If you’re looking for a true Wild West experience, then you need to head to Dallas, Texas. This vibrant and bustling city is home to some of the best western attractions in the United States. With plenty of things to do and places to explore, there’s something for everyone. From historic sites and museums that bring the past into the present day, to family-friendly entertainment spots with rootin’-tootin’’ good times, Dallas has it all. For those who want an authentically western experience without ever leaving the city limits – we’ve got you covered! Let us show you what makes Dallas so special when it comes to cowboy culture.
Exploring Fort Worth’s Rich Cowboy History
The Dallas/Fort Worth area is the best place in America to experience the nation’s proud Western heritage. Mosey over to Mesquite and watch a real rodeo. Plant yourself in the Stockyards National Historic District and watch the world’s only daily cattle drive. Trot over to Grapevine and take a ride on a vintage train. Belly up to the bar at an authentic saloon. Or two-step the night away in a larger-than-life honky-tonk. This insider tour is a chance to relive the Old West – and then return home with the tallest of tall tales.
Fort Worth Texas is a city steeped in cowboy history. The area was originally part of the Old Chisholm Trail, where drovers drove their longhorn cattle from Texas to Kansas. Today, the city celebrates its cowboy roots with museums and attractions that showcase this unique aspect of Fort Worth heritage.
Cowboy Museums in Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas is known for its cowboy culture and heritage. That’s why it’s no surprise that the city is home to some of the most fascinating cowboy museums in the United States. Whether you’re a local or just visiting on vacation, these incredible attractions are sure to give you an interesting look into Fort Worth’s storied past.
Fort Worth Stockyards Museum
131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164; (817) 625-5082
Welcome to the Fort Worth Stockyards Museum, a fantastic destination full of cowboy history and culture! This museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Fort Worth. Here, visitors can explore an extensive array of artifacts from some of the greatest cowboys in America’s history.
The museum houses items such as firearms, saddles, spurs, and chaps that show how life was lived in days gone by. Exhibits also showcase archaeological finds from an original site located within the Historic Fort Worth District. Additionally, there are interactive displays with stories about legendary rodeo participants like “Bronco” Bill Pickett and “Tie-Down” Roscoe Jenkins. It’s sure to be an exciting adventure for all those interested in learning more about this unique part of American culture!
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
1720 Gendy, Fort Worth, Texas 76107; (817) 336-4475
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is an institution dedicated to honoring the contributions and accomplishments of women in the American West. Since its inception almost 40 years ago, this Fort Worth, Texas-based museum has spotlighted some of history’s most inspiring and awe-inspiring figures. From Annie Oakley to Sandra Day O’Connor, these trailblazing women have made an indelible mark on our culture.
A visit to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is sure to be a memorable one. Take a walk through time as you learn about western art and artifacts from various eras in history. Follow the evolution of cowgirls as you explore everything from saddles and spurs to rodeo gear and fashion. Along the way, hear stories that will make you laugh, cry – even marvel at their courage and strength!
National Cowboys of Color Museum & Hall of Fame
3400 Mount Vernon Ave. Fort Worth, Texas, (817) 534-8801
The fascinating National Cowboys of Color Museum was started to acknowledge the contributions of Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans in the settlement of the Western American Frontier. The story of these trail-blazing cowboys is told through artwork, photos, and other historical items—offering a new perspective of diversity, struggle, and triumph in the Old West.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
128 E. Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76106; (817) 626-7131
The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame pays tribute to 58 of the top cowboys and cowgirls in Texas. The museum is located in Barn A, in what was once the horse and mule barns in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards.
The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors Texas men and women who have excelled in the sports of rodeo and cutting. Also included are the Sterquell Wagon Collection and the John Justin Trail of Fame. The Sterquell is billed as “the world’s largest lifestyle wagon collection” and features more than 60 antique wagons, carriages, and sleighs. The John Justin Trail of Fame pays tribute to one of Fort Worth’s own, who spent a lifetime building the Justin Boot Company and became one of the city’s most prominent civic leaders.
Log Cabin Village Living History Museum
For those wishing to explore a piece of cowboy culture in the heart of Texas, Log Cabin Village Living History Museum is the perfect place to start. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, this living history museum offers visitors an interactive experience with a variety of exhibits that highlight life during the mid-1800s. From a one-room cabin to a two-story dog trot house and many other structures, guests are able to view items and artifacts displayed through everyday objects used by early settlers.
Log Cabin Village also features demonstrations and hands-on activities such as blacksmithing, candle dipping, and more. Visitors can learn about spinning wool from sheep or try their hand at making rope from hemp fibers; all while learning about pioneer life firsthand from knowledgeable docents in period attire. Guests also have access to educational programs for adults and kids alike for further exploration into cowboy culture.
Sid Richardson Museum
309 Main St. Fort Worth, Texas 76102; (817) 332-6554
Permanent exhibit of paintings by premier Western artists, Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.
Amon Carter Museum
3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, Texas 76107; (817) 738-1933
The Amon Carter Museum was established through the generosity of Amon G. Carter Sr. (1879 – 1955), to house his collection of paintings and sculptures by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell; to collect, preserve, and exhibit the finest examples of American art; and to serve an educational role through exhibitions, publications, and programs devoted to the study of American art. Designed by renowned and award-winning architect, Philip Johnson, the museum’s original architect, he also designed and completed the building’s most recent expansion in 2001.
The Stockyards District
130 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas; (817) 624-4741
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fort Worth Stockyards’ National Historic District is a great place to celebrate the romance and mystique of the American West.
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District covers 125 acres — 15 square blocks of tradition, nightlife, and family fun. You can take in a thrilling rodeo. See the world’ only daily cattle drive. Hear live country stars. Sip a cold brew in an authentic saloon. Two-step the night away. Shop for authentic cowboy gear. And dine on satisfying Texas-style cuisine. If you like, you can even take a guided tour of the entire area.
Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive
Historic Fort Worth Stockyards,Fort Worth, Texas 76106; (817) 336-4373
Experience the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive as Fort Worth’s herd of Texas Longhorn steers are driven down the bricks of historic Exchange Avenue in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. The Herd is driven by authentic cowboys and cowgirls in period clothing from the era of 1865.
Fort Worth Stockyards Stables and Horseback Riding
157 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164; (817) 239-8830
The Stockyards Stables in Fort Worth, Texas is an equestrian and cattle drive experience unlike any other. Visitors from all over the country come to this historic area for a unique look into the Wild West.
Since 1909, the Stockyards Stables has been providing fun-filled horseback riding adventures for all ages. Whether you’re a novice rider or an experienced veteran, you can explore wooded trails and open meadows on your gentle steed. The knowledgeable staff can provide information about nearby attractions and historical landmarks along the way.
For those who want to learn more about cattle driving, there are options like wagon rides with real cowboys that take visitors back in time to what life was like during the late 1800s – early 1900s when cattle drives were a common occurrence in Fort Worth.
Billy Bob’s Texas
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Stockyards, Fort Worth, Texas 76106; (817) 624-7117
Country Music’s Club of the Year. Open daily families welcome. Entertainment nightly with the biggest stars in country music and pro bull riding every weekend. Convention facilities. www.billybobstexas.com.
Rodeos Near and In Fort Worth
Rodeos are a staple of life in Fort Worth, Texas. Whether you’re from the area or just visiting, you’ve got to check out the rodeo scene near and in Fort Worth. From classic events like the world-famous Stockyards Championship Rodeo to modern arenas like Dickies Arena, there’s something for everyone looking to get their cowboy on.
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest and most popular events in the city. It takes place every year in January and February, featuring competitive rodeo events, livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and more.
Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas to experience this special event. The show has been going strong since 1896 and is a beloved piece of Texas culture.
The Stock Show & Rodeo offers something for everyone. It showcases over 20,000 heads of cattle from all over the world, with cattle evaluations and competitions that are sure to impress every spectator. Additionally, you can find a variety of rodeo events such as bronc riding, calf roping, bull riding, and even steer wrestling! There are also unique shopping opportunities with handcrafted items from local artisans and fun carnival rides for the kids!
Stockyard’s Championship Rodeo
121 E. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth, Texas 76106; (817) 625-1025
The Stockyards Championship Rodeo is an iconic event that takes place every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer months right in the heart of downtown Fort Worth at Cowtown Coliseum. It’s a great way to get your fill of bull riding, barrel racing, and more classic rodeo events under one roof! Not far away is Dickies Arena—an expansive indoor arena that draws some of the biggest names in rodeo competitions throughout its season.
Mesquite Championship Rodeo
1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, Texas 75149; (972) 285-8777
The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is another great option for those looking to experience a traditional rodeo near Fort Worth. This family-friendly event takes place every Friday and Saturday night from April through September at the Mesquite Arena. It features bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin’, calf roping, and more.
Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Swing Festival
The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Swing Festival is an annual event in Forth Worth that celebrates western culture with live music performances by country legends like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. The festival celebrates the rich western heritage of the Lone Star State and features all sorts of exciting activities for cowboys, cowgirls, and country music fans alike.
The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Swing Festival is an iconic event held annually in historic Fort Worth, Texas. The festival celebrates the rich western heritage of the Lone Star State and features all sorts of exciting activities for cowboys, cowgirls, and country music fans alike.
The festival began in 1988 as a way to pay homage to renowned singer-songwriter, poet, actor, and rancher Red Steagall. Since then it has grown into one of the most popular western events of its kind – attracting thousands from across Texas each year. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment from some of the best western swing bands in the world, as well as workshops and demonstrations on classic cowboy skills such as horsemanship and rope tricks. There is also a wide variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, boots, and other items that embody western culture.
Final Word
A visit to Fort Worth wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of the sites that highlight its frontier past. One place to start is the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, which showcases stories of women’s achievements in rodeo, art, and other western-related fields. The Stockyards National Historic District offers guided tours as well as an outdoor arena for events like bull riding and roping competitions. You can also explore nearby Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge—a 3,600-acre oasis boasting hiking trails and other activities for nature enthusiasts.