Dreaming of a journey back in time to the dusty Wild West and tales of cowboys? Fort Worth Stockyards is the perfect destination! More than just a tourist spot, it’s a living museum, authentically recreating the history and culture of the legendary Texas land. Let’s explore the best experiences to have at Fort Worth Stockyards for a memorable trip!
History of Fort Worth Stockyards: From Cowtown to Revival
To truly understand Fort Worth Stockyards, let’s journey back in time and discover the key milestones that shaped this unique destination.
From “Cowtown” to Livestock Center
Fort Worth Stockyards began in 1866 when cattle drivers used the area as a stop on the Chisholm Trail. From 1866 to 1890, it was known as “Cowtown” of Fort Worth, as over 4 million cattle passed through.
In 1876, the first railway was built, turning the area into a crucial livestock center. Numerous livestock centers sprung up in Fort Worth afterward.
History of the Stockyard Town
Investment and Remarkable Development
Recognizing Fort Worth’s potential, investor Simpson purchased the Union Stockyards in 1893 and renamed it Fort Worth Stockyards Company. Investors realized building meatpacking plants nearby would be more efficient than transporting livestock to other markets. By 1900, they persuaded Armor & Co. and Swift & Co. to build plants near the Stockyards.
The construction of livestock pens and trading centers occurred simultaneously, making the Stockyards a vital location for the livestock industry. The small town of Niles City, founded in 1911, emerged and became the wealthiest city in the world at the time. Later, in 1923, Niles City was annexed into Fort Worth.
Decline and Strong Revival
After World War II, the development of road transport replaced railways, causing business at the Stockyards to gradually decline. Major companies and plants faced difficulties. Armor closed its plant in 1962, and Swift continued operating until 1971.
To preserve the area’s heritage, the Fort Worth Historical Society was established in 1988, restoring many historic buildings. Today, Fort Worth Stockyards is a popular tourist destination where visitors can admire unique historical landmarks.
Fort Worth Stockyards Experiences: Must-Do Activities
Visiting Fort Worth Stockyards immerses you in the lively atmosphere of the Wild West, offering numerous exciting activities and unique destinations. Here are experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Explore Cowtown Coliseum
Built in 1907, Cowtown Coliseum is the first indoor rodeo arena in America. It significantly contributed to Fort Worth’s economic development. To this day, Cowtown Coliseum remains home to the world’s only year-round rodeo and is a recognized Texas Historic Landmark.
Cowtown Coliseum Arena
Visit the Livestock Exchange Building
The Livestock Exchange Building, built in 1902, was once the center of livestock trading, dubbed the “Wall Street of the West.” Visiting this historic building lets you learn about its history and admire artifacts related to the Stockyards’ formation and development.
Join a Historical Walking Tour
Taking a historical walking tour is an excellent way to learn about Fort Worth Stockyards’ colorful past. Guides will take you around town, sharing historical events, culture, and fascinating stories.
Discover the Stockyards Museum
The Stockyards Museum showcases the rich history of Fort Worth Stockyards. Here, you can admire collections exhibiting everything about the town’s history. The museum welcomes thousands of visitors annually and continuously expands its facilities and collections.
Visiting the Stockyard Museum
Enjoy Music and Beer at Basement Bar
Basement Bar is the oldest bar in the Stockyards, located beneath the Fort Worth Stockyards. Here, you can experience drinking beer and listening to live music in a unique, cozy space.
Immerse Yourself in Music at Filthy McNasty’s Saloon
Filthy McNasty’s Saloon proudly stands as part of Western heritage. Here, you can discover Fort Worth’s local music scene spanning over three generations and immerse yourself in live entertainment and dancing.
Relax at the Outdoor Bar Second Rodeo Brewing
Second Rodeo Brewing is a unique outdoor bar perfect for visitors who love freedom, country music, and Texas specialties like cheesesteak, smoked wings, and bacon.
Take Old-Fashioned Photos at Jersey Lilly
Visit the historic Exhibits Building and take old-fashioned photos at Jersey Lilly. You can dress up as cowboys, saloon girls, or gunslingers and capture memorable moments at the Stockyards.
Experience Horseback Riding on Trails
Don’t miss the opportunity to ride horses on the open trails of the Trinity River. This will be an exciting experience, helping you better feel the Wild West atmosphere.
Horseback riding experience at Stockyard
Fort Worth Stockyards Travel Tips
To make your visit to Fort Worth Stockyards even more complete, keep these tips in mind:
- Ideal time to visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with cool and pleasant weather.
- Getting around: You can get to Fort Worth Stockyards by car, taxi, or bus.
- Estimated cost: The cost of visiting Fort Worth Stockyards depends on your chosen activities. Budget around $50-100 per person.
- Book tickets in advance: To avoid sold-out tickets, book tickets for attractions and activities in advance.
- Dress appropriately: Choose comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and your planned activities.
Conclusion
Fort Worth Stockyards is a unique tourist destination offering unforgettable experiences of Wild West history and culture. With these Fort Worth Stockyards travel tips shared in this article, hopefully, you’ll have an exciting and memorable exploration journey. Come and feel the uniqueness of Fort Worth Stockyards, where time seems to stand still and cowboy stories still echo!