The state of Texas offers an impressive array of dinosaur track sites open to the public. Among the standout destinations are Dinosaur Valley State Park, Government Canyon State Natural Area, San Angelo State Park, and the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country. Each site provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the prehistoric past, showcasing preserved dinosaur tracks and fossil beds.
Additional sites of interest include Canyon Lake Gorge and an unprotected track site along the South San Gabriel River near Leander. Together, these sites solidify Texas as a remarkable region for paleontology, providing unforgettable experiences for fossil fans of all ages.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley “was one of the first dinosaur fossil sites in the world to be opened to the public and was a model for many others that came afterward.” said Thomas Adams, a vertebrate paleontologist and chief curator at the Witte Museum in San Antonio
Adams adds, “There are more than 50 known track sites in Texas across 24 counties. Each site has from one to more than 300 tracks. While there are individual track sites in other states with larger numbers of footprints, Texas has more individual sites overall. Only a handful of these Texas sites are accessible to the public. All told, there are thousands of fossil tracks in Texas, among the largest number of dinosaur footprints in the U.S. and the world. That makes Texas really unique.”
Since its opening in 1970, Dinosaur Valley State Park has captured the fascination of visitors and researchers alike as the largest and most renowned dinosaur track site in Texas. As the first fossil-focused park in the Lone Star State, Dinosaur Valley played a pivotal role in earning Glen Rose the title of “Dinosaur Capital of Texas.”
The park’s extensive dinosaur tracks and preserved fossil sites not only highlight Texas as a prime area for paleontological research but have also made it a must-visit destination for families, educators, and fossil enthusiasts from around the world
Park Address:
1629 Park Rd 59
Glen Rose, TX 76043
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Government Canyon State Natural Area, open Fridays through Mondays, offers over 40 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, or even trail running. Nestled in gently rolling grasslands and rugged canyon-lands, this park is a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can enjoy camping, guided hikes, birdwatching, picnicking, nature photography, and geocaching, while kids can explore the Discovery Trail and playscape for hands-on fun.
Historic Hikes and Dinosaur Tracks Government Canyon’s trails include special features, such as the Joe Johnston Route, which leads to the historic Zizelmann House (1880s) and passes by dinosaur tracks believed to be from Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon, made nearly 104 million years ago. For scenic vistas, hike the Far Reaches Trail to Chula Vista and Sotol overlooks, or head to the North and South Bluff Spurs overlooks.
Camping and Reservations Campgrounds are available Friday and Saturday nights, with additional nights around holidays. With 23 walk-in tent campsites and two group sites, visitors can immerse themselves in nature. Facilities such as a gallery or pavilion are also available for reservations, perfect for group gatherings.
Park Address:
12861 Galm Rd
San Antonio, TX 78254
The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country
In June of 1999, the Museum leased a 2.5-acre tract along FM 2673, which eventually became its permanent home. The location’s immediate attraction was a site of 275 dinosaur footprints, which needed conservation and protection from the elements. The formal opening was held in 2000 on March 2, Texas Independence Day, with flag raisings and addresses by local and state dignitaries. February of 2003 saw the dedication of the original Museum property as the Burney Parker Heritage site to honor the father of John Parker, a benefactor of the Museum.
The museum offers programs like Youth Camp, School & field trips and birthday parties.
Must-visit exhibits:
Paleontology
The dinosaurs that walked along algae-covered mud flats left deep footprints. Those tracks were subsequently filled in and covered by sediments, thousands of feet thick. Mineral-rich water seeping into the mud, along with heat and pressure of the overburden gradually turned them to stone. See model dinosaurs and hundreds of real tracks!
Antique & Vintage Showcase
Our one-of-a-kind antique and vintage museum collection will take you on a journey from the 1800s to the 1950s showcasing old-fashioned, conversation pieces donated to the museum by those who grew up in the Texas Hill Country.
Native American Exhibits
Discover what the Native Americans (“Indians”) left behind for our present-day museum visitors to see, as those ancients migrated through our area from thousands of years ago up through the 1800s!
Fossil Display
Around one hundred million years ago, the Central Texas area was a shallow sea with an abundance of sea and animal life. We have many fossils from this time period found locally on display. If on a tour, you can find some of your own to keep!
Antique Farm Equipment
Come see our extensive outdoor display of historical farming accessories used in the Texas Hill Country area from the time of the first pioneer families.
Daily Admission Fees
Beginning March 1, 2023
Adults: $7.00
Children (4 -12 years old): $5.00
Children 3 yrs & under: FREE
Seniors (65), Military, First Responders: $6.00
Park Address:
4831 FM 2673, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Other Notable Sites
- Canyon Lake Gorge: Offers guided tours showcasing fossils, geologic formations, and dinosaur tracks.
- South San Gabriel River: An unprotected site near Leander, featuring trackways visible to the public.
Why Texas Stands Out
According to Dr. Thomas Adams, vertebrate paleontologist and chief curator at the Witte Museum, Texas boasts over 50 known track sites across 24 counties. These sites collectively preserve thousands of fossilized tracks, making the state one of the richest sources of dinosaur footprints in the U.S.
“Texas has more individual sites overall than any other state, with tracks ranging from a single print to over 300 at a single location,” Adams explains.
Plan Your Visit
Texas’ dinosaur sites offer a blend of scientific discovery and outdoor adventure, making them perfect for fossil enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the expansive trails of Government Canyon or marveling at the tracks of Dinosaur Valley, these destinations provide a window into a time when dinosaurs roamed the Lone Star State.
