Experience the comforts of home while surrounded by untarnished Texas hill country and unique animals, both native and exotic. Our Lodge is a unique blend of vintage Texas charm and updated conveniences. The perfect home base for a weekend of discovery and outdoor fun. Built in the 1980s by Fossil Rim’s original owner, Tom Mantzel, this historic home has been converted into a guest house for visitors from all over the world.
The Rooms & Suites
The Bluebonnet Suite takes up the third floor of the Lodge. The suite is a cozy blend of dark woods and stone. Settle in next to the decorative fireplace and relax. Featuring a king-sized bed, futon, and optional twin roll away bed, this room can accommodate the whole family. The newly renovated bathroom includes a standalone soaking tub and walk-in shower, as well as a large closet.
This suite is only accessible via a winding staircase. This staircase is original to the house and may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. Maximum occupancy is four. Prices do not include admission to the Gosdin Scenic Drive; you are welcome to purchase either a self-drive tour or one of our guided tours in addition to your stay.
(Mar - Oct) $350-375 / night
(Nov - Feb) $275-325 / night
*rates may vary on holidays
*note: the fireplace is decoration only
One of the two guest rooms located on the second floor. Perfect for a relaxing and intimate stay, this room features a king-sized bed and futon. Guests in this room also have access to a private bathroom as well as a private patio. Private parking is available for your convenience.
We recommend this room to guests in need of mobility-friendly accommodations. Two small stone steps are still required to gain access to this room, though our staff is happy to assist in any way necessary. Maximum occupancy is three. Prices do not include admission to the Gosdin Scenic Drive, you are welcome to purchase either a self-drive tour or one of our guided tours in addition to your stay.
(Mar - Oct) $275-300 / night
(Nov - Feb) $200-250 / night
*rates may vary on holidays
One of two guest rooms located on the second floor of the Lodge, the Primrose features a king bed and futon, as well as a dual vanity and a newly renovated walk-in shower. Quiet and tucked away, you can step out onto your patio to listen to the breeze and for any sounds of wildlife. Semi-private parking is also available for guests of this room.
We recommend this room to guests in need of mobility-friendly accommodations. Two small stone steps are still required to gain access to this room, though our staff is happy to assist in any way necessary. Maximum occupancy is three. Prices do not include admission to the Gosdin Scenic Drive; you are welcome to purchase either a self-drive tour or one of our guided tours in addition to your stay.
(Mar - Oct) $275-300 / night
(Nov - Feb) $200-250 / night
*rates may vary on holidays
Located on the first floor across from the Lounge, this king suite is made up of two adjoining rooms. The main bedroom features a king bed, while the second room has one full-size sofa bed and one futon. Large enough for the whole family, this suite is also perfect for a smaller group that wants a private living area. A bathroom is attached, as well as access to a large patio.
Maximum occupancy is six. Prices do not include admission to the Gosdin Scenic Drive; you are welcome to purchase either a self-drive tour or one of our guided tours in addition to your stay.
(Mar - Oct) $425-450 / night
(Nov - Feb) $350-400 / night
*rates may vary on holidays
*note: fireplace is for decoration only.
shared spaces
The Lounge
Located on the ground floor, the lounge is the perfect place to get together with the whole family. Bring games and play at one of our large tables, enjoy a drink at the high-top or catch up with friends while relaxing by the bar. While we do not sell alcohol you are more than welcome to bring your own, and we can provide the glasses.
The Great Room
The main living space of the Lodge, the Great Room, makes up the majority of the second floor. Enjoy one of several inviting seating areas, whether you're connecting with fellow guests or unwinding with a show on the smartTV. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the park, allowing you to take in the beauty of nature without ever leaving the comfort of your pajamas. A self-service coffee bar is available nearby, fully stocked with a variety of coffees, teas, syrups, and creamers—perfect for crafting your favorite morning brew or cozying up with a warm drink any time of day.
The Balcony
The renovated balcony wraps around the majority of the second floor. Step through the sliding doors of the Great Room and rest easy on any of the seating options. Fans keep the air circulating even in our Texas summers, and in winter enjoy the warmth of our beautiful outdoor fireplace. With enough patience you may even spot some of our wildlife wandering the pastures beyond. Patio seating can be taken advantage of anytime, though it’s especially comfortable at sunrise.
Make a Reservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Check-in is anytime after 3 p.m. and check-out is by 11:30 a.m. the last morning of your stay, unless you have a guided tour scheduled. If you are scheduled for a guided tour, we ask that you check-out of your room and remove all belongings before embarking on your tour.
You may request an early check-in or a late check-out at least 24 hours before your scheduled arrival time, but all extended stay requests will incur a $25.00 fee.
The earliest check-in available is 1:30pm.
No, we restrict pets coming on to our property for both their safety, and the safety of our species. The only outside animals that are allowed on Fossil Rim property are working service animals that have a dedicated task they are trained to do. They must be with the person they work for at all times and they are not allowed to be left at any location unattended.
If you have a service animal, please inform the Lodge staff before your arrival. Service animals are not allowed on guided tours, but a self-guided drive may be substituted instead.
The Lodge offers a continental breakfast of muffins, scones and breakfast sandwiches as well as milk, juice, yogurt and oatmeal.
We do not provide any lunch or dinner options at the Lodge. The Café at the Overlook closes at 5:30 p.m., but there are many options available in Glen Rose or you are welcome to bring your own food. If you do bring your own food, please note that only a microwave and an outside grill is available for guest use.
Tours must be booked separately as an addition to your stay. While booking your room, you have the option to add a safari tour to your total. If you want to take any other tour, such as a behind-the-scenes tour, you must complete this transaction separately from your Lodge reservation, and notify Lodge staff that you have booked a specialty tour.
**All tours, excluding self-drives, must be booked no later than 36 hours prior to your stay.
The best place for a possible animal sighting is from the deck on the second floor. The Lodge is located in our largest pasture at Fossil Rim, the Main Pasture, which contains more than 400 acres and is home to over 10 species of deer, antelope and native wildlife. With such a vast area for our animals to explore, we can never guarantee that animals will be in the vicinity of the Lodge every day.
Guests are permitted to enjoy the outdoors on balconies and patios, but MUST remain within the Lodge fence at all times. Any area beyond the fence is considered a wild animal area, and is dangerous for pedestrians.
No, all guests are provided with a gate code that is active for the duration of their stay that they may use to come and go as they please.
Fossil Rim is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day every year. The Lodge is closed the Wednesday and Thursday of Thanksgiving week and December 23rd, 24th and 25th.
Fossil Rim does not offer refunds due to inclement weather. You will need to contact us before the designated time frame in order to receive a refund. Lodging guests can reschedule their reservation but will incur a $50.00 transfer fee. If Fossil Rim has to cancel your reservation for any reason, you will receive a full refund.
Fossil Rim does not offer gift certificates or vouchers at this time.
The Lodge is not wheelchair accessible, but we do have room options that are more mobility friendly than the rest. A few concrete steps are still used to get up from the driveway, but our staff is willing to help in whatever way possible.
There is no covered parking available at Fossil Rim.
Memorial Day Weekend
Independence Day Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
Thanksgiving Weekend
December 26 - January 1
Spring Break: March 7 - 23, 2025
Who Could you see?
Here are some of the animals that are typically visible from the Lodge:
Refund & Transfer Policy
Refunds must be requested prior to your scheduled stay:
Full refund if cancelled within more than 7 days of the reservation date.
50% refund if cancelled within less than 7 days of the reservation date.
No refund if cancelled less than 48 before reservation date.
$50 transfer fee to transfer a reservation to a later date.
Fossil Rim does not offer "rain checks" due to weather.
If you have questions, please call (254) 898-4268.