Fossil Rim is open year-round, rain or shine, everyday EXCEPT Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Pets are not permitted in the park under any circumstances, and they may not be left in another vehicle during your visit. If you have an ADA-compliant service animal, please contact us ahead of time at info@fossilrim.org or 254-897-2960.

Ride-sharing services, including Uber, Lyft, Bolt, and local taxis, are not recommended for travel to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Due to our location, return trips are rarely available, and scheduled pickups cannot be guaranteed.

We usually suggest coming in the morning for the best chance to see our animals. Keep in mind that weather greatly influences activity - chilly mornings or hot afternoons may limit which species are out and about. You’ll always see animals during your visit, but there is never a guarantee of seeing them all.

The drive takes approximately two hours, though it may take longer on busier days. About halfway through, you can exit your vehicle at the Overlook to stretch your legs and use the restroom. The paved route has two lanes, and you’re welcome to pull over on the right side at any time to watch certain animals up close.

Admission is charged per person. Pricing will vary depending on the date of your visit and seasonal demand, so please refer to our ticket page for the most accurate information. Children 2 and under are admitted free. 

For guaranteed admission, please purchase tickets online prior to your visit.
Simply visit our tickets page or click the TICKETS button at the top, then choose the date of your visit and an arrival time window.

For self-guided drives, guests will receive one free cone of feed per five people at the check-in station when tickets are scanned. On guided tours, each guest receives one free cup of feed from their guide. Additional feed is available for purchase at The Overlook, subject to daily availability.

Cash payments are accepted at our Admissions Building, but we strongly encourage purchasing tickets online to secure your preferred time slot. Please note that tickets may not be available if you wait to buy them upon arrival.

We ask guests to select an arrival time to help us manage traffic and prevent long lines. This allows everyone to enjoy a smoother, more relaxed experience while exploring Fossil Rim.

Most late arrivals can be accommodated for self-guided drives; however, guided tours require guests to arrive on time. If you’ve already purchased your tickets, please contact us at 254-897-2960 or info@fossilrim.org.

Fossil Rim has a maximum vehicle length of 26 feet, including buses and RVs. If you are unsure whether your vehicle meets this requirement, please contact us before your visit.

In accordance with the USDA Animal Welfare Act, all vehicles must have a solid roof and fully enclosed doors. Jeeps and convertibles are allowed ONLY if they have both a hard top and hard doors, which must remain closed at all times. Additionally, any vehicle with a sunroof must keep it closed. These policies ensure the safety of our animals and guests.

Guests may not ride in the bed of pickup trucks, and trailers are not permitted in the park. For information on leaving a trailer in our parking lot, please email info@fossilrim.org.

During cold weather, inclement conditions, or when the ground is too wet, our giraffes will remain in their yard. They can still be viewed but cannot be fed while in the yard. In rare cases of freezing temperatures, giraffes may be kept in the barn out of view. These measures are taken for the safety of our animals, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

We cannot guarantee sightings of every animal, as they are free to roam their pastures. Please note that when temperatures fall below 50°F, the Reticulated Giraffes and Southern White Rhinos may be kept in their barns for their safety. Certain species, such as our American Red Wolves and South Central Black Rhinos, are housed exclusively in the Jim Jackson Intensive Management Area (IMA) and can only be visited on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour.

All of the animals you will encounter on your drive are wild. They are not accustomed to human contact, and touching them can be dangerous to both you and the animal. Our staff undergoes years of training to safely interact with these species.

There are three types of animals at Fossil Rim: those who were born here, native species that choose to live here, and those that come from other vetted zoological facilities or our partner institutions. 

Fossil Rim is not a wildlife rehabilitation facility and we do not accept animal donations of any kind. Please contact your local game warden, extension agent, or veterinarian for information on caring for any rescued or injured animals, as well as animals in need of rehoming. 

Yes, visit our Environmental Engagement page to learn about Fossil Rim's educational programming.

At this time, Fossil Rim does not offer discounts, but we appreciate your support and hope you enjoy your visit.

Fossil Rim does not offer specific party packages, but if you are interested in hosting an event here please email info@fossilrim.org.

No ticket is required to visit The Overlook! Everyone is welcome to enjoy our café, Nature Store, and Animal Discoveries. The Overlook is located at 1789 County Rd 2009, Glen Rose, TX 76043.

Yes, you can stay at The Lodge at Fossil Rim! The lodge blends vintage Texas charm with modern comforts, offering a cozy retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This modified bed-and-breakfast features four unique rooms, each with its own character and appeal.

Learn more and plan your stay on our lodging page.

For the safety of our guests and animals, drones are not permitted on Fossil Rim property.

Anyone planning to take photos, film, or record video for commercial purposes at Fossil Rim must submit a written request to our Marketing Department at least two weeks prior to the planned shoot.

For more information, please contact us at Marketing@FossilRim.org