For many Texans, Glen Rose is little more than an exit on the highway to Dinosaur Valley State Park. But a recent episode of The Building Texas Show makes the case that the town of roughly 2,700 residents deserves more than a quick day trip. Host Justin McKenzie sat down with Traci Niedziela, Tourism Director for Glen Rose, who outlined why the Somervell County seat is punching far above its weight in tourism.
The episode, titled "Glen Rose's Strangest Attraction Isn't What You'd Expect," published June 25, 2026, reframes the town as a full weekend destination. Niedziela detailed a range of attractions that go beyond the state park. Among them: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, which recently welcomed baby giraffes and a baby zebra born in February; Dinosaur World; and the new animatronic Rex Ann installed at the visitor center. The Texas Amphitheater's June run of The Little Mermaid is staged over an actual water moat, adding a unique twist to live performance.
But perhaps the most distinctive draw is a citywide scavenger hunt featuring 98 uniquely painted dinosaurs tied to local businesses. "We've got 98 dinosaurs that are located throughout our city. They're all uniquely painted, so each one represents its business," Niedziela said. 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. The initiative, she explained, encourages visitors to explore the entire community rather than just one site.
The economic backbone behind Glen Rose's five major hotels, Niedziela noted, is the nearby Comanche Peak nuclear power plant, which drives midweek corporate retreat and conference demand from Sunday through Thursday. This business travel props up lodging capacity for weekend leisure travelers. The town also invests in hospitality training through Leadership Glen Rose, and Mayor Joe Bowles is highly visible—he stopped by Niedziela's 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.
