Just under two hours away from DFW in the city of Glen Rose lies a wildlife center that's unlike any other in the state. Fossil Rim is one of the world's foremost animal conservation facilities that truly lets visitors interact with creatures and experience a taste of Africa.

Spot rhinos grazing and let giraffes lick your hand as you make your way along the nearly 10-mile driving tour. There are more than 1,000 different animals to look for, and you can guide yourself through the attraction, which means you can spend as much time as you want feeding the beasts or snapping amazing photos. 

Although the summer is often too hot to spend hours at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, the fall months offer a reprieve from the heat that visitors and animals can appreciate. The months between September and November are the best if you want to see animals while they're active and happy.

However, you should keep in mind that the giraffes and rhinos are often not put on display if the weather drops below 55 degrees, so the winter months aren't the best for visiting. If you want to see them, you'll need to head to the park sooner than later. 

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early on in the day. This place is pretty popular, and you want to have plenty of time to make your way through the park without battling crowds and long lines.
  
  
• Keep in mind that many animals will approach your car and potentially reach inside in search of food. Bring a vehicle that has many windows for great interaction, and know that some animals with horns may slightly scratch the car's exterior. 
  
  
• Stay the night if you can to maximize your time in the park. They offer rooms at their lodge as well as safari cabins. Overnight guests can opt to take a Morning Safari Tour or a Behind-the-Scenes Morning Safari Tour at discounted rates. They'll also be provided with a yummy breakfast. 
  
  
• Don't miss the baby rhino on the Gosdin Scenic Drive! The calf was born last February and calls the White Rhino Yard home. 
  
  
• Consider donating to the center. Fossil Rim works to protect and breed threatened and endangered species, and every bit of financial support helps their important work. 
  
  
• Don't worry if it rains - animals are usually still out and about if it's muddy and wet. In fact, rainy days are often the best time to visit. 
  
  
• Leave your pets at home. Unfortunately, it's just too dangerous for your family animals to visit the park, even if they stay inside the car. 

Have you been to Fossil Rim before? Let us know what you love the most about it.