An impressive facade leads to an educational experience.
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Livestock Exchange Building

4.6
·165 reviews·Fort Worth, United States

Historic 'Wall Street of the West' and vibrant artist hub, famous for its daily cattle drive and iconic architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, 11:30 AM & 4 PM

Cattle drive shows

CrowdMedium
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An impressive facade leads to an educational experience.

Livestock Exchange Building

Best Time

Daily, 11:30 AM & 4 PM

Cattle drive shows

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 'Wall Street of the West' and vibrant artist hub, famous for its daily cattle drive and iconic architecture.

4.6
(165 reviews)

"It felt like I was in a movie, completely westerned out!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Cattle Drive

Get a good viewing spot for the cattle drive by arriving at least 30 minutes prior.

🏛️ Explore the Building's History

Don't just see the cattle; explore the historic Livestock Exchange Building's architecture and studios.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive

Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive

Behind the Livestock Exchange Building

Witness a daily cattle drive, a quintessential Texas experience steeped in history and western charm.

Historic Livestock Exchange Building

Historic Livestock Exchange Building

Fort Worth Stockyards

Step back in time in this iconic 1902 building, once the heart of the cattle industry.

Artist Studios & Open Houses

Artist Studios & Open Houses

Inside the Livestock Exchange Building

Discover unique artisan studios and galleries, often hosting open house events.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Cattle Drive

The iconic Fort Worth Herd cattle drive is a must-see, but check the schedule! Shows are typically daily at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM, though times can vary seasonally. Arrive early for a good spot, especially for the 4 PM show, as it gets crowded. InstagramReddit

Beyond the Cattle: Explore the Exchange

The Livestock Exchange Building itself is a historic gem, once the 'Wall Street of the West.' Explore its architecture and the studios within. It's a great spot for photos and to soak in the authentic Texas vibe. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Daily, 11:30 AM & 4 PM
Why
Cattle drive shows
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More studios open
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yeehaw, Dr. Webber in the building!!! #fortworthtexas #fortworthrodeo #fortworthstockyards #stockyards #dfw #greysanatomy #greysabc #drwebber #rodeo #bullriding
@elopewithcori
355.6K likes • 2.7M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Cattle Drive

Get a good viewing spot for the cattle drive by arriving at least 30 minutes prior. InstagramReddit

🏛️ Explore the Building's History

Don't just see the cattle; explore the historic Livestock Exchange Building's architecture and studios. InstagramReddit

Style an outfit to go out at the stock yards in fort worth #OOTD #outfit #outfitinspo #outfitideas #western #westernfashion #cowboyboots #country #countrymusic #countryconcert #texas
@delareilley
234K likes • 2.5M views
Fort Worth Herd steers are always on display when not performing during the cattle drive they can be seen at the observation deck or their barn behind the Livestock Exchange Building.
fortworthherd
452 likes • 4K views

🎨 Check Studio Open House Dates

Many artists open their studios in the building on weekends. Check schedules! Instagram+1

🤠 Embrace the Western Vibe

Dress in western attire for fun photos and to blend in with the Stockyards' atmosphere. Instagram

🏛️ Our Pre-TNE Stockyards series continues with one of the most iconic landmarks in Fort Worth — the Historic Livestock Exchange Building. Built in 1902, this “Wall Street of the West” was once the hub of the thriving cattle industry, serving as the offices for livestock commission firms and the Stockyards Company. At its peak, thousands of head of cattle were bought and sold here daily, with the...
chicotsky
21 likes • 906 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Cattle Drive

Get a good viewing spot for the cattle drive by arriving at least 30 minutes prior. InstagramReddit

🏛️ Explore the Building's History

Don't just see the cattle; explore the historic Livestock Exchange Building's architecture and studios. InstagramReddit

🎨 Check Studio Open House Dates

Many artists open their studios in the building on weekends. Check schedules! Instagram+1

🤠 Embrace the Western Vibe

Dress in western attire for fun photos and to blend in with the Stockyards' atmosphere. Instagram

💰 Free Activities Abound

Enjoy the cattle drive and exploring the Stockyards for free; some attractions have fees. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(165 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the authentic western experience, particularly the daily cattle drive and the historic charm of the Livestock Exchange Building. The building's architecture and the vibrant artist studios are frequently praised, creating an immersive atmosphere. While some find the cattle drive brief, the overall vibe and historical significance make it a highly recommended Texas destination.

"Amazing experience!! Lovely longhorn showing at 11am & 4pm daily with some history of the city. Amazing food (recommend brisket sandwich). Love how the stock yards are completely westerned out! It felt like I was in a movie. Plus a cute petting zoo and cool maze."

April Hernandez

"What a fun time. We got to see the longhorn cattle drive, which is always fun. There's plenty of parking and plenty of things to do that don't cost anything. The big disappointment was Billy Bob's. They wanted 4$ just to come in and look around. There wasn't any live music or anything going on. It was a cover charge to go in and see the store."

Sunshine

"I’d visited years back but this time it seemed nicer, cleaner and much more sophisticated. There’s a small skating rink, (Christmas time) lots of photo ops, The vibe is definitely that of a Texas tourist must see spot. Everyone is dressed in western, cowboy attire. The longhorns show is nice but it only lasts like 5 minutes. The guy before the show who is hard to understand over the microphone talks longer. Get there early to get a “front row” spot. We stayed for the 4 pm show and it was very full and crowded. Over all good vibe, family friendly during the day. We left but I could tell the night life was getting very lively. We ate at Rick’s barbecue, the all you can eat ribs were delicious!"

Jeanette Garza

What People Like

Authentic western atmosphere
Historic Livestock Exchange Building
Daily cattle drive

What People Dislike

Cattle drive can be brief
Cover charges at some venues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Livestock Exchange Building is located in the Fort Worth Stockyards. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available nearby. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are often recommended. Instagram

Yes, there is plenty of parking available in the Fort Worth Stockyards area, though it can fill up quickly during peak times, especially on weekends. Reddit

Absolutely! The Livestock Exchange Building is a central part of the Stockyards, and you can easily walk to it from other attractions like the petting zoo or shops. Reddit

The Stockyards are very walkable. You can explore on foot to see the Livestock Exchange Building, the cattle drive route, and various shops and restaurants. Instagram

While walking is the primary mode of transport, you might find horse-drawn carriage rides or other novelty transport options available in the Stockyards area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Livestock Exchange Building itself is generally free. You can walk through and admire its architecture. However, some specific events or studios within might have separate admission fees. Instagram

Watching the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive is free! It's one of the main attractions in the Stockyards. InstagramReddit

Most artist studios are free to enter and browse. However, some may host special ticketed events or workshops. It's best to check individual studio schedules. Instagram+1

The building itself is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, individual businesses and studios within will have their own operating hours, often extending into the evening on weekends. Instagram+1

Yes, Billy Bob's Texas sometimes has a cover charge, even just to enter and look around, especially if there's no live music. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture of the Livestock Exchange Building offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the hallways and studio spaces can also be very photogenic. Don't forget the cattle drive for dynamic shots! Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the cattle drive, but be mindful of other visitors and the handlers. Get your shots quickly as it's a moving event. Instagram

While general photography is usually permitted, it's always a good idea to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside private artist studios. Instagram+1

The golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the building. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing the bustling atmosphere. Instagram

You can get great photos of the longhorns during the cattle drive. For closer, more posed shots, you might find opportunities with handlers or at specific viewing areas. Instagram+1

🎫 🤠 Onsite Experience

You can admire the historic architecture, visit numerous artist studios and galleries, and witness the daily cattle drive that passes by. It's a hub of culture and history. Instagram+1

The Fort Worth Herd cattle drive features longhorn cattle being herded down the street by real cowboys, offering a glimpse into the area's ranching heritage. Instagram

Yes, the Fort Worth Stockyards are filled with restaurants offering everything from barbecue to Tex-Mex. Rick's Barbecue and brisket sandwiches are recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! The Stockyards, including the Livestock Exchange Building and cattle drive, are very family-friendly during the day. InstagramReddit

You'll find a variety of western wear shops, souvenir stores, artisan boutiques, and art galleries throughout the Stockyards. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Livestock Exchange Building and the surrounding Fort Worth Stockyards are a fantastic destination for families. Kids will be captivated by the daily cattle drive, a real-life western spectacle. The Stockyards also often feature a petting zoo and a maze, adding to the fun. Reddit

Exploring the historic Livestock Exchange Building itself can be an adventure, with its grand architecture. Many of the artist studios are also engaging for children, offering a chance to see different crafts being made. The overall western theme of the Stockyards makes for a memorable and educational outing for all ages. InstagramReddit

🤠 Cowboy Enthusiasts & History Buffs

For those who love all things western, the Livestock Exchange Building is a pilgrimage site. As the former 'Wall Street of the West,' it offers a tangible connection to the golden age of cattle trading. Immerse yourself in the history by exploring the building's architecture and imagining the bustling trade that once took place here. Instagram

The cattle drive is a must-see, providing an authentic reenactment of historical ranching practices. Beyond the building, the entire Stockyards district is a living museum, with western wear shops, saloons, and a pervasive cowboy culture that will transport you back in time. InstagramReddit

🎨 Art Lovers & Shoppers

The Livestock Exchange Building is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. Numerous artist studios and galleries are housed within its historic walls, showcasing a wide array of local talent. You can browse unique paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more, often directly from the creators. Instagram+2

Keep an eye out for weekend open house events, where multiple studios open their doors, offering a chance to discover new artists and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts. It's a perfect opportunity to support local artisans and take home a piece of Fort Worth's creative spirit. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Livestock Exchange Building

The Livestock Exchange Building in Fort Worth, Texas, is a landmark steeped in history, often referred to as the 'Wall Street of the West.' Constructed in 1902, it served as the central hub for the region's booming cattle industry. This grand structure housed offices for livestock commission firms, stockyards companies, and telegraph services, facilitating the trade of thousands of head of cattle daily at its peak. Its architecture reflects the era's prosperity and the importance of the livestock market to the city's economy. Instagram

Today, the building has been revitalized, preserving its historical significance while adapting to modern uses. It now hosts a vibrant community of artist studios, galleries, and small businesses. This transformation allows visitors to experience both the building's rich past and its dynamic present, offering a unique blend of history, art, and culture. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of Fort Worth's western heritage. Instagram+2

Experiencing the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive

The Fort Worth Herd cattle drive is a daily spectacle that brings the historic Stockyards to life. Led by real cowboys, a herd of Texas longhorns makes its way down Exchange Avenue, offering a captivating glimpse into the region's ranching past. This event is a highlight for many visitors, providing a unique and memorable experience. Instagram

Shows typically occur twice daily, at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM, though it's always wise to check the official schedule as times can vary seasonally. For the best viewing experience, especially for the afternoon drive, it's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot along the route. The area behind the Livestock Exchange Building is a prime location to witness this iconic event. InstagramReddit

While the drive itself is brief, the atmosphere surrounding it is electric. Visitors often describe the experience as feeling like they've stepped onto a movie set, fully immersed in the western charm of Fort Worth. It’s a fantastic opportunity for photos and to soak in the authentic Texas culture. Reddit

Art and Artisans in the Exchange Building

The Livestock Exchange Building is more than just a historical monument; it's a thriving creative hub. Many of its suites have been transformed into artist studios and galleries, showcasing a diverse range of talents from painters and sculptors to jewelers and metalsmiths. These spaces offer a unique opportunity to meet local artists, see their work in progress, and even purchase one-of-a-kind pieces. Instagram+2

Several artists and studios within the building frequently host open house events, particularly on weekends. These events are a fantastic way to explore multiple studios in one visit, often with opportunities to chat with the creators and learn about their craft. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding these open studios, as they provide an intimate look into the local art scene and are a great way to support independent artists. Instagram+1

Visiting these studios offers a more personal and engaging experience than a traditional gallery. It’s a chance to discover hidden gems and connect with the creative spirit of Fort Worth. The blend of historic architecture and contemporary art makes the Livestock Exchange Building a truly special destination. Instagram

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