Dinosaur Valley State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dinosaur Valley State Park |
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The Paluxy River in Dinosaur Valley State Park
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| Location | Somervell County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Glen Rose, Texas |
| Area | 1,524.72 acres (6.1703 km2) |
| Established | 1972 |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Designated: | 1968 |
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a special state park located near Glen Rose, Texas, in Somervell County, Texas. This park is famous for its amazing dinosaur footprints! It covers about 1,525 acres (617 hectares) and sits along the Paluxy River.
Park History
The land for Dinosaur Valley State Park was bought from private owners in 1968. The park officially opened to the public in 1972. Besides being a state park, it's also a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a very important natural place in the United States.
Ancient History of the Park
The rocks you see at Dinosaur Valley State Park tell a story from long, long ago. About 113 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous Period, this area was the shoreline of an ancient sea.
How the Rocks Formed
Different types of rock formed here:
- Limestone is a rock often made from the shells and skeletons of sea creatures.
- Sandstone is made from tiny grains of sand pressed together.
- Mudstone is made from hardened mud.
These rocks were laid down in layers, one on top of the other. This created what scientists call the Glen Rose Formation.
The River's Role
Over millions of years, the Paluxy River has slowly worn away these rock layers. This process is called erosion. The river has carved out the land, cutting deep into the rock. In many places, the river has worn down to flat, hard rock beds. This is where the incredible dinosaur footprints are found! The river's work has helped reveal these ancient tracks for us to see today.
