A preserved slice of the Old West, the Stockyards feature twice-daily longhorn cattle drives down Exchange Avenue, rodeos, honky-tonk bars, Western wear shops, and the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas.
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District preserves a 98-acre slice of the American West at 131 E Exchange Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas. Once the busiest livestock market between Chicago and San Diego, the Stockyards processed millions of cattle and hogs during its peak years in the early 20th century. Declared a National Historic District in 1976, the area continues to operate as a working district where Western heritage is celebrated daily rather than merely memorialized.
The most famous attraction is the twice-daily Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive, taking place at 11:30 AM and 4 PM on brick-paved Exchange Avenue. Authentic Texas Longhorns—with horns spanning up to seven feet—are driven by mounted drovers in period attire. This is one of the few places in the world where visitors witness a real working cattle drive as part of daily life rather than a staged tourism performance.
Exchange Avenue serves as the main commercial spine, lined with Western wear boutiques, boot makers, saddle shops, and restaurants serving Texas BBQ and chicken fried steak. Billy Bob's Texas, occupying a former cattle barn, claims the title of the world's largest honky-tonk: a 100,000-square-foot venue with 40 bar stations, live indoor bull riding, and music on multiple stages Friday through Sunday. The Cowtown Coliseum hosts PRCA-sanctioned professional rodeo on Friday and Saturday evenings year-round, making the Stockyards a destination for a complete evening of Western culture—cattle drive, dinner, and rodeo.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (varies by business)
- Best time
- late afternoon
- Best for
- families, western culture fans, couples
Location
131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
32.7880, -97.3484 View on map
Highlights
- Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive: live longhorn cattle driven down Exchange Avenue at 11:30 AM and 4 PM daily
- Billy Bob's Texas: the world's largest honky-tonk with live bull riding and 40 bar stations
- Cowtown Coliseum hosting PRCA-sanctioned Friday and Saturday night rodeos year-round
- Historic Exchange Avenue with working Western wear stores, boot makers, and saddle shops
- Stockyards Museum detailing the cattle trade history that made Fort Worth 'Cowtown'
Tips for visiting
- Cattle drives at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM daily
- Visit Billy Bob's Texas on Friday/Saturday for live music
- Try chicken fried steak at Cattlemen's Steakhouse
When to visit
A late afternoon arrival works best: catch the 4 PM cattle drive, have dinner along Exchange Avenue, then transition into the Friday or Saturday evening rodeo. Spring and fall weather makes an extended outdoor visit comfortable; summer evenings are warm but tolerable.
Accessibility
Exchange Avenue and the main Stockyards streets are paved and accessible. Billy Bob's Texas and Cowtown Coliseum have designated accessible entrances and seating areas. The cattle drive viewing area is on the open street with no barriers; accessible viewing positions are available along the sidewalk.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission charge to enter the Stockyards district?
Walking the streets and watching the cattle drive is free. Billy Bob's Texas, the Cowtown Coliseum rodeo, and museums charge separate admissions. Rodeo tickets typically start around $18 for adults.
Is the Fort Worth Stockyards suitable for children?
Very much so. The cattle drive is a highlight for all ages, and the open-air district is easy to navigate with children. Rodeo nights at Cowtown Coliseum are lively but family friendly. Several restaurants cater to families with children.
When is the best time to visit the Stockyards?
Arriving before 11:30 AM to catch the first cattle drive, then spending the afternoon, is a popular approach. Friday and Saturday evenings offer Billy Bob's Texas at its liveliest with live headline performers and the evening rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum.