Glen Rose’s 98 Painted Dinosaurs and Moat-Equipped Amphitheater Lure Texas Tourists

The latest episode of The Building Texas Show, titled Glen Rose’s Strangest Attraction Isn’t What You’d Expect, highlights how the small Somervell County seat of Glen Rose is punching above its weight in tourism. Hosted by Justin McKenzie and published June 25, 2026, the episode features Traci Niedziela, Tourism Director for Glen Rose, who explains that 28% of Texans live within a 90-minute drive yet many have never stopped beyond the state park exit. Niedziela reframes Glen Rose as a full weekend destination, not just a quick day trip.

Among the attractions discussed are the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, which has newly born 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’s June run of The Little Mermaid is staged over an actual water moat. Visitors can also enjoy two rivers, Big Rocks Park, and Paluxy River cabin stays such as Anderson Creek Cabins.

A citywide scavenger hunt features 98 uniquely painted dinosaurs tied to local businesses. Niedziela explained: ‘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.

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 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. The episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.

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