Sometimes you want an adventure without spending half the weekend in the car. These two destinations are close enough to Dallas for a day trip but still feel like you actually went somewhere.
One lets you walk beside real dinosaur tracks in a Texas riverbed. The other has a 77-foot waterfall tucked into the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma.
We’ve visited both, and each makes an easy outdoor escape from DFW. Here’s what you need to know before you go!
Dinosaur Valley State Park | Glen Rose, Texas
Drive from Dallas: About 1.5–2 hours How long to spend: 4–6 hours Best for: Dinosaur tracks, hiking, river time and families
The main reason to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park is right in the name—you can see actual dinosaur footprints left in the limestone along the Paluxy River.
The park has five main dinosaur track areas, along with more than 20 miles of trails. Track visibility changes with river conditions, so always check the park website before making the drive.
Don’t Miss
Main Track Site This is one of the primary places to look for dinosaur tracks. Be prepared to walk through or alongside the river depending on conditions.
Blue Hole Another popular area for dinosaur tracks and a beautiful spot along the Paluxy River.
Paluxy River Trail An easy 2-mile trail that follows the river and provides opportunities to spot additional tracks.
The Dinosaur Models Stop for a photo with the giant dinosaur models near park headquarters. They were originally displayed at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair.
What to Bring
Bring water shoes! Many of the tracks are in or near the riverbed, and the limestone can be slippery. I’d also pack plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks and a change of clothes if you plan to get in the river.
Know Before You Go
Admission is currently $8 per adult, and children 12 and younger are free. The park frequently reaches capacity, especially during its busy season from March through November, so I recommend reserving your day-use pass before you leave home.
Road Trip Queen Tip: Check track visibility before your trip! Lower water levels can make a huge difference in what you’re able to see. Texas Parks & Wildlife posts current track and trail conditions online.
Turner Falls Park | Davis, Oklahoma
Drive from Dallas: About 2 hours How long to spend: 4–6 hours Best for: Waterfalls, swimming, exploring and a summer day trip
Turner Falls is one of those places that doesn’t feel like it should be this close to Dallas.
The centerpiece is the 77-foot Turner Falls, surrounded by the Arbuckle Mountains. The 1,500-acre park also has a spring-fed creek, swimming areas, hiking, caves and the ruins of Dr. Collings’ Rock Castle.
Don’t Miss
Turner Falls Obviously! Give yourself time to enjoy the waterfall and explore the surrounding area rather than just stopping for a photo.
Blue Hole If you’re visiting during swimming season, this is one of the park’s main swimming areas.
Rock Castle Explore the ruins of Dr. Collings’ Rock Castle for something completely different from the waterfall.
Caves + Trails Leave some time to wander beyond the main swimming area. There is much more to the park than just the waterfall.
What to Bring
Pack a swimsuit, water shoes, towels, sunscreen, plenty of water and a picnic or snacks. If swimming is part of your plan, note that children 12 and younger are required to wear a Coast Guard-certified flotation device while in the water. Pets are not allowed in the park.
Know Before You Go
Turner Falls has summer and winter pricing, and weekend admission costs more than weekday admission. As of September 2026, summer adult admission is $16 on weekdays and $20 on weekends/holidays. Children ages 6–12 are $9 on weekdays and $16 on weekends/holidays; children under 5 are free. Prices can change, so check before visiting.
During summer weekends and holidays, premium parking near the waterfall and swimming areas costs extra, while Level 3 parking is free.
Road Trip Queen Tip: If you can visit on a weekday, I’d choose that over a busy summer weekend. You’ll also pay less for admission.
Which Dallas Day Trip Should You Choose?
Choose Dinosaur Valley if you want hiking, river exploring and the completely unique experience of standing beside real dinosaur tracks.
Choose Turner Falls if you’re craving waterfalls, swimming and scenery that feels surprisingly different from Dallas.
Better yet? Do both! They’re close enough to DFW that you don’t have to choose just one for your next adventure.
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Think you have to leave Texas to find an epic road trip? Think again.
After years of road-tripping from Dallas with my family, some of the destinations that have surprised me the most are right here in Texas. You can hike through red-rock canyons, climb to the highest point in Texas, slide down giant sand dunes, swim in a Hill Country lake, walk beside real dinosaur tracks, spend a weekend on the Gulf Coast, or trade your hiking shoes for the San Antonio River Walk.
And the best part? We’ve personally visited every destination on this list.
Whether you have a quick weekend, a three-day holiday weekend, or enough PTO for a longer adventure, here are 9 of my favorite Texas road trips from Dallas that are 100% worth the drive.
Quick Guide: Texas Road Trips from Dallas
Dinosaur Valley State Park Drive time: About 1.5–2 hours Best for: Dinosaur tracks, hiking, families, river time Recommended trip: Day trip or 1–2 nights
Inks Lake State Park Drive time: About 3.5 hours Best for: Swimming, kayaking, hiking, Hill Country Recommended trip: 2–3 days
San Antonio Drive time: About 4–4.5 hours Best for: History, food, River Walk, family attractions Recommended trip: 2–4 days
Fredericksburg + Enchanted Rock Drive time: About 4–4.5 hours Best for: Hiking, Hill Country, wineries, shopping Recommended trip: 2–3 days
Galveston Island Drive time: About 4.5–5 hours Best for: Beach, history, food, family getaway Recommended trip: 2–4 days
Caprock Canyons State Park Drive time: About 5.5–6 hours Best for: Bison, hiking, canyons, wildlife Recommended trip: 2–3 days
Monahans Sandhills State Park Drive time: About 5.5–6 hours Best for: Sand dunes, sunsets, unique scenery Recommended trip: 2–3 days
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Drive time: Allow roughly 6–7 hours Best for: Canyons, hiking, scenic drives, sunsets Recommended trip: 2–4 days
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Drive time: This is the BIG one — plan for a full driving day from Dallas Best for: Mountains, challenging hikes, National Park adventure Recommended trip: 3–4+ days
Drive times are approximate and will vary depending on your starting point in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, traffic, stops and route.
1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
If someone told you that you had to leave Texas to see dramatic red-rock canyon scenery, I’d send them straight to Palo Duro Canyon.
Located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo and Canyon, Palo Duro is one of my favorite Texas road trips because the landscape feels completely different from Dallas. You go from North Texas highways to layers of red, orange and rust-colored canyon walls.
Texas Parks & Wildlife says the park has more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, and you can actually drive down into the canyon.
Don’t Miss at Palo Duro Canyon
The Lighthouse formation is probably the most recognizable landmark in the park, and hiking to it is one of Palo Duro’s signature experiences.
I’d also make time to simply drive through the canyon. You don’t have to complete a major hike to appreciate this park. Stop at the overlooks, explore some of the shorter trails and stay for golden hour if you can.
My Palo Duro must-dos: Lighthouse Trail, scenic drive into the canyon, overlooks, hiking, wildlife watching and sunset.
How Long Do You Need?
I’d plan 2–3 days for a Dallas-to-Palo-Duro road trip. That gives you enough time to drive up without rushing, spend a full day exploring the park and enjoy the scenery rather than immediately turning around for Dallas.
Road Trip Queen Tip
Texas heat is no joke inside the canyon. If you’re hiking during warmer months, start EARLY and carry plenty of water. Texas Parks & Wildlife specifically warns that the trails can be challenging and recommends planning ahead and bringing plenty of water.
The park can also reach capacity, so I recommend reserving your day pass before making the drive.
2. Galveston Island
Want a completely different Texas road trip? Head south to the Gulf Coast.
Galveston gives you the combination of a beach trip + historic getaway + family vacation, which makes it one of the most versatile weekend road trips from Dallas.
Don’t Miss in Galveston
Spend some time on the beach, but don’t make the mistake of thinking Galveston is only about the water.
Walk around The Strand Historic District, visit the historic homes, explore Galveston Island State Park, eat some seafood and catch a sunrise or sunset over the water.
Families can also add the Historic Pleasure Pier, and riding the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry is another fun experience.
My Galveston must-dos: beach time, The Strand, Galveston Island State Park, Pleasure Pier, historic architecture, seafood, ferry ride and sunrise.
How Long Do You Need?
2–3 nights makes an easy long-weekend trip from Dallas. Add another day if you want plenty of time to relax instead of sightseeing the entire trip.
Road Trip Queen Tip
Don’t skip the historic side of Galveston. The combination of beach + history is what makes the island much more interesting to me than simply driving down for a day at the beach.
3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
This is the road trip on this list that I’d save for a long weekend or school break rather than a regular two-day weekend.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is way out in West Texas, but that’s part of what makes it special. This is mountain-and-desert Texas—and it looks nothing like Dallas.
There are no roads cutting through the heart of the park, so Guadalupe Mountains is really a hiking destination rather than a traditional drive-through National Park.
Don’t Miss at Guadalupe Mountains
If you’re an experienced hiker and want the ultimate challenge, Guadalupe Peak takes you to the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet.
This is NOT a casual little hike. The National Park Service lists Guadalupe Peak as a strenuous 8.4-mile round trip with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, typically requiring six to eight hours.
For something less intense, consider McKittrick Canyon, Devil’s Hall or Smith Spring. NPS recommends several of these as half-day options.
My Guadalupe Mountains must-dos: Guadalupe Peak for experienced hikers, McKittrick Canyon, Devil’s Hall, scenic drives and stargazing.
How Long Do You Need?
I’d give this trip at least 3–4 days from Dallas. The drive alone makes trying to squeeze Guadalupe Mountains into a standard weekend difficult.
Better yet, turn it into a bigger West Texas/New Mexico road trip and combine it with Carlsbad Caverns or White Sands.
Road Trip Queen Tip
This is one of those places where preparation matters. Fuel up before reaching the remote areas of West Texas, carry plenty of water and download anything you need before losing service.
4. San Antonio
Not every great Texas road trip needs hiking boots.
San Antonio is one of my favorite choices when we want a road trip that still feels like a vacation but has restaurants, hotels, history and plenty to do.
Don’t Miss in San Antonio
Of course, start with the River Walk and The Alamo, but don’t stop there.
San Antonio’s missions are one of the city’s biggest reasons to venture beyond downtown. The four southern missions—Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada—are connected to the River Walk’s Mission Reach, and the missions are part of Texas’ first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
My San Antonio must-dos: River Walk, The Alamo, San Antonio Missions, Market Square, great Mexican/Tex-Mex food and exploring downtown.
How Long Do You Need?
You can do San Antonio in 2 nights, but I prefer 3 days so the trip doesn’t feel rushed.
Road Trip Queen Tip
If you’ve already done the River Walk and Alamo on a previous trip, make your next visit about the missions, neighborhoods and food. San Antonio has way more to offer than its two most famous attractions.
5. Monahans Sandhills State Park
This might be the biggest “Wait…THIS is Texas?” destination on the list.
Monahans Sandhills State Park looks almost surreal. Instead of traditional hiking trails, you’re exploring rolling sand dunes in West Texas.
Don’t Miss at Monahans
The best activity here is also the most fun: rent a sand disk and slide down the dunes.
Texas Parks & Wildlife rents sand disks at park headquarters, and there aren’t marked trails through the dunes—you can wander and explore them freely.
My Monahans must-dos: explore the dunes, sand sledding, walk the dunes, sunset, photography and stargazing.
How Long Do You Need?
I’d make this a 2–3 day road trip, particularly if you’re driving all the way from Dallas.
You can also use Monahans as a stop on a longer West Texas road trip rather than making it your only destination.
Road Trip Queen Tip
Go later in the day for softer light and cooler temperatures. The dunes heat up quickly during summer, which Texas Parks & Wildlife specifically warns visitors about.
6. Inks Lake State Park
If you’re craving a Hill Country road trip with water, put Inks Lake on your list.
This is a great destination for families because you can combine hiking and scenic views with swimming, paddling and relaxing around the lake.
Don’t Miss at Inks Lake
My first stop would be Devil’s Waterhole.
The short Devil’s Waterhole Nature Trail leads to one of the park’s signature spots, where Spring Creek meets Inks Lake. When Valley Spring Creek is flowing, there can even be a waterfall upstream.
Inks Lake also has more than 12 miles of trails, kayaking/canoeing opportunities, fishing and several scenic overlooks.
My Inks Lake must-dos: Devil’s Waterhole, swimming, kayaking, hiking, fishing and sunset.
How Long Do You Need?
Plan 2–3 days. It’s close enough to Dallas for a weekend but far enough away that I’d stay overnight.
Make It a Bigger Road Trip
One of the best things about this area is how much you can combine. Add Longhorn Cavern State Park or another Hill Country stop if you have extra time.
7. Dinosaur Valley State Park
This is one of my favorite family road trips from Dallas because it’s close enough for a day trip but unique enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere.
And yes—you can actually walk beside dinosaur tracks.
Don’t Miss at Dinosaur Valley
The dinosaur footprints are located in and around the Paluxy River bed. Texas Parks & Wildlife identifies five main track-site areas, with both sauropod and theropod tracks.
The Paluxy River Trail is an easy 2-mile trail where you can encounter dinosaur tracks, while the park has more than 20 miles of trails overall.
Other fun spots include Blue Hole, the Main Track Site and the Ballroom Track Site.
My Dinosaur Valley must-dos: dinosaur tracks, Paluxy River, Blue Hole, hiking, swimming when conditions allow and the dinosaur models.
How Long Do You Need?
This one works as a day trip from Dallas, but staying one night around Glen Rose makes it much more relaxing.
Road Trip Queen Tip
This is important: track visibility depends on river conditions. Some tracks can be underwater or obscured, and trails can close because of wet weather. Check current conditions before you leave home.
The park also frequently reaches capacity and recommends reservations for day use and camping.
8. Fredericksburg + Enchanted Rock
This is one of my favorite combinations because you get outdoor adventure AND a cute Hill Country town in the same weekend.
Spend part of your trip hiking Enchanted Rock and the rest eating, shopping and exploring Fredericksburg.
Don’t Miss at Enchanted Rock
The classic experience is the Summit Trail.
The trail itself is only about 0.8 mile to the summit, but don’t let that short distance fool you—the climb is challenging and takes you up the massive granite dome.
For a longer hike, the Loop Trail is about 4.6 miles.
Don’t Miss in Fredericksburg
You can’t miss The Preserve in Fredericksburg—an unforgettable, up-close elephant encounter that will easily be one of the highlights of your trip!
Also, head into town for Main Street, restaurants, shops and the area’s wineries. If you’re visiting during spring, the Hill Country wildflowers make the drive even better.
My Fredericksburg/Enchanted Rock must-dos: Summit Trail, Main Street, wineries, German food, shopping, scenic Hill Country drives and stargazing.
How Long Do You Need?
2–3 days is perfect.
Road Trip Queen Tip
This is one destination where I would not wing it. Enchanted Rock can reach capacity, and Texas Parks & Wildlife recommends reserving passes in advance; weekends, school breaks and holidays are particularly important.
9. Caprock Canyons State Park
If you love Palo Duro, don’t overlook Caprock Canyons.
It has beautiful red-rock canyon scenery, but there’s something here that makes the experience completely different:
Bison.
Caprock Canyons is home to the Texas State Bison Herd, and seeing these animals against the rugged Panhandle landscape is unforgettable.
Don’t Miss at Caprock Canyons
For hiking, Eagle Point Trail is a 2-mile moderate trail leading through the transition from plains into canyon country and past a natural bridge.
For something more challenging, Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail climbs about 600 feet and offers some of the park’s best views.
The larger park and trailway system also gives you access to miles of hiking, biking and horseback-riding routes.
My Caprock Canyons must-dos: see the bison, Eagle Point Trail, Haynes Ridge, scenic canyon views, Lake Theo, sunset and stargazing.
How Long Do You Need?
I’d plan 2–3 days from Dallas.
Road Trip Queen Tip
Give the bison LOTS of space. These are wild animals, not a roadside petting zoo. Part of what makes Caprock so incredible is seeing them roam in this landscape.
Which Texas Road Trip Should You Take?
If you’re still trying to decide, here’s how I’d narrow it down:
Best quick trip from Dallas: Dinosaur Valley State Park Best canyon scenery: Palo Duro Canyon Best wildlife experience: Caprock Canyons Best serious hiking: Guadalupe Mountains Best water weekend: Inks Lake Best “I can’t believe this is Texas” scenery: Monahans Sandhills Best couples getaway: Fredericksburg + Enchanted Rock Best city road trip: San Antonio Best beach getaway: Galveston Island
The biggest thing I’ve learned from years of road-tripping is that you don’t have to fly across the country to create an amazing vacation.
Sometimes you just need to fill up the car, pick a direction and start driving.
Save This Texas Road Trip Guide
Planning a road trip from Dallas? Save or bookmark this guide so you can come back to it when you’re ready to plan your next Texas adventure.
And if you take one of these trips, come find me on Instagram at @road.trip.queen and tell me where you went!
The United States, with its vast and diverse landscape, is home to a myriad of experiences from coast to coast. Whether you’re interested in exploring vibrant cities, immersing yourself in rich history, or enjoying outdoor adventures, I’ve got you covered. Check out my list of our top 52 epic road trip adventures across the United States to help you plan the road trip of a lifetime!
It’s hard to even describe the size of these Redwoods, they are truly awe-inspiring! The hikes we took, like the trail through the Stout Memorial Grove, was very easy and had plenty of opportunities for the kids to climb on fallen logs.
3. Go dog sledding at Monarch Mountain in Colorado
Dog sledding in Monarch, Colorado
If you’re in Colorado in the wintertime, I highly suggest looking into a dog sledding adventure! The views are incredible, but we all agree that the most fun was getting to play with the dogs after our guided sledding adventure!
Start with the walk down into the cave behind the Visitor Center and then take the elevator back up! This entire 2.5 mile cave walk is absolutely amazing and a must-see if you are in New Mexico. Be sure to visit the website to purchase timed-entry tickets ahead of time.
Ouray is a stunning mountain town. It was amazing to stumble across this waterfall, just a short walk from downtown on 8th Avenue!
7. Become a Jr. Park Ranger at any National Park or National Monument
Jr. Rangers
This has become one of my youngest boy’s favorite things to do when we visit a National Park! Just head to the Visitor Center wherever you are to learn more and get the necessary booklet to complete and earn your badge.
Winter adventures are the best, especially when you live in Texas and rarely get snow. We love to snowboard together and Crested Butte is our favorite little ski town!
This stop is hilarious! If you’re near St. Roberts, Missouri I highly suggest stopping at this place for some amazing fudge, candy, and lots of laughs!
There’s nothing more that I love than adventuring with my family. It’s even better when we get to explore on our own without a guided tour. This place is fascinating and very informative. We loved climbing ladders to get a closer look at these cliff dwellings.
Seeing the Macy’s Parade has been on my bucket list for years, but I think we enjoyed walking through the parade balloons the day before even better. Here, you get an up close view of the different parade balloons as they are being inflated! Truly a unique experience. You can find this location at Columbus & 72nd St.
13. Visit a living history museum in the Historic Triangle, Virginia
Historic Jamestowne
Being a teacher, I absolutely love learning about the history of our country! The Historic Triangle is a set of three of living history museums. We explored Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown. We enjoyed Jamestown the most!
This drive is not for the faint of heart! But, I have never seen views like this on any of our road trips. The best views can be seen from Ouray to Silverton! Use extreme caution if you’re brave enough to attempt this one!
15. Walk on the MayflowerII in Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Again, I am a huge nerd! So of course, I had to make the drive to Plymouth when we were visiting Boston last summer. Walking on the Mayflower was a dream come true. Yes, I know it’s not the original, but it’s still so cool to learn more about the journey and see a replica in person!
Orange Beach in the spring is delightful. The weather is warm and the crowds are thin! Sometimes it’s just really nice to relax on the beach and have no plans. Big waves are also super cool, especially for the kiddos!
The Preserve is a truly unique experience down in the Hill Country. We had such a fantastic day learning about elephants, giving one a bath, and ultimately helping in their conservation.
Getting to walk inside Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield is a must for anyone that loves history and our 16th president. We learned so much during this tour and it sparked our love of seeing other presidential homes across the US!
20. Collect sand dollars at Enderts Beach, California
Enderts Beach
I’ve always wanted to find a sand dollar at the beach and I’ve only been successful here! The views are impressive and we loved counting all the sand dollars on our walk along the beach!
21.Take a photo in the first town in the first state in Historic Lewes, Delaware
Historic Lewes
I didn’t realize that Delaware is so full of early US history! Be sure to stop for a photo if you’re near Lewes, DE. It’s the first town in the first state in the US!
If you like adventure, then I highly suggest taking a white water rafting trip! I will admit, it’s a little scary but oh so fun. My boys loved this activity on our road trip through Colorado.
The Grand Canyon is something everyone needs to see at least once! Move away from the scenic lookout points for less crowds and views like this.
24. Explore Jesse James’s hideout in Robbers Cave, OK
Robbers Cave State Park
If you enjoy camping and hiking, take a trip to Robbers Cave. You’ll find caves, slot canyons, and a super cool hideout that outlaws like Jesse James used to hide from the law.
25.Take a tram to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
View from inside the arch
St. Louis is a really neat town to explore. If you visit, you have to go inside the Gateway Arch. The tram ride up was a little intimidating, but super cool!
26. See the birthplace of our government in Philadelphia
Inside Independence Hall
We loved our visit to Philadelphia! If you’re there, be sure to get tickets to go inside Independence Hall. It still smells like the 1700s and the relics from that time period really take you back. I might have cried when the Park Rangers showed us some actual artifacts that were George Washington’s!
Jekyll Island is already picturesque with gorgeous beaches and moss covered trees. Driftwood Beach is a unique day trip and fun for the whole family to explore. My boys enjoyed climbing on the trees and swimming here.
28. Do all things Christmas in Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus, Indiana
Did you know that there’s a town called Santa Claus in Indiana? We visited a few years and did all the Christmas activities! We had breakfast with Santa, wrote him letters at the post office, and took all the Christmas photos around town!
Michigan is beautiful any time of the year, but I loved my trip in the fall! We explored quaint, waterfront towns and did a little hiking, too! It’s a great place for a girl’s trip.
Another city full of early American history is Boston. The 2.5 mile long Freedom Trail passes by 17 different locations that are significant in our early history.
31. Hike to Ice Lake in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Ice Lake
This is a tough hike, but the views are totally worth it! Jereme called this lake, “the Gatorade lake.” I have never seen water so blue! It’s about an 8 mile hike, and the elevation gain is comparable to hiking over two Empire State Buildings.
I have always wanted to drive through Monument Valley and finally had the chance on our way to Moab a few years ago. We stopped for a quick photo at Forest Gump Point!
This trail is one of my most favorites to date! I love exploring caves and this place is fantastic. There are around 13 caves along the trail that you are allowed to explore on your own!
34. Learn about the early days of whaling at the Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut
Seaport Museum
We enjoyed our East Coast road trip last summer. I had heard about Mystic, so we decided to stay the night there. The Seaport Museum is similar to a living history museum. We had a blast walking around and going onboard different ships.
I’ve taken the architecture tour once in Chicago and it was the highlight of the trip. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I learned a lot about the history of Chicago and the views were great!
36. Catch a game at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
Happy boys at Fenway!
My boys love all things baseball. So, when we visited Boston, we knew that we had to see a game at Fenway. It was a blast and I even caught my little one a ball from a player on his birthday!
37. Stroll along the Cliff Walk trail in Newport, Rhode Island
Cliff Walk
I cannot imagine what it must be like to live in Newport. There are mansions, and breathtaking views, and a boardwalk, and amazing seafood, and shopping! The Cliff Walk was our favorite… besides eating!
The River Walk is a fun place to explore any time of year. There’s a lot of shopping and a lot of amazing restaurants. But, it’s even more amazing at Christmas because they hang millions of lights all along the trees that line the river!
39. Experience the Wild West in Virginia City, Montana
Back in the Wild West
This little town makes for a fun day trip if you’re near Yellowstone. We enjoyed our visit and exploring the area. The town is now designated as a National Historic Landmark District and the buildings along the main street are like individual museums of the time period!
40. Explore the Cliff Palace dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park
View of Cliff Palace
I felt like a little kid again climbing ladders to access the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde! It’s a truly unique experience and I highly recommend seeing this National Park. Be sure to get timed-entry tickets ahead of time if you plan to visit.
If you’re a movie fan or a baseball fan, this is a fun stop if you’re in Iowa! My boys watched the movie for the first time a few summers ago, so it made a great stop on our Midwest road trip. They had a blast playing baseball on the actual field and walking through the rows of corn stalks.
I’ve always been interested in learning about the Ice Age and other extinct animals. I recently heard about the Waco Mammoth National Monument that’s located in Texas. Here you can see 24 Colombian Mammoth fossils!
We had our very first bear encounter on a trail in the Grand Tetons a few summers ago! It was a little scary at first, but also a very cool experience. Make sure to bring bear spray! We saw several bears and cubs, deer, a fox, and moose on our trip.
Driving through the dramatic landscape of the Badlands should be on your road trip bucket list! There are many scenic overlooks, the chance to see wildlife, and even hiking trails to explore. It does get pretty hot there in the summer.
If you love waterfalls as much as I do, then be sure to find Upper Mesa Falls if you’re near Yellowstone. This waterfall is gorgeous and you can get so close to it.
One of my favorite adventures was walking among the giant sculptures of the Ruins of President’s Park. It was creepy, but we were fascinated. If you’re looking for something different, add this to your list!
Driving around the mountains in a convertible on a beautiful fall day is highly recommended! Snowbird is breathtaking, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit in the fall.
Another fun adventure was walking from Pennsylvania into New Jersey via the Ben Franklin Bridge. The views of Philly are awesome and it’s just fun to say we walked from one state to another. The walk was not long at all!
If you have kids that like dinosaurs, then you should definitely visit Dinosaur Valley State Park. There’s a large collection of dinosaur tracks in the river bed. It’s even better to visit at the end of a dry summer!
In conclusion, embarking on adventures in the USA offers a diverse array of experiences that anyone can enjoy. Whether it’s hiking in national parks or immersing oneself in the historical significance of landmarks, the USA beckons travelers with open arms. Each adventure leaves its mark, creating memories that resonate long after the journey concludes!
Today I want to tell you all about Glen Rose, Texas! This place has been a favorite of ours for years. The first time I went to Glen Rose, I was a little kid on an adventure with our church. However, the memories lasted forever and Jereme and I visited this area several times before we even had kids. What can I say, I am a huge nerd and love all things DINOSAURS! I know that we haven’t done it all, but we have camped here, tubed the river, saw real dinosaur tracks, experienced Dinosaur World, fed animals at Fossil Rim, and more!
I have combined years worth of fun in this blog post to show you what an amazing destination Glen Rose is!
Dinosaur Valley State Park
This park is one of my all time favorites because you can actually see real dinosaur tracks from millions of years ago! Throw on your swimsuit and rain boots and head to the river to explore, swim, fish, and picnic! The rocks are slippery, so be sure to leave your phone behind or put it in a waterproof case. And don’t forget to check out the preserved dinosaur footprints! At this time, you need reservations to enter the park. You can find more information by clicking here!
Fossil Rim
Your family will love this drive through animal adventure! There are so many animals freely roaming in the park, many of them endangered. Roll down your windows, unbuckle those seat belts, and enjoying feeding animals right from your hand! You can find out more information by clicking here!
Dinosaur World
If you love dinosaurs, this is the place to be! There are hundreds of life-size dinosaurs located around this outdoor park. The trails are fun to explore and there are many opportunities to learn about the different types of dinosaurs and several hands-on experiences. There’s also a museum, gift shop, and playground on site. To learn more, click here!
Big Rocks Park
This is such a neat area, right in the middle of Glen Rose, and it’s FREE to enter. There are a lot of “big rocks” to explore and the Paluxy River runs right through this park. It’s not very deep and it is very slippery, but we really enjoyed the day here. Parking is tricky, there are not a lot of spots, so I would suggest getting here early. There’s also a campground across the street that we have camped at before that is really nice! Pack a picnic lunch and bring a swimsuit and good shoes to explore this area. For more information, click here!
As you can see, Glen Rose is a fun destination for adults and kids of all ages! Be sure to add this to your travel list. We’ve visited Glen Rose for the day, we’ve camped and stayed at a hotel in town! Below is a list of hotels and campgrounds in the area.
