#txstatepark

Derek and I decided on a day trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park, a quick drive from Fort Worth to Glen Rose, TX.

We had both visited before but never had the chance to truly explore the park or city itself. Driving up, we saw that Glen Rose was voted as America’s Dream Town in 2004... and we all know - if it’s written on a water tower, it must be true. 

I was curious how a town of no more than 2,500 people managed to be heralded in such high esteem. After a quick Google search (once I was back in Sprint’s limited data zone aka DFW) we learned that this honor was achieved by an online voting poll and not by any specific charm popularized by tourists. Either the townees of Glen Rose are very passionate about their home or someone had a lot of time on their hand. 

Either way, we found a bit of quirky pizzazz that could appeal to any family in need of entertainment or your cynical friend who likes to mock the clashing of cultures and beliefs. 

I’ll start with things I haven’t actually been to but know the city is known for. First, The Promise. A friend of mine said it’s tradition for him and his family to visit Glen Rose every year to watch this dramatic musical telling the story of the one, the only: Jesus Christ. For over two decades, hundreds of people and livestock put together a show every weekend for two months that eventually became so popular - the town built an amphitheater to host it (which so happens to be the largest outdoor theater in Texas, because let’s face it - Jesus deserves the best). In it’s 29th year, the production is still going strong and definitely worth a visit... so I hear. Tickets can be purchased during the season here. 

You can also stop at the Big Rocks Park if you want to... well, look at big rocks. 

But seriously, they’re random and right on the Paluxy River, plus i hear you can swim here during the summer - which would be nice. 

If you aren’t sold on visiting Glen Rose by learning about the casual side of our Lord and Savior or gazing upon unusually large rocks, we have more! If you’ve always wanted to take your family on a wild safari trip in Africa, look no further than Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. During my first visit here, I was told it was a drive through petting zoo. DO NOT LEARN THE HARD WAY - while giraffes, zebras, and ostriches seem nice and fuzzy enough to pet - they don’t want to be touched. While you do drive through the park and can have windows down, and the animals may even say hello by coming up to your vehicle (except the ostriches who are your overbearing mother-in-law who will get in your face and peck you to death... maybe not death), you cannot feed or pet these exotic animals. If you want to be so daring as to try and pet the cheetah - more power to you. Either way, it’s a great way to get up close and personal with over 100 different species in the comfort of your own car and at your own pace. 

Next brings us to the Creation Evidence Museum, which honestly makes total sense considering the dynamics of the town. Founder Carl Baugh, who still acts as director and speaker, started the museum / research facility in 1982 to educate youths on the Biblical and scientific principles of our earth as opposed to the evolutionary theory. The building sits near the area where human and dinosaur tracks were found on the Paluxy river, igniting Baugh’s theory that there really could have been a Flintstone’s era – as he previously stated on The Daily Show. Visitors of the museum can see two legged tracks of both humans and giant lizards to learn more about the creationist’s beliefs, including a newly built biosphere where researchers are attempting to recreate the earth’s atmospheric conditions before the Great Flood to grow their own Dinosaurs. (We’ll be sending them a copy of Jurassic Park to let them know how this story ends and save mankind. You’re welcome). Some Young Earth Creationists have openly discredited many of Baugh’s exhibits as misleading deceptions, fearing he is driving curious minded folks to be dismissive; not only of creationism but Christians in general. No matter your beliefs, as we’ll remind you absolutely nothing has been set in stone (except the fossilized tracks themselves), the CEM is definitely worth an open minded visit. If anything, just to see a 12ft statue of Tom Landry (go Cowboys) or a replica of Noah’s ark that took 40 years of research to recreate.

The best part about the Creationist Museum is that less than 1 mile down the road you can visit Dinosaur World and Dinosaur Valley State Park. Dinosaur World is pretty much a fun representation of what CEM is trying to recreate with their biosphere project. It’s a giant dog park with life-sized dinos and very kid friendly. Right next door is a great State Park and National Natural Landmark – Dinosaur Valley. Weaving around the Paluxy river, visitors can hike through roughly 20 miles of scenic routes. At the main track site near the entrance you can see actual tracks of the official state dinosaur of Texas, the Paluxysaurus, roped off across the river. Large stepping stones allow you to cross easily from side to side where most of the trails can be accessed. If you follow one of these trails down to the river crossing it leads to some pretty cool tracks you can literally step on away from the crowd at the main tracks. Check out our video for some up close shots in the clear riverbed.

We were pretty excited when we saw the park offered a 7.5 mile trail and decided to knock this out first before moving on to the shorter interconnected routes. The Cedar Brake Outer Loop circles the entire park but as it turns out – the best parts are all in the center. While it’s not very scenic, we decided it was probably best for trail running. It also comes highly recommended by D.O.R.B.A. (Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association) as one of the best mountain biking trails in North Texas. So it seems this trail is truly appreciated when it’s able to be seen only in a blur. The other trails, however, are definitely worth walking as they provide more overlooks and scenery (unless you enjoy barbed wire and quarry excavation). Some of our favorites were the Paluxy River trail (.97 miles) because it follows the clear turquoise river and twists through some beautiful parts of the more elderly cedar trees in the area. Also, the Black-Capped Vireo Trail (2.6 miles) for the 45ft seasonal waterfall. Most trails bring you to the bottom of a waterfall where you can enjoy the rush of water tumbling into a spring but here in Texas, we always find a way to be bigger and better. The Wildcat Hollow Waterfall is accessed from the top of the drop-off allowing you to really get your palms sweaty and overcome your fear of heights. Being December, we didn’t see any water flow but it was just as impressive being able to walk the ridgeline and explore the unmarked paths across the way.

Keep in mind that you have to wade through a lot of water to see some of these hidden tracks. Not to worry as the Paluxy can be very inviting and visitors can actually take a dip in the Blue Hole if weather permits. Luckily for us Texans, it’s swimming weather about 80% of the time.