In the latest episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie explores why Glen Rose, a town of roughly 2,700 residents one hour south of Fort Worth, has become a surprising tourism powerhouse. The episode, titled "Glen Rose's Strangest Attraction Isn't What You'd Expect," features Tourism Director Traci Niedziela, who explains that 28% of Texans live within a 90-minute drive yet many overlook the town beyond its state park. Niedziela reframes Glen Rose as a full weekend destination, not just a day trip.
Niedziela details specific attractions that pack the small Somervell County seat. At Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, visitors can see newly born baby giraffes and a baby zebra born in February. Dinosaur Valley State Park and Dinosaur World offer prehistoric experiences, and a new animatronic Rex Ann has been installed at the visitor center. The Texas Amphitheater is staging The Little Mermaid in June, performed over an actual water moat. Two rivers, Big Rocks Park, and cabin stays like Anderson Creek Cabins along the Paluxy River provide outdoor recreation.
A citywide scavenger hunt features 98 uniquely painted dinosaurs linked 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. 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," Niedziela explains. 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 explores 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, which supports lodging capacity for weekend leisure travelers. She and McKenzie discuss Leadership Glen Rose, hospitality training among local businesses, and the visibility of Mayor Joe Bowles, who stopped by Niedziela's office 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 this episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
