Tucked into the heart of North Texas, the Fort Worth Stockyards are a living monument to America’s cowboy past and a thriving cultural destination in the present.
Once the final “civilized” outpost on the famous Chisholm Trail and one of the largest livestock-trading centers in the country, the Fort Worth Stockyards has blossomed from a sleepy tourism stop to a vibrant hub. It draws 9 million visitors annually to 46 bars and restaurants, 54 shops, and 20+ attractions spread across 98 historic acres.
“The Fort Worth Stockyards is anything but an Old West ghost town,” said an executive who oversaw the redevelopment of the area starting in 2014.
About $250 million was spent in the first phase, including turning World War I-era mule barns into a mixed-use shopping and restaurant destination and the construction of the luxury Hotel Drover.
“The first phase went so well that I think, like everyone else, we’re eager to see what happens next,” former Fort Worth City Council member Sal Espino said. “We all have a stake in the Stockyards, and we want its heritage to continue long after we’ve gone.”
Already ranked as one of the top 5 places to visit in Texas, the Fort Worth Stockyards are about to get bigger and better with a $630 million second round of redevelopment. This will include 300,000 square feet of commercial space, 500 more hotel rooms, a 295-unit multifamily property, and 1,300 below-grade parking spaces across parking garages for the Cowtown Coliseum and the Fort Worth Herd. (Fun Fact: the Fort Worth Herd is the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive with longhorns roaming down East Exchange in the Stockyards at 11:30 AM and 4 PM!)
From Livestock Empire to Historic Landmark
The Fort Worth Stockyards owes its origin to westward expansion and the cattle drives of the 19th century. Founded in 1849 as an Army outpost at the fork of the Trinity River, Fort Worth quickly became a key stop on the legendary Chisholm Trail, the route used to drive millions of cattle north to Kansas railheads.
“Texans started calling Fort Worth ‘Cowtown’ soon after the Civil War, when drovers began herding cattle from South Texas … stopping in Fort Worth for supplies,” says the Texas State Historical Association.
The arrival of the Texas & Pacific Railway in 1876 supercharged the area’s growth, turning Fort Worth into a livestock-shipping powerhouse. By 1886, four stockyards had been built near the railroads, and in 1889 the 258-acre Union Stock Yards opened north of the Trinity River.
By 1905, the Fort Worth market had grown to fifth in the nation. In 1906, the calf market at Fort Worth ranked second only to Chicago. The stockyards reached their commercial peak during World War II, with 5 million cattle passing through the pens in 1944.
Changing transportation and meatpacking practices began to erode the Stockyards' dominance. Rather than letting the historic district fade into obscurity, local preservationists and civic leaders stepped in. In 1976, the area was added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving 46 original buildings. From this foundation, the Stockyards began their transformation into a cultural hub.
A Visitor Magnet with Texas-Size Appeal
Today, the Fort Worth Stockyards welcomes approximately 9 million visitors annually, up from just 3 million in 2018.
“Once home to cowboys, cattlemen, and outlaws, today the Stockyards National Historic District is one of the most popular attractions in Texas,” says Visit Fort Worth. “Visitors come to the Stockyards to get a taste of the true American West. Begin your journey on Exchange Avenue, where the weathered brick streets are lined with historic buildings, restaurants, shops, saloons, and other attractions.”
Top Things to See and Do
Twice-Daily Cattle Drives
Few attractions offer the spectacle and symbolism of the Fort Worth Herd longhorn cattle drives, which take place daily at 11:30 AM and 4 PM. Cowboys in period attire drive real Texas longhorns through Exchange Avenue, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century cowboy life.
Cowtown Coliseum
Built in 1908, the Cowtown Coliseum hosted the world’s first indoor rodeo and still brings that energy today. The historic building hosts the world’s only year-round rodeo, with the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, held every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 PM. On Thursdays, catch the PBR Stockyards Showcase at 7:30 PM.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
Located in the 1912 Horse and Mule Barn, this museum honors 160 legendary cowboys and cowgirls and showcases historic wagons and Western memorabilia. It’s a must-see for fans of rodeo, ranching, and frontier heritage. (Note: temporarily closed for renovations in the summer of 2025.)
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Travelers can enjoy a scenic journey between Grapevine and the Stockyards aboard 1920s-era coaches. The train ride offers a family-friendly way to experience the area’s natural beauty and historic charm. The coaches are pulled by “Puffy,” an 1896 locomotive, and a 1953 diesel engine.
Billy Bob’s Texas
No visit is complete without stepping into Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk. Spanning over 100,000 square feet, it features live country music, dance floors, bull riding, and more. The venue has hosted legends such as Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, and more!
Dining and Shopping
From cowboy boots and Stetsons to high-end boutiques, the Stockyards’ shops cater to all tastes. Dining options range from BBQ joints and burger saloons to upscale experiences. Billy Bob’s is just one of 27 establishments in the stockyards where a cowboy can get a drink and catch live acts, including notable spots such as the Thirsty Armadillo, White Elephant Saloon, Filthy McNasty’s Saloon, and Sidesaddle Saloon. Meal options range from Cattleman’s Steakhouse to Caterina’s Ristorante.
Museums and Historical Tours
The Stockyards Museum, run by the North Fort Worth Historical Society, along with historic walking tours, immerses guests in the stories of the people and industries that shaped Fort Worth. Look for landmarks like the Livestock Exchange Building and the "Bulldogger" monument honoring steer-wrestling pioneer Bill Pickett. For spooky fun, check out the Fort Worth Stockyards Ghost Tour on Thursday and Saturday evenings.
Special Events and Festivals
Major annual events draw crowds to the Stockyards, such as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo(January-February), Fort Worth Music Festival (February-March), National Day of the American Cowboy (July), and Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival (October).
A Living Legacy
At the Fort Worth Stockyards, the past isn’t something you observe from behind glass in a dusty museum — it’s something you walk through, ride beside, and dance to. Whether you come for the rodeo, the longhorns, the live music, or the authentic Western vibe, the Stockyards delivers an unforgettable Texas experience.
