Ever want to go on safari without leaving Texas? Look no further than Fossil Rim Wildlife Center! Fossil Rim Wildlife Center houses approximately 1100 animals in 50 species and is an endangered species research and conservation center. This amazing 1700 acre facility located outside of Glen Rose, Texas offers the ultimate wildlife experience perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
Important Info:
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – 2299 Co Rd 2008 Glen Rose, TX 76043
- Hours: 8:30-4:30 daily
- Tickets start at $24.95
- Even though you’ll be driving through in one car, you still have to buy tickets for each individual
Tour Options?
You can choose from 4 different tours inside the park:
- Self-guided Tour
- Public Guided Tour
- Private Guided Tour
- Behind the Scenes Guided Tour
We chose to go on the self-guided tour because we had our newborn with us and we didn’t want to be in the open air safari truck. After purchasing your tickets you are given one cup of food per vehicle. Make sure you (or your kiddos) ration the food to make it last until the end of the drive! It can be really tempting to give the animals all of your food straight away but you’re going to need those pellets if you want the giraffes to come up to the car.
Hot tip: Try to go early in the day because the animals are hungrier in the morning!
The actual drive is a 9.5-mile drive through hills and grassy plains. I was so happy to see how much space the animals had to roam around! It is such a beautiful property for the 50 species of exotic animals, including cheetahs, wolves, giraffes, rhinos, antelopes, zebras, emus, and ostriches. Halfway through the drive, you can take a break at The Overlook Café for a meal surrounded by spectacular vistas. You can also stretch your legs and visit the Children’s Animal Center petting zoo and then check out the Nature Store for souvenirs and gifts. There are also plenty of restrooms here, but these are the only restrooms so take advantage.
How long will it take?
It can take anywhere from an hour and a half to 3 hours just depending on traffic and how long you stop to stretch your legs! Also worth noting, Fossil Rim is open rain or shine. I’ve read this can be the very best time to visit! The animals don’t care about rain and you’ll likely avoid the crowds when it’s raining.
Looking for other things to do in Glen Rose? Be sure to check out this blog post.
I love giraffes and these are great photos….up close and personal with a giraffe…and Soph.