Glen Rose, Texas, known as the 'Dinosaur Capital of Texas,' is positioning itself as a premier holiday destination while promoting small businesses and its natural surroundings. In a recent episode of The Building Texas Show's Visiting Texas! series, host Justin McKenzie interviewed Tex Toler, Tourism Director for the City of Glen Rose, to discuss the community's history, culture, and upcoming Christmas season.
'It's a picturesque, Norman Rockwell-like town that feels a whole lot farther away than it is,' Toler said. 'You don't have to drive far to feel like you've truly escaped.' The town sits just an hour southwest of Fort Worth, offering rolling limestone hills, clear rivers, and historic architecture around a postcard-perfect courthouse square.
Glen Rose recently hosted the International Texas Longhorn Association’s 35th Annual Championship Show, which drew participants from 44 states and 15 countries. The event underscored the town's deep ties to Texas heritage, from ranching roots to preserving the legendary Longhorn breed.
As the year ends, the focus shifts to Christmas in Glen Rose, a tradition that transforms the historic square into a wonderland of lights and community. The town features life-size nativity scenes and over 150 decorated dinosaur sculptures lining the streets, creating a uniquely Texan holiday experience.
'Our tagline is 'On the Doorstep of Nature,' and that’s what Glen Rose offers,' Toler said. 'Between the Paluxy and Brazos Rivers, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and Dinosaur Valley State Park, we’re surrounded by natural beauty that makes every visit unforgettable.'
The episode highlights how Glen Rose blends small-town appeal with accessibility, encouraging visitors to support local businesses while enjoying seasonal festivities. The full conversation is available on The Building Texas Show on YouTube.
