Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Glen Rose, TX
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: A Unique Animal Adventure in Glen Rose, Texas
Looking for an unforgettable experience near Glen Rose, Texas? Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a drive-through safari adventure, up-close animal encounters, and family-friendly activities all in one spacious wildlife preserve. While not a traditional dog park, it’s an excellent pet-friendly destination where you and your family can enjoy scenic trails, a petting zoo, and the peaceful beauty of Texas nature. This makes it a standout option for those searching for outdoor activities or pet-friendly outings in the Glen Rose area.
Guests rave about the well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, and the opportunity to feed and interact with a diverse range of animals, from giraffes and zebras to goats and turtles. Amenities at the Overlook include a gift shop, restaurant, nature center, and petting zoo—perfect for a rest stop mid-adventure. If you’re seeking a unique adventure and a getaway from the city with your family (and friendly dogs), Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a must-visit attraction in Glen Rose.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes! The Wildlife Center features a petting zoo and nature center, ideal for kids, plus drive-through animal adventures that engage all ages.
- Is there a restaurant or cafe available? Yes, there is a restaurant at the Overlook in the center of the park, serving food quickly and affordably.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews praise the well-maintained grounds and healthy, happy animals throughout the Wildlife Center.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, visitors mention enjoying walking trails around the park, adding to its appeal for pet-friendly hiking near Glen Rose, TX.
- Is there parking available? Yes, ample parking is available onsite for all visitors, making access convenient for family groups.
Reviews
This was fantastic!!! We chose to participate in the safari tour rather than driving ourselves and it was worth the extra cost. I think we had more interaction with the animals than we would’ve on our own. The tour guides were friendly and engaging. It took about 45 minutes to go through the first half of the tour and we then spent a couple of hours at the Overlook where we enjoyed the food at the Cafe, the petting zoo, walked one of the trails and shopped in the gift shop. The ride back was just a smooth and we had a great time.
The drive through the park always has surprises. We went in the heat of summer, about 11 am, and Animals were still plentiful. An ostrich was guarding the entrance to the Wildlife preserve and demanded toll (Food) to let us by. (See picture).
The gift shop at the center of your drive is worth a stop. Don’t forget to take quarters and pennies to get your own smashed penny in the machine at the gift shop. Food was actually pretty good, served quickly, and not too expensive. Pet the animals in their petting area as well.
Allow about 2 hours for the drive and extra time if you eat.
An Unforgettable Wildlife Adventure!
We recently visited a drive-through wildlife, and it was truly an amazing experience from start to finish! It felt like a real-life safari where we got to connect with animals up close, right from the comfort of our car.
The animals were incredibly friendly and calm — they gently approached our vehicle without causing any damage or stress. It was heartwarming to see how comfortable and curious they were. Feeding them was a major highlight, especially the deer, giraffes, and even ostrich. The giraffes were absolutely adorable — they leaned in so gracefully for hand-feeding, and it was such a magical moment to connect with them eye to eye.
No bumping, no rushing — just peaceful, joyful interaction. It felt safe, well-organized, and respectful to both the animals and visitors. The entire experience was filled with smiles and laughter.
This is a must-visit spot for families, couples, or anyone who loves animals and nature. We’ll definitely be back
We love going to Fossil Rim! We have been coming here for over 5 yrs and have been members for many years. It’s so peaceful and a lovely getaway. The animals are so precious and friendly. I love seeing all of them. Going earlier in the day is best because the animals start to take a nap closer to closing time. We have seen lots of giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, deers, water bucks, turkeys, goats, turtles, salamanders, rhinos, emus, ostriches, and so many more animals. They have a gift shop, restaurant, & nature center when you’re about halfway through the park. I would highly recommend going to Fossil Rim if you love animals.
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Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is an absolute must-visit! 🦒🐐 From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience for the kids and adults alike. The drive-through safari was incredible — getting up close to giraffes, zebras, and so many other animals was pure magic. The kids were in awe the entire time, especially when feeding the animals right from the car.
The petting zoo was another highlight — goats, pig,turtles and other friendly critters kept the little ones smiling from ear to ear. Everything was well-maintained, staff were friendly, and the animals looked healthy and happy.
If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and interactive day with the family, Fossil Rim is the place to go. The kids are already asking when we can come back!