Stockyards Cowtown Walking Tour (Self Guided), Fort Worth
Once a major livestock center and a home to cowboys, cattlemen and outlaws, Fort Worth, TX has fully lived up to its nickname – “Cowtown.” From the late 1870s through the mid 1980s, the Fort Worth Stockyards made the city famous, drawing cattle from all over the state. Today mainly inactive, the Stockyards – "the last standing stockyards in the United States" – celebrates Fort Worth's long tradition as a part of the cattle industry, and is the place where legacy of the Old West proudly lives on and is fun to explore.
Recently remodeled, the Stockyards National Historic District, billed as "Where the West Begins”, is one of the most popular attractions in Texas, consisting mostly of entertainment and shopping venues.
You can start your journey in Stockyards Station – currently all retail and restaurants, where hog and sheep pens once took place. Historic landmarks within the district also include the Livestock Exchange Building, built in 1903, as well as the Cowtown Coliseum, built in 1908, where the first indoor rodeo was held, and still is on every weekend.
Among the many bars and nightclubs with a Western motif there is Billy Bob's Texas – the world’s largest honky-tonk, and the White Elephant Saloon – a marquee establishment where you can “belly up” to the bar, relax and have a cold beer, just like they did in the days of the big cattle drives. Speaking of the cattle drives, the weathered brick Exchange Avenue, lined with historic buildings, is where you can still see Texas Longhorns herded twice a day.
If you only have a single day in Fort Worth, head on over to the Stockyards and get a taste of the true American West with the help of our self-guided walking tour!
Recently remodeled, the Stockyards National Historic District, billed as "Where the West Begins”, is one of the most popular attractions in Texas, consisting mostly of entertainment and shopping venues.
You can start your journey in Stockyards Station – currently all retail and restaurants, where hog and sheep pens once took place. Historic landmarks within the district also include the Livestock Exchange Building, built in 1903, as well as the Cowtown Coliseum, built in 1908, where the first indoor rodeo was held, and still is on every weekend.
Among the many bars and nightclubs with a Western motif there is Billy Bob's Texas – the world’s largest honky-tonk, and the White Elephant Saloon – a marquee establishment where you can “belly up” to the bar, relax and have a cold beer, just like they did in the days of the big cattle drives. Speaking of the cattle drives, the weathered brick Exchange Avenue, lined with historic buildings, is where you can still see Texas Longhorns herded twice a day.
If you only have a single day in Fort Worth, head on over to the Stockyards and get a taste of the true American West with the help of our self-guided walking tour!
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Stockyards Cowtown Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Stockyards Cowtown Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Fort Worth (See other walking tours in Fort Worth)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Author: ChristineR
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Fort Worth (See other walking tours in Fort Worth)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Author: ChristineR
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Stockyards Station
- Cowtown Cattlepen Maze
- Grapevine Vintage Railroad
- Exchange Avenue - Herd Cattle Drive
- Livestock Exchange Building - Stockyard Museum
- Cowtown Coliseum
- White Elephant Saloon
- Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
- Billy Bob's Texas
1) Stockyards Station
Stockyards Station is a shopping area located in the historic Stockyards district in Fort Worth. Visitors will find more than 20 unique shops, a wide number of restaurants and plenty of things to see and do. Stockyards Station is a great place to plan a full day walking tour as visitors take their time moseying through the Old West themed streets.
Stockyards Station is home to numerous shops that have nearly everything one could want as a souvenir from the Old West. Shops sell items like beef jerky, turquoise jewelry, cowboy hats, boots and more.
While in the Stockyards district, visitors can watch an Old West gunfight show, take part in the herd experience, watch daily cattle drive, listen to music, take in a comedy show or attend the rodeo. Afterward, they can sample jerky, steak, Texas chili or any number of dishes that one can only find in the American West.
Stockyards Station is home to numerous shops that have nearly everything one could want as a souvenir from the Old West. Shops sell items like beef jerky, turquoise jewelry, cowboy hats, boots and more.
While in the Stockyards district, visitors can watch an Old West gunfight show, take part in the herd experience, watch daily cattle drive, listen to music, take in a comedy show or attend the rodeo. Afterward, they can sample jerky, steak, Texas chili or any number of dishes that one can only find in the American West.
2) Cowtown Cattlepen Maze
The Cowtown Cattlepen Maze offers an interactive experience modeled after the historic cattle pens of the Old West. Covering 5,400 square feet, the wooden maze features a network of twisting paths where visitors, especially families with children, can test their navigation skills. Participants aim to locate four checkpoints as quickly as possible, racing against the clock. A second-story observation deck provides a clear view of the entire structure, allowing spectators to follow the action or strategize their own routes before entering.
The maze is part of the Fort Worth Stockyards, a site with deep roots in cattle trading and ranching history. Once a key stop for cowboys driving herds along the Chisholm Trail, the Stockyards became a major livestock market in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though traditional trading has declined, the area now hosts a variety of activities that reflect its past.
The maze is part of the Fort Worth Stockyards, a site with deep roots in cattle trading and ranching history. Once a key stop for cowboys driving herds along the Chisholm Trail, the Stockyards became a major livestock market in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though traditional trading has declined, the area now hosts a variety of activities that reflect its past.
3) Grapevine Vintage Railroad
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers a series of themed excursions aboard restored 1920s-era coaches pulled by historic locomotives. Operated by the City of Grapevine, the railroad runs along a 21-mile route to the Fort Worth Stockyards, using former Cotton Belt trackage. Trains are typically led by the 1953 diesel engine #2199 “Vinny” while the steam locomotive #2248 “Puffy,” built in 1896, remains out of service for ongoing restoration.
Passengers board at the historic Grapevine Main Street station and travel toward the Stockyards, with some excursions continuing briefly along the Trinity River before returning. Throughout the year, the Railroad presents a mix of seasonal and themed events. The most notable is the North Pole Express, which includes onboard performances, souvenirs, and a visit to Santa’s Workshop.
Other events include the Jazz Wine Train, Kiss Me I’m Irish Express, Witches Brew Train, and Trick 'r' Treat Trains, each offering a specific blend of food, music, or family-friendly activities. Annual events also feature appearances by Thomas the Tank Engine and additional rides tied to holidays such as Easter, Mother’s Day, and the Fourth of July.
In addition to its longer excursions, GVRR offers a 45-minute Stockyards Trinity River Excursion. Departing from Fort Worth, this short trip includes a scenic ride across the Trinity River and through nearby urban parks.
Passengers board at the historic Grapevine Main Street station and travel toward the Stockyards, with some excursions continuing briefly along the Trinity River before returning. Throughout the year, the Railroad presents a mix of seasonal and themed events. The most notable is the North Pole Express, which includes onboard performances, souvenirs, and a visit to Santa’s Workshop.
Other events include the Jazz Wine Train, Kiss Me I’m Irish Express, Witches Brew Train, and Trick 'r' Treat Trains, each offering a specific blend of food, music, or family-friendly activities. Annual events also feature appearances by Thomas the Tank Engine and additional rides tied to holidays such as Easter, Mother’s Day, and the Fourth of July.
In addition to its longer excursions, GVRR offers a 45-minute Stockyards Trinity River Excursion. Departing from Fort Worth, this short trip includes a scenic ride across the Trinity River and through nearby urban parks.
4) Exchange Avenue - Herd Cattle Drive
The Exchange Avenue Cattle Drive offers a direct look at Fort Worth’s ranching past through the daily appearance of the Fort Worth Herd. Each day at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., a group of Texas Longhorns is guided down East Exchange Avenue by skilled drovers dressed in historically accurate gear. The event is designed to reflect the traditions of the 19th-century cattle drives that once defined the region’s economy and identity. Visitors can view the procession from sidewalks, nearby restaurants, or the lawn in front of the Livestock Exchange Building.
Before and after the drive, the steers are kept in public pens behind the Exchange Building, allowing for up-close viewing and photographs. Those interested in learning more can speak with the drovers—modern-day cattle handlers who share insights into their work and the historical background of the practice. They often offer steer trading cards as a keepsake.
Before and after the drive, the steers are kept in public pens behind the Exchange Building, allowing for up-close viewing and photographs. Those interested in learning more can speak with the drovers—modern-day cattle handlers who share insights into their work and the historical background of the practice. They often offer steer trading cards as a keepsake.
5) Livestock Exchange Building - Stockyard Museum
The Stockyards Museum, housed in Fort Worth's historic Livestock Exchange Building, presents a comprehensive account of the Fort Worth Stockyards' development and its significant impact on local and regional history. Established in 1989 by the North Fort Worth Historical Society, the museum's extensive collection features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits covering Native American history, the Chisholm Trail, and the evolution of livestock markets, including the Swift and Armour meatpacking plants. Visitors can gain insight into why Fort Worth earned its nickname "Cowtown" and how the Stockyards shaped the city's growth into a major economic center.
The Livestock Exchange Building itself, constructed in 1902, initially housed livestock commission companies, telegraph offices, and railroad businesses essential to the bustling livestock trade. During the early 20th century, the area thrived economically, notably during World War I, when it became the world's largest horse and mule market, serving military needs. Although livestock sales peaked during World War II, the Stockyards faced a steady decline in the post-war decades due to changes in transportation and livestock marketing.
The Livestock Exchange Building itself, constructed in 1902, initially housed livestock commission companies, telegraph offices, and railroad businesses essential to the bustling livestock trade. During the early 20th century, the area thrived economically, notably during World War I, when it became the world's largest horse and mule market, serving military needs. Although livestock sales peaked during World War II, the Stockyards faced a steady decline in the post-war decades due to changes in transportation and livestock marketing.
6) Cowtown Coliseum
Cowtown Coliseum, built in 1908 and originally known as the Grand Coliseum, holds the distinction of being the first indoor arena in the United States designed for rodeo events. It has served as a longstanding venue for Western sports, live music, and local gatherings. The building was refurbished in 1986, preserving its early 20th-century architecture while adapting it for modern use. Over the decades, the Coliseum has hosted a range of public figures and performers, including presidential addresses from Theodore Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter, and concerts by Elvis Presley and Ike & Tina Turner.
The Coliseum is best known today for the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, held almost every Friday and Saturday since 1992. It also hosts competitions affiliated with the PRCA, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, WRCA, and Bulls, Bands & Barrels. Bull riding plays a significant role in its programming: the PBR’s first event was held here in 1993.
In addition to its event schedule, Cowtown Coliseum houses the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame. The arena also occasionally hosts concerts and local sports games, maintaining a varied year-round calendar.
The Coliseum is best known today for the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, held almost every Friday and Saturday since 1992. It also hosts competitions affiliated with the PRCA, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, WRCA, and Bulls, Bands & Barrels. Bull riding plays a significant role in its programming: the PBR’s first event was held here in 1993.
In addition to its event schedule, Cowtown Coliseum houses the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame. The arena also occasionally hosts concerts and local sports games, maintaining a varied year-round calendar.
7) White Elephant Saloon
Established in the late 1800s, the White Elephant Saloon is considered the oldest honky tonk in Texas. Initially, the saloon gained early fame as a gathering spot for cowboys on the Chisholm Trail. Its historical significance includes the legendary 1887 shootout between gambler Luke Short and city marshal Jim Courtright, which became part of Western folklore. After closing in the 1920s due to Prohibition, the White Elephant Saloon reopened in 1970 under the management of the Dooley family.
Today, visitors can enjoy made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, hand-cut fries, and other casual dishes without leaving the saloon. Additionally, the saloon offers a full bar along with a chili parlor serving Texas-style chili accompanied by homemade cornbread for lunch and dinner.
The interior retains historical elements and memorabilia reflecting its past, with nightly entertainment featuring live country music, dancing, shuffleboard, and billiards. In 1993, the saloon gained further recognition as the filming location for CD’s Bar & Grill in the popular television show "Walker, Texas Ranger," and more recently, it served as Pearl’s Dance Hall & Saloon in the "Yellowstone" prequel "1883."
Today, visitors can enjoy made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, hand-cut fries, and other casual dishes without leaving the saloon. Additionally, the saloon offers a full bar along with a chili parlor serving Texas-style chili accompanied by homemade cornbread for lunch and dinner.
The interior retains historical elements and memorabilia reflecting its past, with nightly entertainment featuring live country music, dancing, shuffleboard, and billiards. In 1993, the saloon gained further recognition as the filming location for CD’s Bar & Grill in the popular television show "Walker, Texas Ranger," and more recently, it served as Pearl’s Dance Hall & Saloon in the "Yellowstone" prequel "1883."
8) Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame located in the historic Stockyards area. Established in 1997 and relocated to its current site in 2001 within a former horse and mule barn, the institution honors over 125 men and women who have demonstrated excellence across rodeo competition, ranching, western business, and related fields.
Exhibits spotlight personal memorabilia—such as saddles, champion buckles, photographs and gear—from inductees including Ty Murray, Charmayne James and George Strait.
Visitors can explore themed displays like the Sterquell Wagon Collection, the John Justin Trail of Fame, Chisholm Trail exhibit, Applewhite-Clark showcase, Zigrang Horse Bit Collection, and Amon G. Carter’s 1933 Cadillac, which features a custom pistol holder. An onsite old-west photo parlour adds a hands-on element, allowing guests to dress up and record their visit in period style.
Exhibits spotlight personal memorabilia—such as saddles, champion buckles, photographs and gear—from inductees including Ty Murray, Charmayne James and George Strait.
Visitors can explore themed displays like the Sterquell Wagon Collection, the John Justin Trail of Fame, Chisholm Trail exhibit, Applewhite-Clark showcase, Zigrang Horse Bit Collection, and Amon G. Carter’s 1933 Cadillac, which features a custom pistol holder. An onsite old-west photo parlour adds a hands-on element, allowing guests to dress up and record their visit in period style.
9) Billy Bob's Texas
Billy Bob’s Texas, once used for prize livestock during the Fort Worth Stock Show and later converted into an airplane factory during World War II, the building was transformed into what is now referred to as the world’s largest honky tonk. Billy Bob’s has hosted live music, professional bull riding, and various other entertainment for more than four decades.
The venue features a concert stage, large dance floor, bar and restaurant, pool hall, arcade, gift shop, and an indoor dirt arena used for bull riding events. Performances range from country music to occasional rock, pop, and mixed martial arts shows. A permanent memorabilia collection lines the space, with a Wall of Fame featuring handprints of entertainers such as Johnny Cash, Ringo Starr, and Willie Nelson.
Billy Bob’s has received repeated recognition as “Country Music Club of the Year” from major industry associations. One of its most well-known moments occurred in 1983, when Merle Haggard bought a round of drinks for the entire audience—earning a Guinness World Record.
The venue features a concert stage, large dance floor, bar and restaurant, pool hall, arcade, gift shop, and an indoor dirt arena used for bull riding events. Performances range from country music to occasional rock, pop, and mixed martial arts shows. A permanent memorabilia collection lines the space, with a Wall of Fame featuring handprints of entertainers such as Johnny Cash, Ringo Starr, and Willie Nelson.
Billy Bob’s has received repeated recognition as “Country Music Club of the Year” from major industry associations. One of its most well-known moments occurred in 1983, when Merle Haggard bought a round of drinks for the entire audience—earning a Guinness World Record.
Walking Tours in Fort Worth, Texas
Create Your Own Walk in Fort Worth
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fort Worth is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fort Worth Introduction Walk
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The history of Fort Worth began in 1849 with the establishment of a fort to protect the frontier after the Mexican-American War. Fort Worth was just one fortification in a... view more
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Cultural District Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
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Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
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