Glen Rose's 98 Painted Dinosaurs and a Moat-Equipped Amphitheater Draw Texans

Glen Rose, Texas, a town of roughly 2,700 residents located an hour south of Fort Worth, is emerging as a full weekend destination rather than a quick day trip, according to the latest episode of The Building Texas Show. Host Justin McKenzie speaks with Traci Niedziela, Tourism Director for Glen Rose, who explains that 28% of Texans live within a 90-minute drive, yet many have never stopped past the state park exit. The episode, titled "Glen Rose's Strangest Attraction Isn't What You'd Expect," reframes the town as a hub of unique attractions that keep visitors coming back.

Among the highlights are Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, which recently welcomed baby giraffes and a baby zebra born in February; Dinosaur Valley State Park; Dinosaur World; and the new animatronic Rex Ann at the visitor center. The Texas Amphitheater is staging The Little Mermaid in June, performed over an actual water moat. Two rivers, Big Rocks Park, and cabin stays along the Paluxy River at places like Anderson Creek Cabins offer outdoor recreation.

A citywide scavenger hunt features 98 uniquely painted dinosaurs tied to local businesses. Niedziela explains: "We've got 98 dinosaurs that are located throughout our city. They're all uniquely painted, so each one represents its business. For example, the hospital has a doctor in front of it, the dinosaur is painted like a doctor. Our school district has a tiger, that's our school mascot, so the dinosaur is painted like a tiger." Players scan a QR code at any hotel or the visitor center to unlock rewards including Fossil Rim entry passes, Dinosaur World tickets, and free ice cream at Shoo Fly. More details are available at ExploreGlenRose.com.

The episode also delves into the economic backbone behind the town's five major hotels. Niedziela credits the nearby Comanche Peak nuclear power plant for driving midweek corporate retreat and conference demand from Sunday through Thursday, which props up lodging capacity for weekend leisure travelers. She and McKenzie discuss Leadership Glen Rose, the hospitality training culture among local businesses, and the visibility of Mayor Joe Bowles, who stopped by her office moments before recording to plan a July 4th parade, dunk tank, and hot dog eating contest. The town's 250th birthday weekend will close with a fireworks show reflected over Wheeler Branch Park's water.

Listeners can find planning details at ExploreGlenRose.com, and the episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.