Fort Worth Texas Stockyards Cattle Drive and Art Museums

Why visit Fort Worth

Fort Worth grew up as a stop on the cattle trails, and that heritage is still alive in the Stockyards. Yet the same city is home to a remarkable cluster of museums designed by famous architects, a walkable downtown and a friendly, unhurried pace that sets it apart from its bigger neighbor.

The Stockyards

Fort Worth Stockyards

The Stockyards National Historic District keeps the cattle town spirit alive with brick streets, saloons and western wear shops. Twice a day, cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down Exchange Avenue, and it is free to watch.

Billy Bob's Texas

Billed as the world's largest honky tonk, Billy Bob's Texas has live country music, line dancing and even indoor bull riding on weekend nights.

Stockyards Championship Rodeo

On Friday and Saturday nights, the historic Cowtown Coliseum hosts a rodeo with bronc riding, barrel racing and roping.

The Cultural District

Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell is famous for both its collection and its building. Louis Kahn's vaulted galleries fill with soft natural light, and the newer Renzo Piano pavilion sits across the lawn.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Tadao Ando's glass and concrete pavilions seem to float on a reflecting pond, holding a strong collection of postwar and contemporary art.

More museums nearby

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is free and strong on western painters, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame tells the stories of women of the American West.

Downtown and parks

Sundance Square

Downtown's heart is Sundance Square, a plaza surrounded by restored red brick buildings, restaurants and shops, with fountains and events through the year.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Designed by Philip Johnson, the Water Gardens are a striking urban park where water cascades down terraced concrete into a quiet pool.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The botanic garden is the oldest in Texas, and its Japanese Garden with koi ponds and stone paths is the highlight.

Trinity River trails

Miles of paved trails follow the Trinity River through the city, good for a morning walk or a bike ride past the skyline.

Food and local flavors

Fort Worth takes its beef seriously. Try slow smoked brisket at a barbecue joint, a chicken fried steak smothered in cream gravy and a steak in the Stockyards. Tex-Mex is everywhere, from enchiladas to sizzling fajitas, and a slice of pecan pie is the classic Texas finish.

Where to stay

Downtown around Sundance Square is central and walkable. Staying in the Stockyards puts you right in the cowboy action and near the music venues, while the Cultural District and West 7th area is best for museums, restaurants and nightlife.

Best time to visit

Spring brings bluebonnets and comfortable temperatures, and fall is warm and dry. Summers are hot, often near 100 degrees, so plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings. Winter is mild but can bring the odd ice storm.

Getting there and getting around

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is between the two cities, and the TEXRail commuter train runs from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. The Trinity Railway Express connects Fort Worth with Dallas. Buses link downtown, the Stockyards and the Cultural District, but a car makes it easier to see everything.

A suggested itinerary

First day

Watch the morning cattle drive in the Stockyards, have barbecue for lunch and spend the evening at Billy Bob's Texas.

Second day

Visit the Kimbell and the Modern, stroll the Botanic Garden and end the day at Sundance Square and the Water Gardens.

Practical tips

• Check the cattle drive times before you go, as they are set each day.
• Wear comfortable boots or shoes for the brick streets.
• Many museums close on Mondays.
• Carry water and sunscreen in summer.