Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Home to cowboys in addition to historic hotels and western-style shopping.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Restaurants
405 within 3 miles
Attractions
173 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- K & M Ranch II38 contributions1st Time to Visit and thoroughly enjoyed it!Of course I wanted to see the longhorn cattle drive! I know a bit cheesy but so fun! We were there the evening before and had to cancel due to tornado sirens going off in the area. Safety first! I did recognize that area business were so generous in offering their retail space for spectators to take shelter. Started to hail and we took shelter in one of the retail stores. Went back the next morning to see the drive and take in all the sites and ambience of the stockyards. We are cattle ranchers so it was fun to see the old pens and all the old concrete corners and gate hinges. We took in the gunfights and all the fun.Visited March 2023Written March 19, 2023
- MTMHampshire510 contributionsMust do - allow plenty of timeLots to see here. We were only going to have a few hours but a trip got cancelled and we ended up spending the day and evening here. We did a tour which was good and ver informative. The museum is worth a look. We saw the cattle run at 4pm. Just a great atmospheric place to visit.Visited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 27, 2023
- nicole36967Washington DC, District of Columbia2 contributionsFamily and Adult Friendly!We enjoyed our afternoon at the Stockyards. For the kids, they enjoyed the cattle drive (which happens twice a day) and the many activities geared to interest them (i.e. petting zoo, horseback riding, etc.). As a family with friends, we enjoyed the restaurants, people-watching, and casual shopping with cocktails. We hope to visit again when we can spend more time there in the evening.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 10, 2023
- SHMississippi234 contributionsLoved the areaWe stayed at the SpringHill Suites and were able to walk to the Stockyards every day. So much to see and do! Take in the Thurs night PBR bull riding or the Fri or Sat night rodeo while there! The cattle drive through the street was interesting. Loved the John Wayne Experience! We had many great meals and did a lot of shopping. Day and night are totally different energies so experience both. Fun trip and we will be back!!Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 14, 2023
- 3ToGetReadyIndianola, Iowa82 contributionsSo much fun!3 generations had a great time exploring the stockyards. So much to do-that we are already planning a return trip. The old cattle chutes are cleverly repurposed into shops and restaurants-and there’s plenty of opportunity to grab and carry your favorite beverage with you as you browse. Don’t miss the cattle drive! It’s short -well worth your time.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 23, 2023
- michaelpoto4Boston, Massachusetts127 contributionsSuper Cool Place To Walk, Eat, Listen To Music & Enjoy For The Day.Loved all the live music, the country feel and surrounding atmosphere of all the people just having a great time. Great breweries and BBQ as well as re-enactments of historical events that once took place in the Wild West. Great vibes here.Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 14, 2023
- Jacqueline CTulare, California40 contributionsA great area to visitWe thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the stockyards area of Fort Worth. I highly recommend seeing the cattle drive. There are tons of shops and restaurants. The people are so friendly and helpful too. It is worth the time to visit this historic place.Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 22, 2023
- James GFairfax County, Virginia187 contributionsFun but P2P tourist trapFun tourist trap. Everything costs money except access to the stockyards. Nothing is a deal ($3 for a bottle of water, $8 per person to go into the maze, $5 to sit on a longhorn, et cetera). This was my first time and my kids had a decent time but if you are looking for some to do that is cheap, go somewhere else. I would likely not go back or recommend to someone else unless this is what you are looking for.Visited May 2023Written May 24, 2023
- shell200865 contributionsRecommended . Free Cattle drive 1130 & 4Tour during a trip to Gaylord Texan convention center. Was great tour guide. Bring a bottle of water. About an hour tour. Outside and inside , mostly shaded areas. Interesting . If you go around 1130 and 4 there’s a free ‘parade’ but really a cattle drive down the street. Shops and eateries . Neat little getaway.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten June 20, 2023
- Leslie CRavenna, Ohio1,315 contributionsGlad we visitedWe only stayed less than 24 hours but glad we made the trip. In late June the cattle drive was only happening at 11:30am because it was too hot at 4pm. We parked in public parking that was very large and allowed overnight parking. You needed a cell phone to use it since it required scanning a QR code and your license plate number. We saw the long horn, enjoyed live music outdoors (Love Shack), had a big steak dinner (Cattleman’s), shopped for souvenirs, saw a big train (which you can ride) and watched the herd parade down the charming brick road. If you want to, you can enjoy a beer while walking around the shops too. It was a nice experience.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 1, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
5,491 reviews
Excellent
3,237
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Itinerant_Foodies
Greensboro, NC634 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We went primarily for the cattle drive. Even though the drive only moves the cattle a few blocks and there are only about 18 cattle in the drive, it’s still a sight to behold.l, especially since it’s longhorns that are involved and those have the largest horns we’ve ever seen! The cowboys herding/leading the cattle do well to keep the cattle moving and they are quite personable—they get their pictures taken many times before the drive itself. We were there on a Thursday and there were quite a few people but it wasn’t difficult to see the drive and take all pictures we desired.
The area of restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, and eateries is interesting and the combination can occupy a family for most of a day.
The area of restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, and eateries is interesting and the combination can occupy a family for most of a day.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kismet _Regarder
Harrison, NE532 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
It’s a sad day in Texas.
Fort Worth Stockyards and National Historic District have completely sold out to become a shadow of its roots. The area is gift shops of cheap garbage you don’t need or want, and ritzy expensive shops. A few planters with prickly pear cactus had graffiti scrawled onto every leaf. Pathetic to see people defacing plants. A couple of street vendors with saddled longhorn steers offered photos. The animals looked horribly uncomfortable with the crowd of people playing around them. If not an overpriced gift shop, then an extremely overpriced steakhouse.
Fort Worth Stockyards and National Historic District have completely sold out to become a shadow of its roots. The area is gift shops of cheap garbage you don’t need or want, and ritzy expensive shops. A few planters with prickly pear cactus had graffiti scrawled onto every leaf. Pathetic to see people defacing plants. A couple of street vendors with saddled longhorn steers offered photos. The animals looked horribly uncomfortable with the crowd of people playing around them. If not an overpriced gift shop, then an extremely overpriced steakhouse.
Written March 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul y
Telford, UK283 contributions
Feb 2021
I went for the rodeo. Being a UK citizen it was the first time I had ever seen one of these events live. Have to say it was excellent. Superb from start to finish. The animals were well treated and seemed to understand they had a job to do and weren't going to be harmed.
That can't be said for the riders, who every time they sit on the back of one of those beasts they risk their lives. Hats off to their bravery.
This is a specialist kind of event, with a specialist kind of community. Much like show jumping or eventing is in the UK, it has a select, dedicated following of likeminded people. Of course, I'm not one of them, but I never felt out of place. It was safe, friendly and introduced me to another side of America.
The downside. Parking.
The area was busy. I didn't really know where I was as Google Maps died on my phone at a critical point! So I spotted a parking spot very close to the rodeo hall (side street). It was a pay and display and a ridiculous price (can't remember exactly but between 20 and 30 dollars from memory). There was cheaper around that cars were queuing for, which I only noticed when I got on foot.
My advice is to go, go, go! But do your research on where to park before you do.
That can't be said for the riders, who every time they sit on the back of one of those beasts they risk their lives. Hats off to their bravery.
This is a specialist kind of event, with a specialist kind of community. Much like show jumping or eventing is in the UK, it has a select, dedicated following of likeminded people. Of course, I'm not one of them, but I never felt out of place. It was safe, friendly and introduced me to another side of America.
The downside. Parking.
The area was busy. I didn't really know where I was as Google Maps died on my phone at a critical point! So I spotted a parking spot very close to the rodeo hall (side street). It was a pay and display and a ridiculous price (can't remember exactly but between 20 and 30 dollars from memory). There was cheaper around that cars were queuing for, which I only noticed when I got on foot.
My advice is to go, go, go! But do your research on where to park before you do.
Written March 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dudpa
Grand Junction, Colorado362 contributions
Jul 2020
I arrived early in the day and nothing was really open and there were about 3 tourists on the street walking around. A ton of construction is going on in the main tourist area, which is understandable as this is a good time to get it taken care of while so many places are closed. I was very disappointed in the area, I bet it is fun when the placed is loaded with people and all the stores are open, music, good food, etc. If I ever come back I will check it out for a better experience.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley T
14 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Stopped by for a quick morning visit for my rodeo loving 6 year old! Only had 2 1/2 hours could have spent the day. So much to see and explore. We hit the shops in the old rail depot, visited the longhorn pasture, watched the cattle drive and took in the Stockyard Musuem (well worth the $2 admission) So much to see and do and other than shopping it's practically free so it's great for those on a budget
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rands222
Coconut Creek, FL314 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Nothing like the sound of horses 🐎 braying as you pass their trailers on the way to the Fort Worth Stock Yards. The rodeo is in town. Cowboys and cowgirls are in town to show off their skills.
A quick visit to see what Fort Worth was like 100 years ago. Train tracks run to where the cattle would have been herded aboard for their journey to the slaughter houses of the north where they would fetch a much greater price.
Yes, cowboys really existed and they allowed cattle to graze, then herded them and drove them to railroad spurs for transport.
A quick visit to see what Fort Worth was like 100 years ago. Train tracks run to where the cattle would have been herded aboard for their journey to the slaughter houses of the north where they would fetch a much greater price.
Yes, cowboys really existed and they allowed cattle to graze, then herded them and drove them to railroad spurs for transport.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamtraveltips
Palm Beach Gardens, FL298 contributions
Feb 2020
One of the most fun things we did with our time in Dallas was go to the Fort Worth Stockyards. If you only have one day in Dallas, skip everything else and come straight here.
Between the years of 1866 and 1890, cattle dealers led millions of heads of cattle through “Cowtown”, the Fort Worth area. Today, you can watch cowboys and cowgirls steer their herds through the streets to be bought and sold in the historic Exchange Building.
We took a walk along the original brick walkways, attended the amazing cattle drive, saw a fun wild west gunfight, and did a little shopping, dining and dancing. We had a blast at Billy Bobs at the Stockyards, too!
Do not miss this awesome piece of Texas history!
Between the years of 1866 and 1890, cattle dealers led millions of heads of cattle through “Cowtown”, the Fort Worth area. Today, you can watch cowboys and cowgirls steer their herds through the streets to be bought and sold in the historic Exchange Building.
We took a walk along the original brick walkways, attended the amazing cattle drive, saw a fun wild west gunfight, and did a little shopping, dining and dancing. We had a blast at Billy Bobs at the Stockyards, too!
Do not miss this awesome piece of Texas history!
Written January 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lana M
Jonesborough, TN3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Go if only for the longhorns! You have to see in person to appreciate how huge the horns are. Went to the 11am cattle drive with a small throng of people lining the streets.The Stockyards museum (minimal admission fee) also was very interesting and featured the 2nd longest running light bulb in the US (if I remember correctly).
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tleeEvans
Houston, TX951 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Visited when in Ft Worth. Enjoyed all the shops and restaurants. Rode the train and saw the cattle drive and the gun fight. The gunfight is funny but if you miss it do not feel bad, Not a must to see. Same with the cattle drive. There is tons of stores covering several blocks. Most are western type clothing and leather goods. There is some displays in some of the historic buildings. The train ride was ok but again not a must do. Takes you down a few miles then you come back to the station. Takes about 45 minutes. They do a little train robbery stunt for the kids mainly and they do offer refreshments for a fee. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot. Parking is available on streets around the area and in parking lots for 10:00
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jskatzman
Katy, TX61 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
The district is very interesting. We went on a Friday so some of the activities were not available. The cattle drive is over way to fast but interesting. The gentleman who ‘warms’ up the crowd, was very good and informative. It is a must! Typical souvenir shops and many fairly good restaurants and food trucks are available.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarshallsDoncaster
Doncaster55 contributions
Hi - is there a charge/fee to visit the Stockyards and also, do you have to pre- book for the Saturday night rodeo? Thank you
Bon09
Riner, VA116 contributions
No charge to visit the stockyard.
There is a small museum inside the building. I believe it was 3.00 a person
We didn’t do the rodeo but hope the above helps.
Leslie C
Ravenna, OH1,315 contributions
If we have a flight departing DFW at 4:00 would we be able to see the 11:30 cattle drive and have time to return a rental car and make our flight?
themontanatravelgirl
Great Falls, MT81 contributions
Yes. The actual cattle drive only last about 15 minutes and after they pass by you you’ve seen it. Don’t miss getting to sit on a live longhorn! Have a great time!
ROADTRIPO9
Hazard, KY194 contributions
Is there a place to park a small RV?
gottcoke
Hemet, CA618 contributions
You may have to park at far parking area past stock yard. It you will find parking
Photo Pilot
Los Angeles, CA26 contributions
Is this a good place to visit on a rainy day?
Zena
Sligo, Ireland624 contributions
The majority of the attractions at the stockyards are all indoors , rodeos, music venues , museums , shopping .The only attraction that might be affected by the rain would be the 15 minutes of the cattle drive .
LIndsey 513
Denton, TX29 contributions
Is this area dog friendly?
postnote
Norwich, UK274 contributions
Yes as long as your dog is on a lead, hope this helps
Is it convenient to public transportation?
Sunbuns67
Playa del Carmen, Mexico10 contributions
Yes bus and ample parking for a car or truck.
What time is better to visit? Morning or Afternoon?
cindyp1980
Willow Park, TX58 contributions
it depends on why u r going there.
For shopping & having lunch - n the summer months definitely go n the morn when shops & resturants first open. June-Sept u should stay out of the Tx sun n middle of the day but can still shop n all the stores down by the railroad track b n tbe shade.
For enjoying adult beverages, musuc, dinner & dancing - go n the evening about 1-2 hrs before sundown. Dine out, take a walk along the streets & maybe go to the stockyards rodeo or head over to Billy Bob's to dance or chk out what's happening at the White Elephant. I've seen famous Tx artists put on great shows there.
For Tx food, steaks etc go to Cattlemens. Best steaks, great service & the decor is pure Tx. But go after 1 or 2 & it's not so crowded.
For Mexican food go to Joe T. Garcia's, a block or 2 from Stockyard Exchange. It's delish & atmosphere is very cool. Get there as soon as they open or u will have a long wait for a table.
For bbq - go to Riskys, SO good! Anytime is good to go there.
For the kids/teens, go see Pawnee Bills wild west show. It is great for all ages. Chk website for show times.
Longhorn cattle r herded down the street at 11 & 4 every day I think. Chk their website. It's fun to see that too. Go n every store. See the longhorn. Take a trail ride or see a western show. Taste Tx food & enjoy Tx music. It's all at The Ft Worth Stockyards.
Isabel N
Miami, FL88 contributions
How many days should I plan on being here to be able to see all museums, auction and rodeo?
Jaimary194
36 contributions
yes, definitely two days , to see the museums , at 4pm the long horns and at nite go to bills ,is a most place to go, you will enjoy,
if you have time go to Maco to see joan shop and the silos is another great place to visit.
John&Diana
Charlotte, NC5 contributions
Is the cattle drive m-f only or is it also 2x daily for 7 days?
Tim V
Orlando, FL6 contributions
I believe once a day not sure about week ends.
GeorgiaTraveler006
Bonaire, GA31 contributions
What time is the cattle drive?
cindyp1980
Willow Park, TX58 contributions
1130am & 4pm
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Claim your listingFort Worth Stockyards National Historic District - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District:
- Half-Day Best of Fort Worth Historical Tour with Transportation from Dallas (From $85.92)
- Small-Group Dallas and Fort Worth City Sightseeing Tour (From $134.95)
- Half-Day Best of Fort Worth Historical Tour with Transportation from Dallas (From $85.92)
- Bikes and BBQ: Electric Bike Tour of Fort Worth (From $140.00)
- Fort Worth Highlights Tour (From $240.00)
- Hotels near Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District:
- (0.08 mi) Hyatt Place Fort Worth Historic Stockyards
- (0.11 mi) Stockyards Hotel
- (0.16 mi) Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection
- (0.19 mi) Courtyard By Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards
- (0.25 mi) SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards
- Restaurants near Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District:
- (0.08 mi) Riscky's Steakhouse
- (0.10 mi) Riscky's Barbeque
- (0.10 mi) Love Shack
- (0.12 mi) H3 Ranch
- (0.12 mi) Cattlemen's Fort Worth Steak House
- Attractions near Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District:
- (0.01 mi) Stockyards Museum
- (0.02 mi) Stockyards Visitors Center
- (0.02 mi) Livestock Exchange Building
- (0.04 mi) Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show
- (0.05 mi) Stockyards Rodeo