Why Should You Visit?
Walk in the same riverbed as the dinosaurs, in their footprints…literally. This state park has no shortage of fun activities; swimming, hiking and biking trails, geocaching, paddling, picnicking, horseback riding, and shopping to name a few.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
Dinosaurs
Paleontology
Geology
Where to Begin Your Field Trip
This is a Texas State Park. It is always a good idea to purchase day passes (or overnight camping/lodging) ahead of time. Popular parks sell out and this will guarantee your entry. Here is a link to the online reservation system.
Enter the park through headquarters. Stop for a map and visit the small indoor museum.
What Can You Expect to See & Do While Here?
The welcome committee is 2 large retro-style dinos! Tyrannosaurus Rex and Apatosaurus greet visitors and make for a fun photo op. These aren’t the dinosaurs known to have been in the park, but these models have an interesting history too, they came from the 1964-1965 World’s Fair. Read more on the state park website “From Dinoland to Dino Valley.”
Dinosaur Valley has plenty of the usual state park features, but the showstopper here is wading through the Paluxy river to find some of the best dinosaur tracks in the world! There are several places along the river to spot Theropod and Sauropod tracks. The 3 easiest spots to access are the Main Track Site, Blue Hole, and the Ballroom Track Site.
The main track site has a parking lot and is a short walk down some steps to the river. You’ll cross via some large stepping stones. The tracks are well marked and easy to find.
Blue Hole can be accessed by walking through the day-use picnic area and down some steps to a short trail. This is the best place to swim since most other parts of the river tend to stay very shallow. Theropod tracks are on the limestone ledge.
The Ballroom Track Site requires a short hike. You can continue along the river or walk from the nearby parking area. This spot contains hundreds of tracks in all directions earning it the name “ballroom” because it looks like the dinosaurs were dancing here.
Looking for even more adventure? Explore the park by horseback! Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company is located inside the state park, offering guided horseback riding for ages 3 and up. Tours range from $20-$60. Reservations can be made here.
This park also has a more exciting gift shop than most with plenty of education items to enhance your field trip. Little dinosaur enthusiasts will want to bring some souvenir money.
The Basics:
1629 Park Rd 59
Glen Rose, TX 76043
8:00am-5:00pm
Adults: $7
Children 12 and Under: Free
Tips for Visitors:
Water shoes would be nice to have since you will be doing some light hiking and then wading in the river.
Eagle Eye Carriage Company runs sunset hayrides by horse-pulled wagon September- May complete with campfire, coffee, and s’mores.
Check the park calendar for special programs and ranger-led activities.
More Field Trips in Glen Rose, TX:
- The Paluxy River Walk (Featuring Big Rocks Park & Paluxy Heritage Park)
- Dinosaur World
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Additional Resources:
Free & Online
- Learn About Texas Dinosaurs PDF
- Play Sheppard Software DinoMight
Books
- National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs
- Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs : The Definitive Pop-Up Hardcover by Robert Sabuda
- The Dinosaur Book by DK Smithsonian
- Dinosaurs Before Dark: Magic Tree House Book 1
Educational Toys
- Light-up Dino World Terrarium Kit
- Diggin’ Up Dinosaurs T-Rex Plastic Skeleton Set
- Wild Republic Dinosaur Animal Figurines Tube
- Melissa & Doug Prehistoric Playground Dinosaur Activity Rug
- Walking with Dinosaurs
- Discovery Kids: Bonehead Detectives of the Paleoworld
