Fort Worth Stockyards
Step back in time at the Fort Worth Stockyards, a living history museum of the Old West with cattle drives, rodeos, and authentic cowboy charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cattle drive spectacle
Fort Worth Stockyards
Best Time
Cattle drive spectacle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the Fort Worth Stockyards, a living history museum of the Old West with cattle drives, rodeos, and authentic cowboy charm.
"The whole place feels like stepping into an old Western movie — wooden boardwalks, rustic buildings, and that lively cowboy energy everywhere."
🤠 Download the FWSY App
Your guide to shops, eats, and entertainment in the Stockyards. Essential for planning your day!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on historic wooden boardwalks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Daily Cattle Drive
East Exchange Avenue
Witness Texas Longhorns parade down the street twice daily – a true taste of the Old West!
Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Cowtown Coliseum
Experience the world's only year-round indoor rodeo, a thrilling display of cowboy skill.
Mule Alley
Exchange Avenue
Explore charming boutiques, artisan shops, and unique eateries in this beautifully restored area.
Cowboy Boot Margarita
Taco Heads Stockyards
Sip on a giant margarita served in a souvenir cowboy boot – a fun, photo-worthy treat!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Cattle Drive
Embrace the Tourist Vibe (and Prices!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤠 Download the FWSY App
Your guide to shops, eats, and entertainment in the Stockyards. Essential for planning your day!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on historic wooden boardwalks.
💰 Budget for Tourist Prices
Everything is priced for tourists, so factor that into your spending.
📸 Capture the Cowboy Boot Marg
Don't miss this iconic, Instagrammable drink from Taco Heads!
Tips
from all over the internet
🤠 Download the FWSY App
Your guide to shops, eats, and entertainment in the Stockyards. Essential for planning your day!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on historic wooden boardwalks.
💰 Budget for Tourist Prices
Everything is priced for tourists, so factor that into your spending.
📸 Capture the Cowboy Boot Marg
Don't miss this iconic, Instagrammable drink from Taco Heads!
🐴 Rodeo Tickets
Book rodeo tickets in advance, especially for weekend shows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the authentic Western atmosphere and the iconic cattle drive, finding the Stockyards a captivating step back in time. The variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options ensures a full day of exploration. However, some note that prices are on the higher side, typical for a tourist destination, and summer afternoons can be extremely hot.
"It is. Great experience for everyone to experience and enjoy. From food, vive, music and fun.
From the simple shops, hats, boots, crafts, cattle drive and rodeo in the coliseum.
Cobbled stone streets and festival grounds to walk and dance boot plus great restaurants and bars. Parking is plenty but pay about $25 but there are off streets options if you do not mind walking up the block and down."
Jose Vera
"As a destination, it's a very cool place. The buildings and atmosphere are truly amazing. The restaurants are great, and the buildings really look the part. But things are quite touristy; only a few shops have authentic feel to the western goods they sell. Most are of the t-shirts and trinkets variety, although there are boots galore and a fair array of hats for sale, and the tiniest bit of tack. One excellent furniture store. Terrific place to see urban "woo!" girls in shorts and boots falling out of their tops; it's easy to imagine this is a Bachelorette destination. Pricing varies from cheap tourist trash to woah, pardner, I left the Platinum card in my other pants. If like to have seen more local craftsmen but I think that's true for me everywhere I go. $30 to park ensures you don't just drop in for an hour, the place is a commitment best spread over the chunk of a day. Glad we went, hope my son takes his family some day, not sure I'll be back for a couple of decades but sure enjoyed it once."
Jeff Wagner
"The Fort Worth Stockyards are truly one of a kind — a living showcase of heritage and culture. From the historic cattle drives and Western traditions to the vibrant shopping, incredible food, lively breweries, and the striking statues of horses, the Stockyards offer an experience that blends history with modern charm.
Every visit feels special — whether exploring unique boutiques, enjoying authentic Texas cuisine and craft brews, admiring the iconic statues, or soaking in the festive atmosphere of music, décor, and celebrations. The Stockyards’ ability to preserve its rich past while creating a welcoming space for fun and discovery makes it a destination to remember.
This landmark is Fort Worth’s spirit with creativity and authenticity."
Ravi Singh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stockyards are located at 131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164. Driving is common, with parking available, though it can be busy. Ride-sharing services are also a convenient option.
Yes, the Trinity Metro bus system serves the Stockyards area, offering an affordable way to get there if you're coming from downtown Fort Worth. Check their schedule for routes and times.
The Stockyards are very walkable! Many visitors enjoy strolling along the wooden boardwalks. The Fort Worth Stockyards App can also help you find your way around.
Yes, there are several parking lots and street parking options. Valet parking is also available for convenience. Be prepared for potential fees, especially during peak times.
Absolutely! The Stockyards are a popular day trip from Dallas, about a 45-minute to an hour's drive away. Many visitors combine it with other Dallas attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general entry to the Stockyards district is free! You can wander the streets, see the cattle drive, and enjoy the atmosphere without a ticket.
Rodeo ticket prices typically start around $35 for adults and $15 for kids, but can vary. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and to book in advance.
Yes! The daily cattle drive is free to watch. Many shops and the general atmosphere are also free to enjoy.
The Stockyards are generally open daily, with shops and restaurants having their own hours. The cattle drive and rodeo have specific showtimes. It's best to check the official Stockyards website for the most up-to-date schedule.
There is a museum with a $2 admission fee, offering a glimpse into the history of the Stockyards.
🎫 🤠 Onsite Experience
It's a daily parade of Texas Longhorns down East Exchange Avenue, showcasing the area's ranching heritage. It happens twice a day, typically at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM.
Must-dos include watching the cattle drive, experiencing the rodeo, exploring Mule Alley's shops, and enjoying live music at the honky-tonks.
Yes! Besides the cattle drive and rodeo, there are often pony rides, a petting zoo, and horseback trail rides available.
Absolutely! The Stockyards are famous for their boot shops, offering a wide selection of styles and brands. Tecovas is a popular spot.
It feels like stepping back in time to the Old West! Expect wooden boardwalks, rustic buildings, cowboy hats, and a lively, authentic Texas atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find classic Texas BBQ at places like Riscky's and Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, along with Tex-Mex, burgers, and more.
Yes, the Stockyards have a great range of bars, from country and western saloons to honky-tonks with live music. Second Rodeo Brewing and Side Saddle Saloon are popular choices.
Yes, some establishments like Taco Heads offer to-go drinks, including their famous cowboy boot margaritas!
Riscky's BBQ, Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, and Taco Heads are frequently recommended for their delicious food and authentic atmosphere.
As with most things in the Stockyards, expect tourist pricing for food and drinks. However, the quality and experience are generally well-regarded.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic cattle drive, the rustic architecture of Mule Alley, the historic Cowtown Coliseum, and of course, that cowboy boot margarita!
Yes, but it can get crowded. Arrive early to secure a good vantage point. The cattle drive itself is a fantastic photo opportunity.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for capturing the historic buildings and atmosphere. Midday can be harsh due to the Texas sun.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private businesses and individuals. Some indoor venues might have specific rules.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide shots of the streetscape and details. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also excellent for capturing the evening ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the longhorns, look for pony rides, a petting zoo, and horseback trail rides which are often available and perfect for younger visitors. Many of the shops offer fun souvenirs, and the overall atmosphere is engaging. Consider visiting the small museum for a nominal fee to add an educational layer. Just be prepared for the Texas heat in summer and ensure everyone stays hydrated.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save on impulse buys. For a very affordable meal, consider grabbing a quick bite from a more casual eatery or looking for daily specials. The $2 museum admission is a budget-friendly way to learn about the area's history. If you're looking for entertainment, the free cattle drive is the main event. While the rodeo has a cost, enjoying the live music in some of the saloons might be a more budget-friendly evening option, though cover charges can apply.
couples
For a fun date, catch the Stockyards Championship Rodeo for some thrilling entertainment, or simply enjoy live country music at one of the many saloons. Consider a cowboy boot margarita from Taco Heads for a playful shared drink, or enjoy a delicious Texas BBQ dinner at Riscky's or Cooper's.
The evening atmosphere, with its twinkling lights and lively music, creates a memorable setting for a date night. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Cattle Drive
Visitors can witness this spectacle from the sidewalks, but arriving early is key to securing a good viewing spot, especially during busy periods. The sheer size and presence of these magnificent animals against the backdrop of historic Western architecture make for an unforgettable sight. Beyond the main drive, you can often see the longhorns in their pens, offering a closer look. This living history demonstration is a major draw for families and anyone interested in the cowboy culture of Texas. It's a powerful reminder of the region's past and a truly unique attraction that sets the Stockyards apart.
Rodeo and Western Entertainment
Beyond the rodeo, the Stockyards often feature live music in its numerous saloons and honky-tonks. Venues like Second Rodeo Brewing and Side Saddle Saloon provide a lively atmosphere with local bands playing country and Western tunes.
This blend of organized events and spontaneous entertainment ensures there's always something happening, from afternoon strolls to late-night revelry. Shopping and Dining Delights
Shops like Tecovas are renowned for their high-quality boots, while numerous other boutiques offer artisan crafts and Texas-themed merchandise. When it comes to food, prepare for a culinary journey through Texas flavors. Classic Texas BBQ is a must-try, with establishments like Riscky's BBQ and Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que serving up smoky, tender meats.
For a taste of Mexico with a Western twist, Taco Heads offers delicious Tex-Mex and their famous cowboy boot margaritas. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit