Without a doubt, the Fort Worth Stockyards is the most popular place to visit while you are in Fort Worth. Why? It is a taste of what Texas really was in the jolly old days when millions of cattle passed through the town, and cowboys reigned supreme.
It’s a place where you as a visitor can come see the beloved Texas Longhorns, a breed of cattle loved by Texans so much it became one of the symbols of the state. So, without further adieu, we bring you the top things to do while you are at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
1. Watch a rodeo or a Wild West show at the Cowtown Coliseum
If you’ve never been to a Wild West show, then be prepared for some very interesting and fun tricks from a collection of skilled cowboys. These cowboys are good at shooting, riding horses, and generally show you the full range of what cowboys in the old days used to do. The rodeos only happen on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and cost 17.50 USD for general admission.
Seats are not allocated, except for box seats, which cost 22.50 USD per person. The show lasts around two hours, so you’ll be done by 10 PM. Get to the stockyards early as parking can be a bit of a pain. Parking costs 5 USD per car, and it covers the whole day.
Alternatively, if you came to the Stockyards early in the day and can’t wait for the 8 PM show on Saturday, you can watch Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show. There are two shows throughout the day, one at 2:30 PM and the other at 4:30 PM. Each show lasts around an hour, and general admission tickets cost 15 USD.
The cowboys at these shows shoot at balloons in the air, they show you how to rope cattle, and also slice pieces of paper with a mean bullwhip. There is a raffle at the end of the show, wherein if you buy a 3 USD program, it enters you into a drawing to win kids’ cowboy boots. Even if you don’t win, the program is a great souvenir to keep!
2. See the longhorns in their pens and identify them from their photos
The longhorns in the stockyards are well cared for, and there is an elevated wooden platform that you can climb to see all the longhorns in their barn. It’s quite fun to see the longhorns interacting: eating, drinking, and walking around. It truly is fascinating trying to see them navigate their way through tight spaces with those horns (which grow up to 12 feet long, or 3.6 meters!) At the front of their enclosure, there is a big sign with photos of the longhorns as well as their names. See if you can identify them from their photos!
Everyday at 11:30 AM and 4 PM is the cattle drive, where the rangers shut the streets down, and pedestrians can stand on the sidewalks watching the cattle walk by. These creatures are so intelligent and well-behaved that you’ll want to have one for yourself.
You’ll find longhorns on the sidewalk at various times of the day. You’ll be able to ride on them for a photo for an additional fee, but they normally are calm and stay in their spot during the time that visitors can see them up close. It’s a good life to be a longhorn in these parts!
3. Shop and dine to your heart's delight!
There are a few restaurants in the area where you can get a BBQ sandwich, or a proper BBQ feast. You are in Texas, after all! Try Riscky’s BBQ for an affordable lunch or dinner meal without much of a queue. Once you’re full, pop in to the stores, and there are many of them, to pick up some Texas staples, such as cowboy boots, hats, and kitschy souvenirs, they’ve got them all! The selections are amazing, and you’ll probably end up with more souvenirs to bring home than what you intended.
Longhorns, Cowboys, and BBQ
The Fort Worth Stockyards is definitely an interesting place. On top of the top three things mentioned here, you can also do a cattlepen maze, visit horses in their pens, visit a museum to learn more about the history of the stockyards, and talk to some knowledgeable cowboys about caring for the longhorns. There is no shortage of BBQ to be had, as well as fun activities for kids, which makes the place very family-friendly. If you can spare a few hours or even a half-day, the stockyards are a unique and fun place to visit.
History
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