Stepping into the Fort Worth Stockyards is like stepping back in Texas history, complete with cowboys and cowgirls, cattle drives, and all. After visiting the Stockyards several times, I've created the ultimate one-day itinerary to help you explore this historic district.
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A Brief History
The Fort Worth Stockyards hold a significant place in Texas history. They were built during an era when Fort Worth emerged as a crucial hub for the cattle industry.
Established in the late 1800s, the Stockyards became a vital crossroads for ranchers driving cattle northward along the Chisholm Trail. Approximately 4 million cattle moved through Fort Worth between 1866 and 1890. By the early 20th century, it was one of America's largest livestock markets, solidifying Fort Worth's nickname as "Cowtown."
Today, the Stockyards is recognized as a National Historic District, preserving original architecture and the spirit of Texas's cattle-driving past. The area connects to the state's ranching heritage, combining working historical exhibits with contemporary attractions.
Activities and Attractions
I've organized my recommendations into a day-long itinerary, encouraging you to choose where to spend your time. For first-time visitors, there's a lot to see and do. However, the 15 square blocks that make up the historic Stockyards are not quite as large as they seem.
I learned this on my second visit when I spent three nights at the Hotel Drover, a Western-themed luxury hotel in the neighborhood. Spending at least one night in the Stockyards is a worthy convenience if you plan to stay out late.
11:30 a.m. - Longhorn Cattle Drive
Begin your day at the Stockyards with the world's only twice-daily cattle drive (11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Watching the Fort Worth Herd mosey down East Exchange Avenue is a must for every visitor.
Fully-grown steers can weigh 1,200 to 1,500 pounds, stand six feet tall at the shoulders, and have horns that span eight feet. Drovers on horseback lead the procession, which lasts about 10 minutes. The name "drover" applies to professionals who drive livestock, especially cattle, over long distances.
If you miss the 17 longhorns on one of their daily walks or want a second look, they can be seen from a viewing deck above their pens behind the Livestock Exchange Building.
Noon - Brunch or Lunch
After the cattle drive, pick a place for lunch (or brunch on the weekends). The Biscuit Bar is a family-owned, counter-service restaurant in Mule Alley that serves biscuit sandwiches. Pub grub-like wings, smash burgers, and nachos are available at Second Rodeo Brewing.
Check out 97 West Kitchen & Bar at the Drover Hotel for a more substantial meal. Their sweet and spicy bacon with jalapeño cornbread is a sight, and they have a lovely outdoor patio overlooking Marine Creek. I'll share steakhouse options under my dinner suggestions.
1 p.m. - Shop for Western Wear
Work off your meal by window-shopping for Western wear. Shopping was last on my list of things to do in the Fort Worth Stockyards until I walked into the Lucchese Bootmaker store out of curiosity.
Inside, this New Yorker browsed cowboy footwear for the first time, ultimately trying on a pair of comfortable brown buffalo leather boots. I walked out of the Lucchese shop with them on my feet and have enjoyed wearing them every winter since.
Additional shops in the Stockyards include Maverick Fine Western Wear (which has a saloon inside), M.L. Leddy's Boots & Saddlery, Ariat Brand Shop, and the King Ranch Saddle Shop.
2 p.m. - Hit the Museums
Mid-afternoon is an excellent time to visit some of the museums. Begin with the Stockyards Museum in the Livestock Exchange Building, which was once known as "The Wall Street of the West." The nominal $2 admission allows you to learn about the history of the Stockyards through exhibits, old photos, and artifacts.
Fans of Western cinema should check out John Wayne: An American Experience. The museum traces the famous actor's career and includes 400 pieces of memorabilia. Admission is $22.95 for adults.
The Fort Worth Stockyards is also home to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Admission is $5. However, as of spring 2025, it's temporarily closed.
Escape Cowtown Cattlepen Maze
For the adventurous (and non-claustrophobic), you can pay $8 to try solving the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze. This 5,400-square-foot wooden labyrinth, designed to resemble cattle pens, is located at the east end of East Exchange Avenue.
4 p.m. Hang Out at Hotel Drover
For fantastic people-watching, head to the Hotel Drover's lobby/lounge late in the afternoon. Check-in is at 4 p.m., and many guests arrive dressed in their finest boots and hats for a fun night in the Stockyards.
The spacious two-story lounge comprises an eclectic collection of leather sofas, sheepskin chairs, and wooden furniture. There's even a decorative display of cowboy hats.
Drinks are available from a small indoor bar. If the weather's nice, check out the covered patio bar. Outdoor seating is available throughout the hotel's backyard, though the pool and hot tub require a room key.
5 p.m. Bar Crawl
Happy hour is a good time to check out some of the Stockyards' drinking establishments. Begin at Second Rodeo Brewing in Mule Alley. This open-air beer garden has plenty of seating, live music, craft beer on tap, and bar food.
Around the corner on East Exchange Avenue is Fort Worth's oldest bar, The White Elephant Saloon, which opened in 1884. It was initially located in a disreputable part of Fort Worth known as Hell's Half Acre, where cowboys would go to drink and gamble between jobs.
Despite closing during Prohibition, the White Elephant Saloon was revived and relocated to the Stockyards in 1970. Chef Tim Love currently runs it. The Saloon has been used to film scenes for popular TV shows, including Walker, Texas Ranger, and 1883, Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone prequel.
Another popular tourist drinking spot is Joe T. Garcia's, a Tex-Mex restaurant a few blocks south of the Stockyards (within walking distance). It has a huge outdoor patio and is best experienced with a margarita on a warm day.
Be forewarned: The food menu is limited and gets mixed reviews. At peak times, it can take one hour or longer to be seated, and Joe T. Garcia's only takes cash (no debit or credit cards).
6 p.m. Dinner
After a drink or two, it's time for dinner. One of my favorite places to eat in Fort Worth is Lonesome Dove. Chef Tim Love's first restaurant serves Southwestern cuisine, including steaks and wild game, and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. The warm ancho chile chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream is not to be missed.
Additional steak places include H3 Ranch at the historic Stockyards Hotel, 97 West Kitchen & Bar, Cattlemen's Steak House, and Provender Hall.
See also: Goldee's BBQ in Fort Worth
7:30 p.m. - Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Attending the rodeo is one of the most exciting things to do at the Stockyards. The 2,400-seat Cowtown Coliseum was built in 1908 and hosted the world's first indoor rodeo.
Today, it's the world's only year-round indoor rodeo, with competitions scheduled every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office in front of the stadium.
Being from Texas, Kel had been to rodeos before, but I was overdue after nine years of living in Austin. We attended a Friday night rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum during our 2025 trip to Fort Worth, and it was quite a spectacle. The cowboys were introduced with pyrotechnics, and a cowgirl rode out with the U.S. flag under a spotlight for the national anthem.
The Stockyards Championship Rodeo, sponsored by Pendleton Whisky, typically lasts two hours and runs through a series of timed competitions:
- Bull Riding (1st Section, men)
- Tie-Down Roping (men)
- Breakaway Roping (women)
- Saddle Bronc Riding (men)
- Ladies Barrel Racing
- Ranch Saddle Bronc Riding (men)
- Bareback Riding (men)
- Team Roping (men)
- Bull Riding (2nd Section, men)
Each event showcases different skills. I must admit I found it hard to watch the cowboys riding the bulls and broncs (horses), especially when thrown off to the ground.
I much preferred the less violent roping and barrel racing events. Still, attending my first rodeo was another Texas tradition I can now say I've experienced.
10 p.m. - Two-Stepping at Billy Bob's
End your day at the Fort Worth Stockyards inside Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky tonk. The cavernous club hosts country singers, free dance classes, and even bull riding by pro and semi-pro athletes. Of course, if you want to drink a beer and shoot some pool, those are options, too!
On my first visit to the Stockyards, Kel and I took to the dance floor for a song or two, though I could've used one of those free lessons. Even if you're a wallflower, sitting and watching the regulars twirl their partners around the Texas-sized dance floor is fun.
Over the last 25 years, many famous musicians have played Billy Bob's Texas and left their handprints behind. Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and LeAnn Rimes are some well-known names.
Whether you're brand-new to the Stockyards or you've wandered these streets before, a day here is pure Texas—think cold beer, scuffed boots, and rodeo thrills. Longhorns roam, music spills from bars, and you're living the Wild West for a moment rather than just hearing about it.
