Welcome to Big Rocks Park in Glen Rose, Texas, a place where history and nature intertwine along the banks of the Paluxy River. Founded primarily as a scenic public space, the park is renowned for its collection of unusually large rock formations that provide a natural playground for children and a picturesque picnic setting for families.
The story of Glen Rose begins in 1849 when Charles Barnard first settled the area, establishing a trading post near Comanche Peak. By 1860, a water-powered gristmill was constructed along the Paluxy River, marking the beginning of what would become Glen Rose. This mill, known as Barnard’s Mill, became the focal point of the growing settlement. As the town developed, it was renamed Rose Glen, and later Glen Rose, in a nod to its natural beauty.
Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Glen Rose attracted a diverse array of individuals, including healers who promoted the area’s mineral springs, and during Prohibition, it became known as the ‘whiskey woods capital of the state’ due to its moonshining activities. The town saw significant growth with the construction of the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in the 1970s, which brought new residents and economic prosperity.
Today, Big Rocks Park stands as a testament to the natural landscape that has long drawn people to Glen Rose. The park’s massive boulders are remnants of a prehistoric past, echoing the history of the dinosaurs whose tracks can still be found nearby in Dinosaur Valley State Park. These tracks were uncovered by the Paluxy River, the same river that now offers visitors a chance to swim and play in its cool waters.
As you explore Big Rocks Park, imagine the many stories these stones could tell—from the early settlers who built their lives here to the countless families who have found joy in its natural beauty. Whether you’re climbing the rocks or enjoying a leisurely picnic, you’re part of a vibrant history that continues to unfold.
