Fossil Rim State Park
When we visited the Fossil Rim State Park Wildlife Center for the first time, it was an absolutely magical experience. Our relatives were visiting from out of town, and we had the best time interacting with the animals together. Fossil Rim is a family friendly activity that we continue to enjoy every time we visit.
So if you’re on the lookout for a wild and wonderful adventure that’s a little over an hour away from Dallas, then buckle up! Get ready to drive to the enchanting grounds of Fossil Rim State Park Wildlife Center. Located in Glen Rose, Texas, this animal wonderland allows you to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most incredible creatures.
The Fossil Rim State Park Animals
As soon as you enter Fossil Rim State Park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a savanna. The sprawling landscape is home to over 1,100 animals representing 50 different species. From the towering giraffes to the playful cheetah cubs, there’s a whole host of animals to behold.
The easiest way to experience Fossil Rim State Park is on a self-guided drive! Make sure to choose a vehicle with a sunroof (we’ll explain why later!). You’ll find yourself winding down a road that leads you right into the heart of an animal kingdom. Roll down your windows. In short time, you’ll find yourself surrounded by curious ostriches (not to be confused with the aggressive emus), playful zebras, and the regal gemsboks. If you’re lucky, they’ll come right up to your car window for a truly interactive experience that’ll make you feel like a wildlife explorer on a quest for adventure.
If you want to get even closer to the action, hop aboard the Fossil Rim guided tour! We’ve never actually taken the guided tour, but we’ve heard great things about it! So, if your pocketbook can take it, check it out. We were told that it’s a wildlife extravaganza with a knowledgeable guide who’ll share fascinating tidbits about the animals, and the conservation efforts at Fossil Rim. You’ll be amazed by the close encounters with the wildebeests, the dainty sable antelopes, and the gentle rhinos. Oh, and apparently there are ring-tailed lemurs!
That’s a quick overview of what Fossil Rim State Park has to offer, and we haven’t even talked about the Children’s Animal Center! This was just about our favorite experience.
The Fossil Rim State Park Children’s Animal Center
After you’ve fed all the animals, head over to the Children’s Animal Center, situated halfway between the entrance and exit. Both children and adults will have a blast petting and feeding friendly animals like goats and llamas. We absolutely loved brushing all the fluffy goats, and we think that a trip to the Children’s Animal Center is probably one of the best road trips from Dallas with kids!
And now, our absolute favorite thing: Giraffe kisses.
The Fossil Rim State Park Giraffe Center
Giraffe kisses. Yes, you read that right! Fossil Rim is one of the few places where you can have an up close and personal encounter with these gentle giants. At the Giraffe Center, you can feed all of these long-necked animals to your heart’s desire. And, you can even plant a sweet kiss on their velvety noses. It’s a truly magical moment that’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. And pssst, there’s no additional charge for the experience. You will see the giraffes on both the self guided tour and the guided tour. This is why you should opt for a car with a sunroof, if possible. These wonderful creatures will literally stick their heads right into your car.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Make sure you go on a clear day. If it has recently rained, or might rain later in the day, the giraffes are likely to be in their warm cages instead of eating food out of your wet hand.
Animals, Animals, Animals
You will see SOOOO many animals just driving the regular safari, and you will love it! But, if you want to feel like a true explorer, there is another option – the Overnight Safari. Fossil Rim offers a chance to camp out under the stars and wake up to the sights and sounds of the animal kingdom. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will have you feeling like you’re in the heart of Africa, or at least as close as you can get while still being in Texas. 🙂
So, there you have it! If you love taking road trips near Dallas, Fossil Rim State Park Wildlife Center is the perfect day trip! BUT, there’s more. Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Fossil Rim State Park lies a prehistoric paradise known as the Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
This park has giant footprints and fossilized tracks that tell the story of the ancient giants that once roamed the earth. The park’s breathtaking Paluxy River offers a unique opportunity to walk in the literal footsteps of dinosaurs. So, as you meander along the riverbed, keep your eyes peeled for the massive footprints left behind by these magnificent creatures who roamed the earth millions of years ago.
Our Recommendation
We recommend hitting Fossil Rim State Park first and picnicking at Dinosaur Valley State Park after. Make sure to bring your swimsuits and enjoy the sun while playing in the river.
Also, check out our blog about Lavender Ridge Farms, another one of the best road trips near Dallas!