 1949, and today a Historical Mill and Art Museum. Fun fact: some of the Yellowstone spinoff show Bass Reeves was filmed here!
Do a little shopping around town
The Glen Rose Historic Square isn’t the only spot for shopping in town. Some of my favorites to visit are Cheerful Heart for all sorts of lovely gifts, home, decor, clothes, you name it, Country Garden Cafe has beautiful plants, pots, and pumpkins to buy, and Tracks in Time is one of my favorite unique spots in Glen Rose but you have to dig to find the good stuff!
Rest and get ready for dinner at your hotel/Airbnb
With a full day of exploring the town, you’re bound to need some downtime at your hotel/Airbnb. Inn on the River is another option right off the Glen Rose Square. It’s a beautiful and historic building that’s been a Glen Rose staple for years. In addition, Inn on the River is pet friendly so feel free to bring your fur babies along for your getaway — and you might even be greeted by the owner’s pups when you walk in.
Watch the sunset on the Glen Rose Historic Square
There are a couple of spots to watch the sunset in Glen Rose that are my personal favorites and one is the Square, especially when the stores have their cute lights on. Other spots I love are Big Rocks Park and Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Transport yourself into the 1920s with dinner at WhiskyWoods Steakhouse
WhiskyWoods is the place to be for a nice dinner in Glen Rose right off the Square. I highly recommend making reservations for the fine dining room because that’s the more luxurious and 1920s themed area of the restaurant. In the back in the bar and it’s more come and go style with TVs and pool tables.
If you have more time in Glen Rose, I’ve added a Day Three
Day Three
Grab coffee and pastries from Grounded Coffee Shop
Start your day with coffee at this local Glen Rose coffee shop. I typically get an iced vanilla latte with oat milk and it was good — I thought their espresso was made well. They also have a drive-through if you want to pick something up quickly and head off on your adventures that day.
Go on an African Safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a 501 non-profit conservation center about 15 minutes from Glen Rose, Texas that’s an absolute must-visit if you haven’t been already. They give visitors an opportunity to learn about numerous species, some of which are endangered & give back to an amazing cause — saving animals. If you go, don’t get out of your car, pet the animals, or feed the animals anything other than what’s provided to you by professionals. Many animals can potentially harm you and you can actually potentially harm them with the natural oils on your hands. However, you do get an opportunity to feed the giraffes so definitely save your food for that! It’s highly recommended that you purchase your tickets online and then get there EARLY! Fossil Rim gets extremely crowded and honestly, the best time to see the animals is early in the morning — that’s when they’re most active. Find all the information on ticketing here.
Explore the Gift Shop, petting zoo, and grab a snack at The Overlook Cafe
Halfway through the safari drive, you’ll pop out at the gift shop, petting zoo, and The Overlook Cafe. It’s a great spot to go to the bathroom, look for gifts and souvenirs, check out the petting zoo, and then grab a snack at the cafe.
Have lunch at Mama Mia Mexican Cuisine
Mama Mia Mexican Cuisine is a great spot to stop for lunch because of its awesome lunch deals. I highly recommend the fajita lunch plate and the chicken enchiladas lunch plate!
Treat yourself to some chocolate from Cowboy-Up Chocolates
Cowboy-Up Chocolates is an adorable little chocolate shop right on the Glen Rose Historic Square everyone needs to pop into while visiting. Be sure to ask about their seasonal flavors when you do visit because those were some of our favorites in the fall.
Take a cat nap at your hotel/Airbnb
Pop over to your hotel/Airbnb for a little nap or to just relax a little bit. We loved staying at Hideaway Ranch while visiting Glen Rose because it was such a relaxing spot to enjoy the Texas country.
Pick up a drink from Sonic and check out Wheeler Branch Reservoir
The Wheeler Branch Reservoir is such a gorgeous spot in Glen Rose to picnic with your friends and family, go for a swim, fish, kayak, you name it. You can either tell the gate person you just want to drive through and look real quick or purchase tickets and stay for a bit to enjoy the water.
Sip on a beer, eat some BBQ, and enjoy live music at Sexton Mill
Sexton Mill is such a special place in Glen Rose and one you absolutely should visit while in town. Sexton Feed Mill’s history dates to the 1920s as the city’s first electric generation plant which stood on a concrete slab still located off their back patio. Today, it’s the perfect place to grab a pint and hang with the whole family.
Be sure to check out my full list of Places to Eat in Glen Rose here and an in-depth guide on Where to go, stay, and play in Glen Rose here. In addition, pop over to Visit Glen Rose’s website to stay updated on what’s going on.
XOXO