Just a mere hour or so southwest of Fort Worth, the cities of Glen Rose and Hico are family-friendly options for a day trip out of the metroplex. Coined the northern entrance to the Hill Country, these two quaint towns are tucked amongst the hills along the Brazos and Paluxy Rivers. And for families with dinosaur fanatics, look no further!
What to Do
Barnards’s Mill and Art Museum // The history of Glen Rose originates at Barnard’s Mill, and the museum offers tours, private events, and rotating art exhibits throughout the year.
Big Rocks Park // Along the banks of the Paluxy River, visitors to Big Rocks Park can enjoy fishing, spelunking, and swimming amongst the large boulders.
Billy the Kid Museum // Dive deep into Billy the Kid history at this museum, situated in downtown Hico.
Bull Lion Ranch and Vineyard // Originally a Red Angus and Performance Paint Horse ranch, the Bull Lion vineyard is situated outside of Glen Rose in the Chalk Mountain region.
Dinosaur Valley State Park // Dinosaur Valley State Park allows dinosaur lovers of all ages to walk amongst actual dinosaur footprints! Families can also enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and fishing.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center // Located between Glen Rose and Hico, Fossil Rim provides visitors with the opportunity to drive through the wildlife preserve and see animals right outside their vehicles!
Glen Rose Wine and Art Festival // The Glen Rose Wine and Art Festival event spans Thursday through Saturday and is an opportunity to spend a long weekend in Glen Rose. Aside from the award-winning wine, the festival also has a children’s area, live music, and shopping.
Hico Art and Wine Festival // A fundraiser for Hico ISD’s Art program, the Hico Art and Wine Festival showcases area wineries and local artisans.
Siloville // Offering both indoor and outdoor climbing options, Siloville is a family-friendly climbing gym situated in some old grain silos not far from Hico’s town square.
Texas Steak Cookoff // For anyone who loves meat, the annual Texas Steak Cookoff in downtown Hico is not to be missed. While tasting and voting for some of Texas’ best steaks, attendees will also enjoy local vendors, wine tastings, and live music.
Where to Eat
2nd Street Bakeshop and Coffee Co // Offering fresh coffee and baked goods in downtown Hico, the 2nd Street Bakeshop and Coffee Co also has a short-term rental situated above the shop.
Big Cup Eatery // Known for both comfort food and Tex-Mex, the Big Cup Eatery is located in the town center of Glen Rose.
Flacas Bodega and Eatery // With breakfast and lunch options for dine-in, curbside, and to-go, Flacas in Hico has a menu that will satisfy all tastebuds.
Jersey Lilly’s // Recently renovated, Jersey Lilly’s at the corner of Hico’s downtown square is known for its Tex-Mex and fun atmosphere.
Koffee Kup Family Restaurant // It’s impossible to drive through Hico without seeing the iconic Koffee Kup restaurant situated at the intersection of highway 281 and highway 6. The family restaurant is known for its pies.
Riverhouse Grill // A charming location for a date night in Glen Rose, the Riverhouse Grill is known for its accommodating service in a beautiful, historic home. Reservations are recommended.
Shoo Fly Soda Shop // A full-service ice cream and soda bar, Shoo Fly is also a shop for variety of Glen Rose local vendors.
Storiebook Café // With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free lunch and brunch options in Glen Rose, the Storiebook Café doubles as a bookstore.
Sugar Biscuits and Company // For families wanting to grab some food for a picnic in Glen Rose, Sugar Biscuits and Company offer “gourmet on the go” options.
The Green Pickle // With a menu for all meals, a beer garden, and live music, The Green Pickle is walking distance from the main attractions in Glen Rose.
Where to Stay
Best Western Dinosaur Valley Inn and Suites // An economical hotel in Glen Rose for families and pets, and each stay includes complimentary breakfast.
Cedars on the Brazos Bed and Breakfast // A quaint bed and breakfast situated on 110 acres of forest along the Brazos River, only minutes outside of Glen Rose.
Hico Hills Inn // Walking distance to Hico’s downtown, this motel is a convenient place to stay on a budget.
Inn on the River // This boutique hotel built in a century old building is a Texas historic landmark, located a block away from the Somervell County courthouse in Glen Rose.
Live Oak Bed and Breakfast // With only four rooms, the Live Oak Bed and Breakfast in Glen Rose is a private retreat, suitable for families. Each stay includes a home-cooked breakfast.
Midland Hotel // After being vacant for a number of years, the 13-room hotel has recently been renovated and is located in Hico’s town square.
Oakdale RV Resort and Motor Court // In addition to being an RV and motor court, Oakdale has a variety of cabins available for rent. It is one of the only private RV parks in the country registered with the National Register of Historic Places. Check out the pool!
Old Rock House Bed and Breakfast // Nestled in a Live Oak grove outside of Hico, the single rental at the Old Rock House Bed and Breakfast offers a private place to stay with space to sleep five people comfortably.
Rough Creek Lodge // For a romantic getaway, Rough Creek Lodge provides activities for couples (and families) ranging from spa treatments to zip-lining. The ranch has a variety of lodging options, including the main resort hotel, cabins, and rental homes.
Tres Rios Resort // Tres Rios RV Park is a fun option for family reunions, with ample activities to do for kids and adults of all ages.
Upstairs Inn // The Upstairs Inn (located above the Pecan Street Drink Shoppe in Hico) has three private, updated rooms with individual bathrooms and a shared common space for all Inn residents.
For more driving destination ideas, check out Fort Worth Moms “Guide to Road Trips from Fort Worth.”
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Liz is the hospitality coordinator for Fort Worth Moms, as well as a writer! Read her articles here. As a native Fort Worthian, Elizabeth loves Fort Worth. She and her husband, Will, have two children who are absolute gems. She is a research analyst at Tarrant County College – access to education is a passion of hers. When not working or playing with her kids, she is running. Elizabeth competed in the 2016 and 2020 marathon Olympic trials, she and her children held the 10K double stroller Guinness World record for a hot second, and she has won each Cowtown Marathon distance – 5K to 50K.
