How To Spend A Day At The Fort Worth Stockyards

Head to the FW Stockyards Station when you’re looking for a place to go in Fort Worth that has 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 at the Fort Worth Stockyards with friends.

Here is how to have a perfect day at the Fort Worth Stockyards.

So, I became the Wanderful Director of the Fort Worth Chapter before the pandemic hit, and when it hit us, it hit hard. Everything stopped, and so did our first chance to get together for the first time. Months past and with our CEO’s blessing, I finally had our first meeting at the Fort Worth Stockyards. There were only four of us who met, but we took the time to walk around the stockyards and watch the cattle drive.

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.

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Spend The Perfect Day 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 all day, 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 of the week since it’s open all week long, 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!

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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 not too many places to park there, and getting there early in the day is probably the only way you’ll get a spot. Parking is free along the streets, but paid parking is available at the end of E. Exchange Ave and on Main Street if you can’t find a spot.

The Cowtown Winery

Next stop, the Cowtown Winery, also in Mule Alley. 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 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., and 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 street. The daily cattle drive is a site to see, especially if you’ve never seen longhorn cattle. Afterward, and if and only if you really want to get a taste of the cattle, check out the livestock exchange building and the Stockyards stables; you’ll for sure get a whiff or two!

Shopping On East Exchange Avenue

MB Mercantile Supply is next door to the Cowtown Winery and has all kinds of cute stuff. I could have spent the whole day just in this store—everything from home decor to edibles to nostalgic items that reminded me of my childhood. 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, Fort Worth souvenir 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

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. H3 Ranch is a great steak place, but so is Cattlemen’s. You can’t go wrong with either one. Riscky’s BBQ is probably the best there is, 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 opened during the day, but if you’re around on a Saturday night – it can get a little crazy with country-western music and bands playing. I remember when Willie Nelson used to play there –he was and still is one of the best country singers around. 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!

If you’re looking to stay for the night in the stockyards, the Stockyards Hotel is right next door to the H3 Restaurant, or you can opt to stay at a brand-new 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.