If you’re looking for a “Western” experience, the Fort Worth Stockyards is a fun destination! The stockyards are located in the historic district of Fort Worth filled with loads of different activities that will fill up your day. There is something to do for all ages, kids included! In this post, I am covering just 9 things you can do when visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas.
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9 Things to Do in the Fort Worth Stockyards
1. Watch the Daily Cattle Drive
The daily cattle drive in the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must-see for any visitor to the area. This twice-a-day event (11:30am and 4pm) takes visitors back in time to the days when Fort Worth was a major center for the cattle industry.
The cattle drive begins at the Stockyards Exchange Building, where the herd of Texas longhorns is gathered. The cowboys then lead the herd through the streets of the Stockyards, past shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can watch the drive from anywhere along the route, but the best spot is in front of the Exchange Building.
The cattle drive is a great way to experience a piece of Western history and culture. It is also a great opportunity to see some of the most iconic symbols of Texas, including the Texas longhorns and the cowboys who herd them. Make sure to arrive early to get a good spot!
2. Visit the World’s Largest Honkytonk
Billy Bob’s Texas is the world’s largest honky-tonk, and it is located right in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards. This iconic venue is known for its live music, dancing, and bull riding.
Billy Bob’s has a huge dance floor, and it is always packed with people dancing to the latest country music hits. The venue also has a large indoor rodeo arena, where you can catch a bull riding competition or another live event.
In addition to the music and bull riding, Billy Bob’s also has a variety of other attractions, including a restaurant, a general store, and an arcade. There is something for everyone at Billy Bob’s, making it a great place to spend a night out in Fort Worth.
3. Ride a Mechanical Bull
Riding a mechanical bull at the Fort Worth Stockyards is a rite of passage for any visitor to the city. It is a fun and challenging experience that will test your balance, coordination, and strength.
The mechanical bull at the Stockyards is located in front of the Stockyards Station. To ride the mechanical bull, you will need to purchase a ticket. You will also need to sign a waiver and wear a safety helmet. Once you are ready, the operator will help you onto the bull and start it up.
The bull will start to buck and spin, and your goal is to stay on as long as possible. Most people only last a few seconds on the mechanical bull, but some experienced riders can stay on for a minute or more. It is a lot of fun to watch people try to ride the bull, and it is even more fun to try it yourself.
If you are looking for a fun and challenging experience, then riding the mechanical bull at the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must-do. It is a great way to test your skills and have some laughs.
4. Go to the Rodeo
The Fort Worth Stockyards is one of the most iconic rodeo venues in the world. It has been hosting rodeos since the early 1900s, and it is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in Fort Worth.
If you are planning a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards, then you should definitely consider going to the rodeo. It is a great way to experience a piece of Western history and culture.
The rodeo takes place every Friday and Saturday night at the Cowtown Coliseum. The doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm.
The rodeo is a two-hour event that features a variety of events, including bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, and team roping. There is also a clown act and a musical performance.
5. Explore the John Wayne Museum
The John Wayne Museum at the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must-see for any fan of the Duke. This museum is dedicated to preserving the life and legacy of John Wayne, one of the most iconic actors of all time.
The museum is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, and it features a variety of exhibits that tell the story of John Wayne’s life and career. Visitors can see Wayne’s personal belongings, including his Academy Award, his Golden Globe awards, and his cowboy boots. They can also see costumes and props from his movies, as well as photographs and film clips.
The museum also features an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to learn about Wayne’s life and career through a variety of activities, including quizzes, games, and photo opportunities.
6. Shop for Souvenirs
Souvenir shopping at the Fort Worth Stockyards is a great way to experience the Western culture and history of the area. There are a variety of shops to choose from, selling everything from cowboy hats and boots to Texas-themed souvenirs and gifts.
Here are a few tips for souvenir shopping at the Fort Worth Stockyards:
- Start by browsing the shops in the Stockyards Exchange Building. This historic building is home to a variety of shops, including Cavender’s, The General Store & Trading Post, and Stockyards Trading Post.
- If you’re looking for cowboy hats and boots, head to Cavender’s. This Western wear and lifestyle store has a wide selection of hats, boots, jeans, and other Western apparel and accessories.
- If you’re looking for Texas-themed souvenirs and gifts, check out The General Store & Trading Post and Stockyards Trading Post. These shops sell a variety of items, including t-shirts, hats, mugs, and other gifts with Texas themes and sayings.
7. Watch the Legends of Texas Gun-Fight Reenactment
The Legends of Texas Gun-Fight Reenactment at the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must-see for any visitor to the area. This free event takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:45am and 4:15pm in front of Stockyards Station.
The reenactment tells the story of a gunfight that took place in the Fort Worth Stockyards in the late 1800s. The reenactors wear period-accurate costumes and use authentic firearms to recreate the gunfight.
The reenactment is a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. It is a great way to learn about the history of the Fort Worth Stockyards and the Wild West.
8. Stockyards Ghost Tour
The Stockyards Ghost Tour in Fort Worth is a must-do for any fan of the paranormal. This 90-minute walking tour takes you through the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Here you will learn about the many ghosts that are said to haunt the area.
The tour begins at the Cowtown Winery, where you will learn about the history of the Stockyards and reported hauntings. You will then visit some of the most haunted locations in the Stockyards, including the Stockyards Hotel, the Exchange Building, and Mule Alley.
Along the way, you will hear stories of cowboys who were killed in gunfights, gamblers who were cheated out of their money, and prostitutes who were murdered in their rooms. You will also learn about the many other ghosts that are said to haunt the Stockyards, including a mischievous ghost named Miss Molly and a mysterious ghost cowboy known as the Black Rider.
If you are looking for a fun and spooky experience, the Stockyards Ghost Tour is the perfect activity. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the Stockyards and ghosts said to haunt the area.
9. Have a Drink or Grab a Bite to Eat in Mule Alley
Mule Alley is a historic cobblestone street in the Fort Worth Stockyards. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, and it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Often there is live music. You can grab a bite to eat or a drink while enjoying the music.
Mule Alley was once a major center for the mule trade. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, mules were used to transport goods and people throughout the Stockyards. Mule Alley was where the mules were bought, sold, fed, and cared for.
Today, Mule Alley is a much different place. The mules are gone, but the cobblestone streets and historic buildings remain. Mule Alley is now a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to experience the Western culture and history of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
9 Things to Do When Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards
No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at the Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s a great place to experience a piece of the Wild West. As always, you can find me on Instagram @maddie_deer here, or can follow me on my Facebook page to be alerted of any new posts here. Thanks for reading!
