Fort Worth Attractions

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is where Fort Worth gained its fame in the cattle industry. It was the last big stop over on the Chisholm Trail and saw millions of cattle come through this area that became known as Cowtown. Today, this spot has been transformed into one of Fort Worth's biggest attractions. It takes visitors back to the great days of the cattle round-ups with all kinds of entertainment and interesting things to see and do.

From rodeo to live music shows, there is always something going on here. A variety of stores, most of them with some sort of western theme, offer interesting shopping opportunities. The area has a fun atmosphere and is a great place to come either in the day or for an evening. A good place to start is at the Stockyards Visitor Center. You can check the calendar in advance of your visit to see what concerts or shows are scheduled.

For a detailed look at the history stop by the Stockyards Museum located in the Livestock Exchange Building.

The Amon Carter Museum was created following the death of Mr. Carter who made provisions in his will for the funding of the museum which now bears his name. It was long his dream to build such an institution. Originally the museum was intended to display his personal collection of artworks by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. However, over the years the Carter Museum has expanded its collection considerably, all the while maintaining its focus on American Art.

Today visitors to the museum can see paintings, photographs, sculpture, works on paper, and historical illustrated books. Be sure to check the museum calendar to learn about upcoming exhibitions.

The building which houses the museum has had to expand over the years. It was originally opened in 1961, but just three years later it received its first addition. The museum saw several more additions before finally undergoing a major expansion in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which resulted in the lovely building visitors see today.

The museum is still being developed and hopes to be one of the major aviation museum and training centers in the state.

The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens are one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Spread out over 109 acres, this oasis in the city is a great place to come any time of year. This mature garden claims to be the oldest of its kind in Texas. It is home to some 2,500 species of plants which are laid out in 23 unique gardens. Some of the highlights include the Fragrance Garden, the Japanese Garden with paths and ponds, the Rose Garden, and the Conservatory.

The center is also involved in a number of interesting programs and projects. Among these are the Begonia Species Bank, with a living collection of begonias designed at maintaining the species and creating a cross-reference library, and a variety of adult programs.

The on site Gardens Restaurant offers a quaint atmosphere with a patio which overlooks the gardens.

This Victorian style home was built in 1899. The Eddleman-McFarland House is located on Quality Hill overlooking the Trinity River.

The museum features 20th century art by local, national, and international artists. On display are paintings, prints, ceramics, sculpture, pottery, folk art, glass and Native American artifacts.

This is the site of the first Federal fort in Texas. It was built in 1848 and consisted of 21 buildings, although only one remains.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History features hands on, educational exhibits of science and energy, dinosaurs, and mysteries for children and families.

The Fort Worth Zoo has been in operation for over 100 years. It began with only a meager collection that consisted of a handful of animals, but over the years it has grown into a large scale facility with thousands of animals from around the world.

In the early 1990s the zoo underwent some management and funding changes which led to structural changes and a major upgrade to the facility. Since then it has opened new exhibits which have proved to be very popular with the public. Attendance at the zoo has soared and the zoo has become one of the city's major attractions. It has also become one the top ranked zoos in the United States.

In addition to the diverse range of animals that call the zoo home, some of the other on site attractions include a carousel, a rock climbing wall, the Yellow Rose Express Train, and a petting zoo.

The Kimbell Art Museum is an architectural delight that also houses an important art collection. The building was designed by Louis I. Kahn and opened its doors in 1972. The creative use of natural light is particularly interesting. The museum prides itself on offering quality rather than quantity. Consequently the collection, although small, features some important pieces from a variety of periods that range from 20th Century art to antiquities. Included in this are European Art, Asian Art, Precolumbian Art, as well as African and Oceanic Art. The museum features regularly changing exhibitions and occasionally traveling exhibitions.

The Kimbell also offers a number of programs designed at educating and enhancing appreciation or artworks. There is an on sight restaurant, although visitors should check to see which days of the week it is operating.

The Log Cabin Village in Fort Worth is a living history museum. The complex features a number of original 1800s buildings which were salvaged and moved to this location in Fort Worth. The buildings have been furnished with authentic artifacts, with each structure fashioned in a unique theme. Exhibits include a water-powered gristmill, a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, an herb garden, and several log home settings. Historical interpreters at the Log Cabin Village depict the lifestyle of Texans in the mid to late 1800s. Demonstrations of various sorts are offered regularly.

Throughout the year the Log Cabin Village presents interactive events where visitors can participate in planting, enjoy games and activities, or listen to entertainment. There are no on site restaurants, picnic sites, stroller rentals, etc., but the facility is wheelchair accessible for all but one structure.

The focus of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is on post-World War II art. The museum collects and maintains a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art in a variety of media. Some of the more famous names represented in the collection include Anselm Kiefer, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Gerhard Richter, Susan Rothenberg, and Andy Warhol, among others. It also features traveling exhibits.

The building which contains the museum was designed by Tadao Ando. It is a unique complex, with five pavilions of concrete and glass, situated on a 1.5 acre reflecting pond. On the surrounding landscape grounds are a sculpture garden and terrace. The museum is a fine addition to the Cultural District, with the Amon Carter Museum of American and the Kimbell Art Museum located nearby.

The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame is a tribute to the women of the American West who have distinguished themselves and exemplified the pioneer spirit. These women include cowgirls and ranch women, writers, artists, teachers, entertainers, and any women who were instrumental in shaping the west. Among the inductees are women such as sharp shooter Annie Oakley, singer Patsy Cline, and artist Georgia O'keef who portrayed the Southwest. Of course there are also all kinds of stories and biographies of important rodeo cowgirls and those one might traditionally associate with the idea of "cowgirl". Some of the lesser known names who have made important contributions are also represented.

On display are many photographs and thousands of artifacts. The museum is designed to be informative and offers an interesting perspective on the West. Also on site is a well stocked gift shop.

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The museum features old cars and aircraft.

This museum displays the collection compiled by Sid Richardson between 1942 and 1959. It consists primarily of works by famous Western artists, Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, who captured the spirit of the west in their paintings from the late 19th and early 20th C. As can be seen in the collection, Richardson focused on acquiring pieces showing action, drama, and scenes of daily life in the West. While the majority of the collection consists of works by these two artists, there are also pieces from lesser known artists who attracted the attention of Richardson.

The museum has gained an international reputation, particularly for its outstanding collection of major late-life Remington paintings. A small number of paintings were acquired by the museum in the 1990s but the museum generally does not focus on acquisitions.

In Arlington, between Dallas and Fort Worth, is the Six Flags Over Texas entertainment park, with a variety of typically American rides, shows and attractions, including a cable railway, an old-time steam railway, boat trips and a number of hair-raising roller coasters, including one with three loops (taken both forwards and backwards) and a track that rises to the height of a 14-storey building.

The Stockyards Museum is located in the Livestock Exchange Building, built in 1903. The collection includes stockyard days memorabilia as well as other historical items from the area.

The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors Texas men and women who have excelled in the sports of rodeo and cutting. Each booth contains photographs and memorabilia.

Thistle Hill was built in 1904. In 1911 the home changed hands and the new owner conducted extensive renovations, converting it from Colonial to Georgian Revival.

The museum restores vintage aircraft and antique vehicles which are displayed in a B-29 hangar.

Located just 10 kilometers (6 miles) north west of Fort Worth, Azle is a small community of 10,000 people. Of interest in the town is the Azle Historical Museum.

The museum features displays related to the history of the area.

This restored 1915 schoolhouse features a fully furnished 1915 class room, as well as an auditorium where special events are held.

Breckenridge was a boomtown, with the discovery of oil in 1916-1917. The historic district features numerous historic buildings and markers.

Located in the old bank building, the museum features permanent and changing exhibits related to the history of the area.

The Breckenridge Aviation Museum displays vintage warplanes and a variety of photographs.

Cleburne (pop. 24,000) originally grew as a result of the railroad and is now an agricultural center.

The museum features American Indian artifacts, fossils, a pre-Columbian display, as well as other historical items.

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The museum displays antique automobiles, aircraft and a private railcar, as well as other automobile related items.

Hico (pop. 1,400), is small town which caters to tourists. Antique stores, art shops, restaurants, leather shops, and the occaisional horse-drawn buggy, line the downtown streets.

Stephenville (pop. 15,500) was established in 1850 by the Stephens brothers. The area is known for producing Coastal Bermuda range grass and dairy products.

Located in an 1869 Victorian home, the Stephenville Historical House museum features period furnishings and other historical items.

Established in the 1850's, Weatherford (pop. 20,000) still boasts a large number of Victorian style residences from the 1800's.

The museum features Mary Martin memorabilia, including costumes and photographs.