Attractions in Fort Worth

Known as the place "Where the West Begins" as well as "Cowtown" , this thriving community of over 500,000 retains its rich history, adventurous thinking, and western feel. This is a town where you can enjoy some of the nation's most exquisite cuisine, followed by a ride on a bucking Bronco; all within walking distance of each other.

Fort Worth Nature Center
9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Explore the Texas wilderness that greeted the first pioneers at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. You'll see native wildlife and plants -- including buffalo, white-tailed deer and Texas wildflowers -- as you discover 25 miles of trails. The 3,500-acre sanctuary is located just 10 miles from downtown Fort Worth. The Hardwicke Interpretive Center includes nature programs, exhibits, and a library.

Stockyards National Historic District
130 E. Exchange Ave.
This historic area encompasses 125 acres/50 hectares of cattle pens and renovated buildings once used during Fort Worth's cattle-boom era. A lot of the original complex remains, and you'll still occasionally see horses tied to the hitching posts that line Exchange Avenue. The 10-block district is crammed with galleries, restaurants, saloons and western shops. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame showcases history's top cowboys and cowgirls. Visitors can also get a taste of the past when a herd of legendary longhorns--descendants of cattle Christopher Columbus brought over from Spain--are driven through each day at 11:30 am and 4 pm, weather permitting. Horseback and carriage rides are available.

Cattle Raiser Museum
1301 West Seventh Street
Discover the true story of the cattle and ranching industry in the Southwest. Talking mannequins, interactive exhibits, and authentic artifacts give you an up-close look at cattlemen, cowboys, ranch hands, and rustlers. The museum is also home to the largest documented branding iron collection in the world. It's an entertaining experience for the entire family.

The Tarantula Train
Depot locations: Grapevine Cotton Belt Depot, Main St. and Fort Worth Stockyards Station, 140 E. Exchange Ave.
Tracing the trails once used by cowboys and ranch hands to herd cattle, this restored steam train takes passengers on a ride in true-to-the-era style. The name of the train comes from the 1873 railroad map, which showed the city as the central station with routes branching off like the legs of a spider. The train uses an 1896 steam locomotive, nicknamed "Puffy," that pulls four 1925-day coaches. It tours approximately 21 miles of the "Cotton Belt Route," traveling the communities of Grapevine, Colleyville and North Richland Hills before concluding in the Stockyards.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
111 West 4th St
The museum is dedicated to honoring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneer spirit in their trailblazing efforts.

Cowtown Coliseum
121 E. Exchange Ave.
Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Coliseum has a tremendous history. It was the site of the first indoor rodeo, held in 1918, and the first live radio broadcast, which took place at a rodeo here in 1923.

Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Parkway (on University Drive south of I-30)
The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo is a pioneer in using natural habitats to showcase animals. Exotic animals are kept out of cages and left to freely roam in a natural environment. At most exhibits, visitors are separated from the residents by only a river or a waterfall!