Glen Rose History

Around 1860 Charles and Juana Barnard built a three story stone gristmill along the Paluxy River. The town that eventually grew around the mill was called Barnard’s Mill. The town square, which is just a block form the original mill, was developed several years later.  The first courthouse on the square was completed around 1892 and burned down in 1893. Second courthouse on the square, the present day structure, was ordered built by the commissioners’ court in 1893 and completed late in the same year for a cost of $13,500.

Read more about the history of Glen Rose here.

Key Attractions

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Located just northwest of Glen Rose, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a 1500-acre scenic park. Although the key attraction at this park is the dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River, there are many other ways to enjoy a day here. Other activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, horse-back riding, river swimming and fishing.

The Promise

For 22 years, The Promise, a live performance depicting the life of Jesus Christ has been performed in the Texas Amphitheater in Glen Rose Texas. This artful, one of a kind, reenactment of the life and time of Jesus Christ is a key attraction of the Glen Rose area.

Barnard’s Mill and Historic Downtown

Early Texas gristmill, constructed in 1860 by Charles Barnard, a block off the historic town square. The first permanent structure in this area, the original mill was a three story building constructed of stone and built like a fort to withstand Indian attacks. For years, town social events were held on the third floor

Today, the three story mill building and cotton gin annex are open for tours. The hospital wing added in the 1940’s today houses the Barnard’s Mill Art Museum.

The Somervell County Courthouse was constructed in 1894. The courthouse, located just a block from Barnard’s Mill,  is a simple two story structure featuring elements of Romanesque Revival and General Grant architectural styles.

The Somervell County Historical Museum is also located on the square. This is a great place to go see a dinosaur track.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants on the square, if antique shopping is your thing. And, they have benches and pecan trees, if sitting is your thing. The Historical Commission has an office in the courthouse, so you can stop in for area information.

Other Attractions

Big Rocks Park in Glen Rose Texas

Big Rocks Park in Glen Rose Texas has been a popular hangout for a long time. As the name says, there are big rocks, result of some geologic event thousands of years ago that I completely don’t understand. What makes it interesting is that the Paluxy River flows by the rocks and the river bed is rock. The unusual rock forms and the river make for an interesting place to hang out for a little bit. Wading in the water is a popular pastime here in the early summer when there’s still water in the Paluxy.

A big plus for this place is that Oakdale Park is right across the street. For a few dollars you can swim in the pool at Oakdale Park and also hang out at Big Rocks.

Oakdale Park

Oakdale Park has a long history in Glen Rose Texas. Even before the park was built, the land and the water wells attracted people to stay here. The history of Oakdale is interesting. Everyone calls this place Oakdale Park, but the sign out front of the park tells a slightly different story. It says, Oakdale Park, Motor Inn, Camping. Oakdale Park is, among other things, a surviving 1930′s Motor Court.

They rent trailer spaces and cabins, but swimming is a popular reason to stop here. The swimming pool, built in 1925, is enormous, even by today’s standards. The pool and the abundant shade around the pool make it one of the best places to swim in Glen Rose.

Paluxy Heritage Park in Glen Rose Texas

Paluxy Heritage Park is across the river from the town square in Glen Rose. The park contains several historic dwellings from an earlier time in Somervell County. Here you will find a log home, an early stone home, an early school house, and several other historic structures. Paluxy Heritage Park is a great place to relax, or to freshen up. There’s a also a pavilion for picnicking and parties, and a playground for the kids.

This park is just up the path from Big Rocks Park which is just across the street from Oakdale Park. There’s a nice walkway that runs along the Paluxy River and there’s a dock and an overlook along the way. This walkway terminates at the dam just before Big Rocks Park. You can walk across the dam and be in Big Rocks in no time. This is probably about a quarter-mile walk.

These three parks make for a great low cost day in Glen Rose. Want to swim in a huge man-made pool filled with crystal clear well water: Oakdale Park. Wade in the Paluxy River, work on your tan, and hang out with friends: Big Rocks Park. Sit in the shade while your kids play in the playground, or walk the path to see some historic houses: Paluxy Heritage Park.

Hammonds and Loco Coyote

Two barbecue places that are as different as they are great. Hammond’s is right on the main drag (67) in town, between the Galvanized Palace and the pawn shop. Loco Coyote, on the other hand is way out there. Out of town, that is. This is definately not your typical city barbecue place. No, it’s more like a down-a-country-road barbecue place in rural Somervell County. From Glen Rose it’s 7.2 miles West on Highway 67. Turn right on County Road 1004.

Somervell County Picnic Area Number 50

This roadside park is west from Glen Rose Texas on US Highway 67. There’s really nothing there except the view and usually a cool breeze. It’s an odd thing to include, but it’s a popular place to stop. These parks dot the landscape all across Texas. Located eight or nine miles west of Glen Rose Texas on Highway 67.

Ruins and Buildings Constructed of Petrified Wood

Petrified wood, a form of fossilized wood, is used in older buildings throughout the Glen Rose area. The gazebo and star fountain on the town square incorporate this stone. A little further up Barnard street there’s an old building built from petrified wood that today houses an art gallery. As you travel the Glen Rose area, watch for this unusual building material in older buildings.

Glen Rose Texas Short Stays

A couple years back I wrote a guide to Glen Rose for people just passing through. Some of the information is already covered here, but if your just passing through, you might want to take a look at this drive by destination article for the Glen Rose area.

What’s Close By

The Windmill Farm in Tolar Texas is as uncomplicated as it could be. No entry fee, more than 40 windmills on 26 acres. They’re not really selling anything. It’s more like an open invitation to view a private collection of vintage windmills. They also have several cabins you can rent.

Rough Creek Lodge is near Glen Rose. If you want to stay at a world class resort while visiting the Glen Rose area, this may be what your looking for. Also a very classy place for a wedding, by the way.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is in reality another key attraction of the Glen Rose area. Certainly not for everybody. The place is an exotic wildlife ranch, lodge, summer camp, and a not-for-profit 501(c)3 entity specializing in captive breeding for indigenous and exotic endangered and threatened species. If your an outdoors kind of person, of if you want to know more about exotic animals, this is for you.

For some a vacation isn’t complete without a round or two of golf. Squaw Valley Golf Course is the golf course in Glen Rose.

If the trip isn’t complete unless you went fishing at least once then Squaw Creek Park may be for you.

Where

Glen Rose Texas

Aside

If your aware of attractions in the Glen Rose that should be included here or if you own an attraction and would like to be included in this guide, please contact us.

Gallery

Oakdale Park, Glen Rose Texas

Oakdale Park has a long history in Glen Rose Texas. Even before the park was built, the land and the water wells attracted people to stay here. The park, swimming pool, and bath house were built in 1925. More recently, the park has been purchased by the City of Glen Rose.

It’s not hard to find negative reviews for this park on the Web, and I have read some of them. Oakdale Park and just about everything in Oakdale Park is old. Just to be fair though, old does not always equal bad. The little cabins seem out of place today. The bath house and, well, just about everything else is old, mostly functional, but old. On the other hand, the pool, built in 1925, is enormous, even by today’s standards. The pool and the abundant shade around the pool make it one of the best places to swim in Glen Rose.

The history of Oakdale is interesting. Everyone calls this place Oakdale Park, but the sign out front of the park tells a slightly different story. It says, Oakdale Park, Motor Inn, Camping. That old sign is a clue to the history of  Oakdale Park. The park is, in reality, a surviving roadside camp and motor court. Motels as we know them today didn’t exist before the 1940′s. In the 1920′s and early 1930′s roadside camps gave road trip travelers a place to stay along the road but offered very little in the way of amenities. Eventually, accommodations became more elaborate. Cabins offered indoor plumbing and an opportunity for travelers to get indoors and out of the weather.  Oakdale Park is, among other things, a surviving 1930′s Motor Court.

Oakdale Park is an unobtrusive place. There’s no gate fee. Visitors can come in and look around. They rent trailer spaces and cabins, but swimming is a popular reason to stop here. The location of this place is outstanding. Big Rocks Park is just across the street, and Historic Downtown Glen Rose is just maybe a half-mile up the road.

Where

Oakdale Park is located in Glen Rose Texas one-half mile south of US 67 on Hwy 144 S. It’s on the road that goes to the historical downtown and is across the street from Big Rocks Park.

For more information and a map do a Google search for “Oakdale Park in Glen Rose.” Right now their web site isn’t working.

Vintage Roadside has a wonderful history of motor courts, roadside camps, and motels.

For more information about the Glen Rose area see our Glen Rose Texas Guide.

Creation Evidence Museum, Glen Rose Texas

The Creation Evidence Museum is a non-profit educational museum chartered in Texas in 1984 for the purpose of researching and displaying scientific evidence for creationism. Depending on your motivation for visiting the Glen Rose area, you may be interested in this museum. People who come to Glen Rose Texas to attend the Promise and to see the Dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park might consider this museum interesting.

Where

3102 FM 205
Glen Rose, TX

Just west of Glen Rose off Highway 67, watch for the signs for Park Road 59 and FM 205. The museum is several miles down the highway and will be on the right side of the road.

More information and links at Wikipedia

For more information about the Glen Rose area see our Glen Rose Texas Guide.

Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose Texas

Located just northwest of Glen Rose, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a 1500-acre scenic park. Although the key attraction at this park is the dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River, there are many other ways to enjoy a day here. Other activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, horse-back riding, river swimming and fishing.

This park lies within the Cross Timbers region of the state, and the grasslands and woodlands make for a refreshing outdoors experience. A new effort seems to be under way to develop this aspect of the park; recent trail development and signage emphasize this aspect of the park. The wildflowers in Spring, and the native grasses in Fall are very attractive here.

This park is very popular. Based on attendance, one of the top state parks in Texas. Dinosaur Valley State Park seems to attract many families with children. This park contains some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world. The dinosaur tracks in the river bed, the educational displays, and the two model dinosaurs from the 1964 New York World’s Fair combined are bound to be way more interesting than a bunch of pictures in a 4th grade science book.

The dinosaur tracks are in the river bed, and hard to locate when the river is up. Just as a backup plan, you can see a track at the Somervell County Museum in Glen Rose Texas.

Where

1629 Park Road 59
Glen Rose, Texas 76043

Just west of Glen Rose off Highway 67, watch for the signs for Park Road 59 and FM 205.

For more information about the Glen Rose area see our Glen Rose Texas Guide.

Barnard's Mill, Glen Rose Texas

History

Early Texas gristmill, constructed in 1860 by Charles Barnard, a block off the historic town square. The first permanent structure in this area, the original mill was a three story building constructed of stone and built like a fort to withstand Indian attacks. For years, town social events were held on the third floor. A cotton gin annex was added in 1895. In the 1940’s a one-story hospital wing was built and a second story added to the existing cotton gin annex.

Today

Today, the three story mill building and cotton gin annex are open for tours. The hospital wing added in the 1940’s today houses the Barnard’s Mill Art Museum.

The museum has a few interesting pieces of art on display; among them bronze and oil paintings by Robert Summers. The work of Morris Henry Hobbs and Amy Jackson are also well represented. The old mill is now open for touring. Not much remains of the milling equipment, dam, or millrace but the buildings and grounds are interesting.

The Barnard’s Mill complex is worth a look.

Where

307 SW Barnard Street
Glen Rose, TX 76043

Within walking distance from the courthouse and town square. They now have a web site.

http://www.barnardsmill.com/

For more information about the Glen Rose area see our Glen Rose Texas Guide.

Glen Rose Texas 20th-Century Ruins

Glen Rose Texas has a long history dating back to the 1870′s. After a prosperous beginning, the community went through tough financial times during much of the 20th Century. In 1902 a tornado damaged the Somervell County Courthouse and part of the town square. It took many years before that damage was completely repaired and  the courthouse was finally restored.

That changed in the 1980′s when the Comanche Nuclear Power Plant was constructed. The plant brought much needed commerce and tax revenues. Since then, a building boom and tourism have helped the community grow.

As a result of the recent prosperity, there’s very little apparent decay to be found in Glen Rose. The old abandoned station pictured above is located on County Road 312. My guess is it was originally a country store and filling station.

Until a few years ago, there was an old iron bridge down the road. This bridge was one of the kit bridges counties bought in the early 20th century because they were cheap and they could construct them themselves. It’s just a guess, but I think this may have been a often-used road before Highway 67 was built.

The old building in the picture is constructed of cement, bricks and petrified wood. This unusual stone, a form of fossilized wood, is used in older buildings throughout the Glen Rose area. The gazebo and star fountain on the town square incorporate this stone. A little further up Barnard street, just maybe a block or so from the courthouse, heading back towards Highway 67, there’s an old building built from petrified wood that today houses an art gallery. The old high school building is another example of a large building constructed using this type of stone.

Where

On County Road 312. From the Sonic (restaurant) go out the back entrance turning left onto CR 312. It’s just a few hundred feet down the road.

For more information about the Glen Rose area see our Glen Rose Texas Guide.

Somervell County Picnic Area Number 50

As you travel west from Glen Rose Texas on US Highway 67, you will pass through a hilly area. The change in scenery is pleasant after so much flat land. The road climbs up and up, until you come to the final steep climb. There’s a road side park at the very top of this hill. There’s really nothing there except the view and usually a cool breeze. Technically the place is called Somervell County Picnic Area No. 50.

A bronze plaque says that the park is dedicated to Walter Allen, a Maintenance Construction Foreman for the Texas Highway Department, dated 1973. Another sign says the land was donated by the Gibbs family, dated 1958. There’s an assortment of odd gathered and volcanic rocks used in a wall and curbing. Some larger rocks are used to create a monument of sorts.

These parks dot the landscape all across Texas. I believe they date back to a different era of travel. So may of them are little-used. This one seems popular, for the view and for the cool breeze that often blows through it.

Where

Eight or nine miles west of Glen Rose Texas on Highway 67.

For more information about the Glen Rose area see our Glen Rose Texas Guide.