The latest episode of The Building Texas Show, titled Glen Rose's Strangest Attraction Isn't What You'd Expect and hosted by Justin McKenzie, takes listeners one hour south of Fort Worth to a town of roughly 2,700 residents that punches far above its weight in tourism. Published June 25, 2026, the conversation features Traci Niedziela, Tourism Director for Glen Rose, who details why 28% of Texans live within a 90-minute drive yet most have never stopped past the state park exit. The episode reframes Glen Rose as a full weekend destination, not a quick day trip.

Across the conversation, Niedziela walks McKenzie through the attractions that pack the small Somervell County seat. Listeners get specific previews of:

• Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, including newly born baby giraffes and a baby zebra born in February
• Dinosaur Valley State Park, Dinosaur World, and the new animatronic Rex Ann installed at the visitor center
• The Texas Amphitheater's June run of The Little Mermaid, staged over an actual water moat
• Two rivers, Big Rocks Park, and Paluxy River cabin stays such as Anderson Creek Cabins
• A citywide scavenger hunt featuring 98 uniquely painted dinosaurs tied to local businesses

Niedziela's pitch is rooted in specific detail rather than generic boosterism. On the signature scavenger hunt, she explains the concept in her own words:

Players scan a QR code at any hotel or the visitor center to unlock rewards including Fossil Rim entry passes, Dinosaur World tickets, and free ice cream at Shoo Fly.

The episode also digs into the economic backbone behind a small town with five major hotels. Niedziela credits the nearby Comanche Peak nuclear power plant for driving midweek corporate retreat and conference demand Sunday through Thursday, which props up lodging capacity for weekend leisure travelers. She and McKenzie discuss Leadership Glen Rose, the hospitality training culture among local businesses, and the visibility of Mayor Joe Bowles, who Niedziela says stopped by her office moments before recording to plan a July 4th parade, dunk tank, and hot dog eating contest. The town's 250th birthday weekend will close with a fireworks show reflected over Wheeler Branch Park's water.

The Building Texas Show, hosted by Justin McKenzie, spotlights the people, places, and ideas shaping the Lone Star State, from booming metros to heritage small towns. Each weekly episode features candid conversations with mayors, founders, tourism leaders, and operators building Texas community by community. The show is sponsored by Chisos Boots. Listeners can find planning details at ExploreGlenRose.com, and this episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.

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