VISIT THE HIDDEN GEM OF DRIVE-THROUGH SAFARIS CALLED FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER RIGHT NOW
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER ASAP
Have you ever experienced a safari in Texas!? Now you can — Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a 501 non-profit conservation center about 15 minutes from my hometown of Glen Rose, Texas. They specialize in the breeding of endangered species, public education, scientific research, and natural land management. Growing up, I had the wonderful opportunity to experience this quite literally in my backyard. We attended the park frequently, experienced special events, and even went to some camps there. I fully believe Fossil Rim influenced my love of animals because when I say I was there all the time, I mean ALL the time.
What does Fossil Rim offer and how much is it?
It’s highly recommended to purchase your tickets online and then get there EARLY, especially if you’re planning on coming on a weekend, holiday, or Spring Break. Fossil Rim gets extremely crowded and honestly, the best time to see the animals is early in the morning — that’s when they’re most active too. There are 5 different options to choose from to tour the scenic drive. I recommend the public or private guided tour for your first visit as it’s a great way to learn all about the animals and what Fossil Rim does for them. I’ve had the opportunity to do the private guided tour a couple of times and it’s SO worth it. The private tour takes guests on a tour along the Gosdin Scenic Drive before a stop in our Intensive Management Area (IMA). In the IMA, you will get to see and learn about species not visible to drive-through guests, like wolves and black rhinos. Seeing the wolves and rhinos up close are memories I’ll absolutely cherish forever. If it’s your second or third visit, I recommend the self-guided tour where you can drive your own vehicle through the park. Find all the information on ticketing here.
Fossil Rim gives visitors an opportunity to learn about numerous species, some of which are endangered & give back to an amazing cause — saving animals. If you go, don’t get out of your car, pet the animals, or feed the animals anything other than what’s provided to you by professionals. Many animals can potentially harm you and you can actually potentially harm them with the natural oils on your hands. However, you do get an opportunity to feed the giraffes so definitely save your food for that!
What it’s like to feed the giraffes at Fossil Rim
Feeding the giraffes at Fossil Rim is an extra special experience and is truly MAGICAL! Typically the giraffes are around right before you get to the halfway mark so be sure to save a lot of your food for them because they’re the only animal you’re technically allowed to feed by hand. It’s very important to toss the food to the other animals away from your car and not touch or pet them. Don’t even reach up and pet the giraffes when you’re feeding them because the oils on our hands can actually hurt these animals and then we won’t have incredible places like Fossil Rim anymore. In addition, be sure to ONLY feed the animals and giraffes the food provided to you by the Fossil Rim staff members. On private tours, the staff members might give you some lettuce to give to the giraffes which was really cool to see their long tongues wrap around. Overall, remember that we are in their home when going through the scenic drive and we must treat the animals with respect.
What’s all available at the halfway point/ The Overlook?
Located halfway through the scenic drive is The Overlook which includes: The Overlook Cafe, hiking trails, the Children’s Animal Center, and The Nature Store. You can reach The Overlook by driving through the Scenic Overlook or there’s a separate entrance for those who just want to visit this area which we’ve done numerous times.
The Overlook Cafe
The Overlook Cafe is very basic and nothing to really write home about if I’m being completely honest. I’ve had their chicken tenders and burger and they’re good but if you can, bring your own lunch and have a picnic at their picnic area under some gorgeous trees OR grab something light at the cafe to hold you over and then head to some of the restaurants in Glen Rose. You can read about my favorite spots to eat in Glen Rose here.
Children’s Animal Center
You’ll also find the Children’s Animal Center located at The Overlook. It’s a great place for kids or kids at heart to enjoy and learn even more about animals. View and compare the behavior of domestic species like sheep and goats with both native and exotic animals like tortoises and black-footed cats. This has always been one of my favorite areas of Fossil Rim because it’s an opportunity to hang out with the animals up close on foot.
Hiking Trails
The hiking trails at Fossil Rim are definitely something to experience as well. Head around the side of the building past the outdoor section of the animal enclosures and there you'll find the Texas Trail, a short hiking path that circles our American Red Wolf enclosure. The quieter you are, the more likely you are to spot them! Go a little farther and you'll reach Mark's Nature Trail, a short, easy walking trail with a reading nook at the center.
Nature Store
In addition to The Overlook Cafe, hiking trails, and Children’s Animal Center, there’s the Nature Store which offers a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts for every age. Just like the price you pay for admission, your purchases in the Nature Store will help with the care and feeding of all the animals at Fossil Rim throughout the year. The Nature Store was always a favorite of mine to visit as a kid and even so as an adult because of the adorable animal gifts, plushies, and even gorgeous artwork.
What’s the second half of the scenic drive like?
The second half of the scenic overlook is just as incredible and diverse as the first. You’ll drive down near the giraffes again and if you get lucky you might even be able to feed them twice. In addition, you’ll be able to see the near-threatened Southern White Rhino and the critically endangered South Central Black Rhino. Read more about these animals and more that live at Fossil Rim here. You’ll finish up the scenic drive at the same place you started and then you’ll be able to continue your journey exploring Glen Rose and what it has to offer.
Are there places to stay at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center?
There are two options for lodging at Fossil Rim: The Lodge and the Foothills Safari Cabins. I’ve had the opportunity to stay at both and they’re both such wonderful experiences. Guests can experience the comforts of home while surrounded by untarnished Texas hill country and unique animals, both native and exotic. The Lodge is a unique blend of vintage Texas charm and updated conveniences. The perfect home base for a weekend of discovery and outdoor fun. While the Foothills Safari Cabins offer a more rugged feel in what looks like a safari tent from the inside. Read my full post on lodging at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center here.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center truly makes an impact through their conservation & education, which is something I can absolutely get behind and you should 100% experience. Are you putting Fossil Rim on your list of places to visit or have you already visited?
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