Here is how to have a perfect day at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Head to the FW Stockyards Station when you’re looking for a place to go in Fort Worth with everything from great restaurants, shopping of all kinds, wine, beer, cowboys, bull riding, and plenty of live entertainment. Here is how to spend a day with friends at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
A Day At The Fort Worth Stockyards
Whenever friends come to town for the first time and ask me where they should go, I always say the Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s the perfect place to show off what Fort Worth is all about, and there’s so much to do in this Fort Worth area.
Related: BEST Family Dining And Destinations in Fort Worth
What To Do At The Fort Worth Stockyards
Here is what the girls and I did at our first group meeting. There’s plenty to do to keep yourself busy, but we only met for half the day. I’m mentioning other things that can be done in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards any day since it’s open all week, including Sundays. And, if you come at the right time, you may be able to catch a Stockyards championship rodeo. These are always fun to watch. I love the trick roping part of the show. It’s always amazing to me how they do that!
We met at the Biscuit Bar in Mule Alley of the Stockyards. You’ve got to try the Biscuit Bar – it’s one of the newest places to eat. Whether you’re there for breakfast or lunch, everything is served on big, flaky, buttery biscuits.
Where To Park At The Fort Worth Stockyards
First things first – parking! Parking is free in Mule Alley if you can find a spot. There are few parking places, and getting there early in the day is probably the only way to get a spot. Parking is free along the streets, but paid parking is available at the end of E. Exchange Ave and Main Street if you can’t find a spot.
The Cowtown Winery
Next stop – Cowtown Winery. If it weren’t so early, I would have had a glass! They offer wine by the glass, wine tastings, and wine to-go. Happy hour is 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.; all glasses of wine are $6, plus live music on the weekend.
Pro Tip: They also offer a 90-minute walking ghost tour through the Stockyards. I would love to do a ghost tour.
Check Out The Cattle Herd Experience On East Exchange Avenue
A must-see! The daily Longhorn cattle drive happens at 11:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. Traffic stops, and spectators stand on both sides of the street to wait for the cattle herd to come through, with real cowboys steering them down the road. The daily cattle drive is a site to see, especially if you’ve never seen longhorn cattle. Afterward, and if and only if you want to taste the cattle, check out the livestock exchange building and the stockyard stables; you’ll get a whiff!
Shopping On East Exchange Avenue
There are a couple of shops near Cowtown Winery and many more down the street. I could have spent the whole day shopping at all the boutiques. Almost everything is on the east side of Exchange Avenue and Main Street and across Main Street.
Shop after shop that offers everything Texas, western wear, and Fort Worth souvenirs at the General Store is a must-visit. Also, the famous boot store – M.L. Leddy, is in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards – so don’t skip that. Some stores on West Exchange Avenue have been in the same spot for years.
Restaurants In The Fort Worth Stockyards
Biscuit Bar
We met at the Biscuit Bar in Mule Alley of the Stockyards. You’ve got to try the Biscuit Bar. Whether you’re there for breakfast or lunch, everything is served on big, flaky, buttery biscuits.
• H3 Ranch
• Cattlemen’s
Both are great steak places, you can’t go wrong with either one.
• Riscky’s BBQ
Probably the best barbeque in town …but don’t take my word for it, try it!
Billy Bob’s Texas
We didn’t go this time, but for you, spending your time in the stockyards must consist of visiting this famous attraction.
Billy Bob’s Texas is open during the day, but it can get a little crazy with country-western music and bands playing if you’re around on a Saturday night. I remember when Willie Nelson played there –he was and still is one of the best country singers.
And if time allows, head down the street to another fun and famous place to play —The White Elephant Saloon. And don’t forget to bring along your cowboy hat!
Where To Stay In The Fort Worth Stockyards
If you’re looking to stay for the night in the stockyards, the Stockyards Hotel is next door to the H3 Restaurant, or you can opt to stay at the hotel in Mule Alley called Hotel Drover. Either way, a fun time is what you can expect.
If you’re still in the mood to see more of Fort Worth, head for downtown Fort Worth and hang out in Sundance Square. There’s plenty of shopping there as well.
They dared me to hop in – so I did, then Chastity hopped on. Cute, uh?
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the Texas Cowboy Hall Of Fame, it has moved. It’s now closer to Billy Bob’s at 2515 Rodeo Plaza.
If you have come this far, you might be interested in my other website – Texas Travel Talk. This site is all about Texas vacations and the Texas community.