Somervell County: Dinosaur Tracks, River Landscapes, and Wildlife

Explore Somervell County through its natural landscapes, dinosaur tracks, and local culture. Dinosaur Valley State Park brings together riverside scenery and the study of tracks; Fossil Rim focuses instead on wildlife and conservation. Museums, parks by the water, and golf also add a range of very different experiences.

Dinosaur Tracks and Landscapes

Dinosaur Valley State Park lies on both sides of the scenic Paluxy River, a tributary of the Brazos River. More than 20 miles of trails lead to limestone ridges overlooking the Paluxy River Valley. Five main areas with dinosaur tracks have also been mapped within the park. This brings together two different interests in one place: experiencing the landscape on foot and learning about the tracks. For those who want to explore the dinosaur theme beyond this riverside landscape, Dinosaur World offers another dimension: it is the only open-air museum in Texas dedicated to dinosaurs.

Wildlife and Conservation at Fossil Rim

Fossil Rim is located three miles southwest of Glen Rose on U.S. 67. Check road conditions before setting out. With the self-drive admission option, you can explore the scenic, 7.2-mile wildlife route at your own pace. The Guided Safari Tour offers a different focus: knowledgeable guides provide insights into the animals and the center’s conservation work. The main difference between the experiences is whether you explore the route independently or receive commentary along the way. Admission details and tour formats may change, so check the latest visitor information before planning your visit.

Conservation Investigations is an interactive experience for guests of all ages and is open to the public free of charge—with or without a Fossil Rim admission ticket. Access rules may change, so check the latest information before your visit. This is especially convenient if you want to plan access independently of a Fossil Rim ticket.

Museums and Local History

The Creation Evidence Museum was founded in 1984 to inform visitors about scientific evidence for biblical creation. Its exhibits feature artifacts, fossils, and documents. The Somervell County Museum focuses on a different historical context: it presents the history of Glen Rose and all of Somervell County. Together, a museum devoted to a specific subject and a museum of local and county history offer different ways to explore the past.

Parks by the Water and Golf

At Big Rocks Park, unusually large rocks define the north bank of the Paluxy River. Wheeler Branch Park lies on the shore of Wheeler Branch Reservoir, adding another public waterside park to the river landscape. For golfers, Squaw Valley Golf Club offers a clear alternative to museum visits and trails: it is a 36-hole championship golf course set among centuries-old oak trees.

These different themes give your trip different focal points—from tracks and trails to wildlife and conservation, as well as history and golf. When looking for a hotel in Somervell County, you can first consider which experiences you want to shape your plans.

Discover more destinations: Hidalgo, Carson County, Ellis, Falls County, Jones County, Dimmit, Kenedy County.

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