Walking in the Footsteps of Giants: Dinosaur Valley State Park

Some places pull you in because of their beauty. Others because of their history. And then there are rare spots, like Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, that do both—while adding just the right dose of prehistoric wonder.

 

ARRIVAL IN THE “DINOSAUR CAPITAL OF TEXAS”

 

The drive into Glen Rose already sets the tone. This small town proudly calls itself the Dinosaur Capital of Texas, and the playful dino-themed murals, signs, and roadside attractions give you the sense you’re about to step into another time. 

 

Before heading out on the trails, visitors make a stop at the information and check-in center, where the adventure truly begins. Here you’ll find helpful rangers, maps, and a small interpretive area that sets the stage for your visit. A short, seven-minute video tells the fascinating story of how the dinosaur tracks were discovered along the Paluxy River and why they remain some of the best-preserved in the world. It’s a quick but engaging way to understand the significance of what you’re about to see—and it makes that first glimpse of the tracks in the riverbed all the more powerful. 

Front desk at information center 

 

Watching the 7 min video

Dinosaur track casts

The entrance to Dinosaur Valley State Park doesn’t disappoint either—two towering dinosaur statues greet you like guardians of the past. These fiberglass giants may look a little cheesy, but they remind you why you’re here: to see the real deal.

 

TRACKS FROZEN IN TIME

 

The park’s main attraction lies quietly along the Paluxy River, where 113-million-year-old tracks rest beneath shallow water and layers of rock. On my visit, the river was running low, which meant the footprints of sauropods (long-necked plant-eaters) and theropods (the meat-eating cousins of T. rex) were clearly visible.

I walked along the riverbed, pausing at each depression in the limestone. Some were shallow, others deeper, as if the dinosaurs had pushed hard into the soft mud all those eons ago. Kneeling down and placing my hand inside one, I felt a connection that no museum exhibit could recreate. This wasn’t a cast or a replica—it was the actual path taken by creatures that once thundered across this very ground.

 

There’s a humbling stillness that comes over you in that moment. The river whispers across the limestone, carrying the weight of time, and you suddenly understand the earth has kept this record of life hidden for eons, until now.

 

TRAILS, VIEWS, AND SOLITUDE

 

Of course, Dinosaur Valley isn’t just about the tracks. The park offers over 20 miles of trails, winding through cedar brake woodlands, open prairie, and high overlooks. From the top of the Cedar Brake Outer Loop Trail, the view stretches across the rolling Texas Hill Country—sunlight shining on the river below, the landscape dotted with oak and mesquite.

 

 For those who prefer a shorter walk, the Blue Trail hugs the river and leads directly to several track sites, making it perfect for families. Along the way, you may notice deer slipping through the brush and hawks circling overhead—a reminder that today’s wildlife carries the thread of survival from the ancient past.

 

STAYING OVERNIGHT

 

Camping here adds another layer to the experience. The park has sites for tents and RVs, as well as primitive spots for those who want a little more quiet. Imagine ending a day of hiking with a campfire, then lying back to watch the stars wheel across the Texas sky. It’s easy to picture the dinosaurs themselves once roaming beneath these same constellations.

 

BIG ROCKS PARK

 

Just a short drive from Dinosaur Valley, you’ll find another local treasure: Big Rocks Park, right on the banks of the Paluxy River in Glen Rose. True to its name, the park is filled with massive, house-sized boulders scattered along the riverbed.

Climbing over these giant rocks feels like nature’s playground. Kids scramble up the formations, families spread out picnics in the shade, and the shallow water running between the boulders makes for an easy place to cool off on hot Texas afternoons. Unlike the fossilized tracks in the state park, Big Rocks Park is more about fun in the present moment—splashing, climbing, and enjoying the quirky beauty of the Paluxy River.

 

What I liked most was how the two parks complement each other. Dinosaur Valley takes you deep into the past, while Big Rocks Park offers a casual, family-friendly space to enjoy the same river in today’s light. Together, they make Glen Rose feel like a town built on both memory and play.

 

GLEN ROSE AND BEYOND

When you’ve had your fill of dinosaur tracks and boulder climbing, Glen Rose offers plenty more. Families love Dinosaur World,  a park filled with life-sized dinosaur models, and the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, where you can drive through acres of open range and see giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. The town also offers a small but charming square, with shops and cafés that make a good stop before or after your park visits.

 

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Admission: Dinosaur Valley State Park charges $8 per person for a day pass (kids 12 and under get in free).
• Best viewing season for dinosaur tracks: Late summer and early fall, when the Paluxy River is typically at its lowest.
• Bring water shoes: Both parks involve riverbeds—slippery rocks and shallow crossings are part of the adventure.
• Reservations recommended for Dinosaur Valley: Texas State Parks often fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book day passes and campsites online ahead of time.
• Big Rocks Park is free: Unlike Dinosaur Valley, Big Rocks Park is open to the public at no charge—just be prepared for crowds on summer weekends.

 

SUGGESTED ONE-DAY ITINERARY

Morning:

• Arrive early at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Start with the Blue Trail to see several dinosaur track sites before the day warms up.
• Spend time exploring the riverbed and taking photos of the tracks.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a picnic by the river inside the park, or head into Glen Rose town square for a local café lunch.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Big Rocks Park for climbing, splashing, and relaxing in the shade. This makes a great contrast to the morning’s prehistoric focus.
• If time allows, stop by Dinosaur World or take a short scenic drive through Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

Evening:

• Stroll around Glen Rose’s historic town square, browse a few shops, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
• If staying overnight, return to Dinosaur Valley for camping—or book a cozy B&B in town for a softer landing.

 

WHY THIS DESTINATION STAYS WITH YOU

I’ve visited a lot of historic sites in my travels, but Dinosaur Valley felt different. The tracks aren’t behind glass, and there’s no velvet rope separating you from them. They’re right there, in the open, part of the land itself. And just down the road, Big Rocks Park adds a lighter, playful contrast, where families laugh, splash, and explore together.

 

That’s the magic of Glen Rose. Here, you can walk in the footprints of creatures that lived millions of years ago, then climb boulders the size of small houses—all in the same day. It’s a destination that blends wonder with joy, science with leisure, past with present.

 

So if your travels take you through Central Texas, carve out time for both. You’ll leave with dusty boots, wet feet, a camera full of photos, and stories that bridge the ages.

 

DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK

1629 PARK ROAD 59

GLEN ROSE, TX 76043

LATITUDE:  32.246194

LONGITUDE: -97.813375

 

Amsterdam in Motion: Buses, Beers, and Breezy Canal Views

After 14 days of sailing with Grand Circle Cruises on the M/V River Harmony through scenic rivers and fairytale towns, I arrived in Amsterdam on May 24, 2025—the final port. 

Grand Circle 14 Day River Cruise Vienna to Amsterdam itinerary

M/V River Harmony 

My alarm rang the morning of May 24, 2025 at 5:30 AM, and by 7:00 AM, I was enjoying a hearty breakfast aboard the ship, ready for a full day in Amsterdam. One of the first activities on the agenda was a 90-minute canal cruise arranged by Grand Circle in partnership with GreyLine’s Blue Boat Company—a perfect way to ease into the rhythm of the city. I boarded the bus shortly after breakfast and found myself on a clean, well-kept boat, though the seating area felt a bit cramped with tight tables and chairs.  While the cruise typically offers audio commentary through complimentary headphones in 21 languages, our group had the added bonus of narration from our Grand Circle Program Director—an Amsterdam native—who brought the experience to life with personal anecdotes and insider knowledge.  Laminated route maps on the tables helped us follow along as we glided past the city’s iconic canal rings, 17th-century façades, narrow arched bridges, and tidy houseboats. The water mirrored the calm Dutch sky, and the captain occasionally slowed down to point out notable landmarks like the Anne Frank House and lesser-known architectural details that added texture to the city's story.

 

By 11:00 AM, we were back on board, just in time for lunch. Later that evening, the Captain’s cocktail reception at 6:45 PM marked the official end of our river journey. A fabulous six course Captain’s Dinner followed at 7:00 PM, but mentally, I was already gearing up for the adventure that awaited ashore.

 

May 25 – Public Transit Roulette and a Tiny Hotel Room

I disembarked the ship at 10:33 AM and took an Uber to my hotel, arriving by 10:51 AM.  The ship docking site is Westerhoofd 200,1013 BS Amsterdam and was about 20 minutes outside the city. UBER cost for the transfer for two was €14.48 ($16.47USD at the time).   

 

It was too early for check-in, so I stashed my bags and hit the city running.

 

Amsterdam’s public transportation system became the playground for the day. First, I purchased a 72 hour all transportation pass at the local GVB office at a cost of €21.50  per person ($24.46USD).   

GVB Ticket Office located next to Central Station

 

Ticket booth inside GVB ticket office

  

Main tram stop at Central Station

Central Station

 

I started at Central Station boarding the #5 tram, riding the entire loop. 

 

#5 Tram Route

I then transferred to #12 and explored more of the city. 

 

#12 Tram Route

Then it was suggested by our Grand Circle Tour Guide to take the scenic #2 tram, which lived up to its reputation with tree-lined streets and charming canal views.

#2 Tram Route

 

On the way back on the #2 tram I got off at the “Museumplein” stop and walked about 3 minutes to the Cobra Cafe, it's right in the heart of the Museumplein.    

Cobra Cafe

After a short break I then made my way to the Diamond Museum Amsterdam, not quite sure what to expect—and I’m glad I did. 

Diamond Museum building

Tucked just behind the Rijksmuseum, this compact yet glittering museum walks you through the dazzling world of diamonds, from their geological origins to the art of diamond cutting. I especially enjoyed the displays that compared carat sizes and cuts, and the replica of the famous 105.602 carot Koh-i-Noor diamond caught my eye. Interactive exhibits explained how diamonds are graded. It wasn’t a long visit, but it was informative, elegant, and a sparkling surprise in the heart of the Museumplein district.

 

Then, another loop on the #5 bus (yes, again). I returned to the Leidseplein stop… only to get turned around trying to find the Holland Casino. I eventually found it through the Lido Restaurant and climbed upstairs—only to discover a €5 cover charge just to enter. No thanks!

Holland Casino and Lido Restaurant

Instead, I walked to Aran Irish Pub, which was bustling thanks to a big soccer match. 

 

Later I settled in at ITA Brasserie, right beside the International Theater Amsterdam, for a relaxed dinner of burger and beer. I finally checked into the hotel around 7:30 PM.

 

The Quentin Amsterdam Hotel—home for the next three nights—is a historic canal house located just off the buzzing Leidseplein. Its location was unbeatable for accessing museums, transit, and nightlife, but the room itself left much to be desired. Tiny doesn’t begin to describe it—the bathroom was so compact I could barely turn around. To top it off, the elevator was broken, so we had to climb two flights with luggage. Still, the 24-hour reception and canal-side ambiance added a little charm to the otherwise modest accommodations. After a hot shower, I was asleep by 8:30 PM. 

Quentin Amsterdam Hotel front entrance (up the stairs)

First flight of steps

Pretty steep and narrow

Lobby for breakfast

Tiny room

Lobby

May 26 – Ferries, Films, and Flower Markets

I was up by 7:00 AM and enjoyed the hotel’s complimentary breakfast at 8:15 AM before venturing out again. 

 

Breakfast area

 

This time, I accidentally took bus #12 in the wrong direction—no harm done, just another spontaneous loop through Amsterdam. Eventually, I made it to Central Station and then took the F3 ferry across the IJ (pronounced “eye”) River, a quick two-minute ride, to visit The Eye Film Museum.

Entrance D to the F3 Ferry

Inside the ferry

View of The Eye Film Museum from the ferry

The museum is a striking white structure—a futuristic, angular building that seems to hover over the water. Inside, the light and space immediately captivated me, with panoramic windows framing vessels gliding past on the river.  The lobby’s open-air stairwell doubles as a viewing platform, where visitors can plug into one of the “listening stations” to hear immersive five-minute stories behind famous films like Run Lola Run and Chinatown. 

The restaurant inside the museum is called the Eye Bar & Restaurant (sometimes simply referred to as Eye Bar Restaurant). It’s situated right within the museum at  promenade 1 and offers sweeping panoramic views of the IJ River—perfect for lunch, dinner, snacks, or drinks before or after your visit. 

 

The venue serves European-style dishes, an all-day menu featuring salads, artisan sandwiches, pastries in the daytime, and a full dinner menu in the evenings. They also offer a special "film menu" that combines dinner with a movie.  

 

Next door was This is Holland, but I skipped it in favor of a much needed break at Eye’s café. I spent an hour or more exploring here before heading back across the river on the F3 ferry.   

 

Once across the water, I caught Tram #14 to the Jewish Holicost Names Memorial Area—sober and humbling.  

Entrance to the memorial

  

I stepped into a place heavy with history and quiet reflection. A maze of two-meter-high brick walls, each brick engraved with the name, birth date, and age at death of one of the 102,000 Dutch Jewish, Roma, and Sinti victims of the Holocaust.   

 

Above these somber walls, stainless steel panels form four Hebrew letters spelling “L’Zicharon” (“In Memory”), adding a reflective, almost ethereal layer to the memorial I wandered slowly through its corridors, running my fingers over names—each a life lost—while sunlight playing off the mirrored panels created a surreal interplay of light and shadow. It felt deeply personal and profoundly somber. 

 

Just across the road lies the Hollandsche Schouwburg, a former theater turned deportation center and now a memorial and museum where thousands were detained during WWII.  Between them, the area felt like a gently spoken lesson in remembrance—raw, heartfelt, and essential to understanding Amsterdam’s complex past.

Next—I was back on Tram #12 to the Rembrandtplein stop. I strolled the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s floating flower market.  

 

 

 

Perched along the Singel Canal since 1862. This colorful stretch of flower stalls, built atop houseboats, offers everything from fresh tulips and daffodils to bulbs and souvenirs. Though more tourist-focused today, the market still captures the essence of the Netherlands’ floral heritage and provides a vibrant splash of local charm in the heart of the city. 

 

After dark, I headed out to the Red Light District. It's one of those places that’s part history, part curiosity, and 100% unique to Amsterdam.  The Red Light District, or De Wallen, is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic—and misunderstood—neighborhoods. Walking its narrow cobbled streets after dark was like stepping into a neon-lit blend of old-world charm and modern permissiveness. While the windows with red curtains and scantily clad women are what most people come to gawk at, the district is also home to some of the city’s oldest architecture, cozy pubs, and even a beautiful church—Oude Kerk—right in the heart of it all. The vibe was surprisingly safe and casual, with tourists strolling alongside locals, couples holding hands, and friends laughing over drinks. It felt more curious than seedy, more historical than scandalous.   

 

I wandered both sides of the canal and eventually grabbed a late-night beer and hamburger at Pizza Pasta Bar near Oudekerksplein before catching the bus home. I was back in the room a little after 10:00 PM—feet tired, heart full.

 

Here’s a handy walking map and clear directions for a stroll from Amsterdam Central Station to the Red Light District:

·  Distance & duration: Approximately 750 m — about a 7–10 minute walk.  

Step-by-step directions:

1.     Exit Central Station from the main entrance and walk         south onto Damrak.

2.     Continue along Damrak toward Dam Square.

3.     Just past the square, turn left onto Damstraat, cross the     canal via a bridge.

4.     At the next intersection, turn right onto Warmoesstraat (a     historic, lively street).

5.     Warmoesstraat leads into the heart of De Wallen, with its     famed red-lite canals and alleys

 

May 27 – Beer, History, and One Last Toast

The final day began leisurely. I was up at 7:30 AM, had my coffee and breakfast, and returned to the room to get a bit of work done until 12:05 PM. Around 1:30 PM, I set off for the Heineken Experience, one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions. The closest bus or tram stop is Vijzelgracht. 

 

Set inside the original 1867 Heineken brewery, the Heineken Experience was part museum, part interactive playground. I explored four floors of exhibits showing everything from the brewing process to the global brand legacy. There were plenty of fun touches—like learning to pour the perfect pint and using immersive video displays to experience beer from “the inside out.” My favorite part? The rooftop bar, where I sipped my fourth beer of the visit and looked out over the Amsterdam skyline.

Tour entrance and Rooftop elevator

Original botteling machine

 

Filling and labeling explanation area

More fee samples

Rooftop 

More free samples 

After nearly three hours at the Heineken Brewery, I headed back to my hotel stop and walked around the corner to Melkweg Café (a.k.a. "The Milky Way") for a light dinner—soup and bread for me, pizza for Marci.  I enjoyed one final coffee in the hotel lobby and was back in the room by 7:45 PM, already reminiscing.

 

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam isn’t just picturesque canals and crooked houses—it’s movement, music, museums, and unexpected moments. Between looping bus rides, quirky museum exhibits, late-night walks, and more beers than I’ll admit, I found myself swept up in the rhythm of the city. Even the tiny hotel room and broken elevator became part of the story. That’s the magic of travel: it’s not always smooth, but it’s always unforgettable.

 

 

 

 

#River Cruise 2025#Amsterdam#Heineken Experience#Grand Circle#M/V River Harmony#Quentin Amsterdam Hotel