Fossil Rim is a family favorite, located about an hour south of Fort Worth in Glen Rose, TX.
Fossil Rim has been open to the public for more than 30 years, but we go back farther than that. Learn about Fossil Rim’s history and the people who made it possible.
In the early 1970s, Fort Worth businessman Tom Mantzel had a penchant for making money in the oil industry and a passion for exotic animals. In 1973, he purchased an exotic game ranch called “Waterfall Ranch.” He renamed the place “Fossil Rim Wildlife Ranch,” and enthusiastically set about adding to its exotic hoofstock herds. What began as a weekend retreat for Tom soon became a full-time obsession.
Our Fossil Rim Trips and Tricks
Take the roads less traveled
We absolutely love taking the country roads and a purposeful indirect route. We have learned you can find some amazing little experiences along the way. But for this trip you might also find the drive faster because of the traffic on I-35. Like any family trip gas up, potty break before you leave, pack some water and snacks and go!
Tickets or an Annual Pass?
Buy your tickets before you go. If you have never been to Fossil Rim, go online and get tickets - then decide how often you might go back. We knew we would be going often and bought a pass. It not only saved us money but allowed us to pass lines to enter the park. You can self-drive or get guided tours - that is really a personal preference. We have always driven ourselves but consider what might be best, even on each trip you take.
Time and Temperature matter?
It is important to know the hours of the park. The park opens at 8:30am and admission to park ends at 4:30pm, with the last car having to be out by 6:30pm. Halfway through the park there is a visitor center that has bathrooms, food, drinks, and a gift shop. The Cafe is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm and has amazing views as it sits up above the park. Because the park is in Texas temperatures matter. The hotter the day the more likely the animals will not be active (or as active). For hot days travel early in the day but know you likely will have lots of friends doing the same.
Some other recommendations:
Bring some napkins, paper towels, and maybe hand sanitizer. You can feed the animals and if you’re fortunate to feed the giraffe’s you’re going to want them.
While you always have the Cafe for food and drinks, if you’re like us and enjoy saving money - pack a cooler but make sure it stays in your car. They give you food for the animals.
If you want to make an entire day of your trip there is Dinosaur Valley State Park and a lot more in the Glen Rose area.
