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Fort Worth‘s heritage is deeply influenced by its fascinating role in shaping Wild West history. It began before 1849 when Native American communities such as the Comanche and Tonkawa tribes called the area home, prospering partly because of its abundant natural resources and strategic location on the Trinity River. Europeans arrived around 1849 and established the area as an Army outpost to protect settlers and secure the expansion of the American frontier.
The Army moved on in 1853 as the community expanded around it, a growth primarily fueled by the cattle industry. The Texas and Pacific Railway was built in 1876, and by 1887, the Fort Worth Stockyards became one of the largest livestock markets in the country. Naturally, saloons, hotels, brothels, gambling halls, and other (perhaps more “reputable”) businesses sprang up to accommodate the cattle trade, giving the city a reputation for rough-and-tumble frontier life.
Fort Worth has had another period of rapid population growth in recent decades. In fact, the US Census Bureau labeled it one of 2023’s fastest-growing US cities. While many residents keep one foot planted in the past (The Stockyards remain a crucial influence on the city’s economics and culture), they also embrace its bustling metropolitan atmosphere. The downtown has seen significant revitalization, and artistic and cultural attractions draw in visitors from around the world. The area boasts a strong economy based on energy, defense, manufacturing, and transportation.
With all of this growth comes a variety of exciting attractions! If you’re visiting for the first time or are simply looking to explore your hometown a little closer, we’ve got you covered. When we asked some of the local residents, they came up with a great list of things to see and do in Fort Worth, Texas. Here are a few of their suggestions.
1. Take the kids to the Fort Worth Zoo
Adrienne Morgan, ASID and founder of Fort Worth-based Adrienne Morgan Interior Design, had some excellent recommendations for things to do with the kiddos. “For parents traveling with kids, I recommend the Fort Worth Zoo,” she says. “It’s one of the top zoos in the country! In addition to wildlife like zebras and elephants, there’s a section devoted to animals native to Texas with everything from armadillos to eagles. The zoo is great year-round as it has many air-conditioned indoor spaces. There is a lot of walking, so prepare for that. Afterward, unwind at nearby Woodshed restaurant, which is family-friendly and has ample outdoor dining.”
Good to know: The zoo is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
2. Check out the Museum District
“There are five main museums here, including the world-renowned Kimbell Art Museum, the Amon Carter which has Western art, and the Museum of Modern Art which has a wonderful café and gift shop,” says Morgan. “The Museum of Science and History in the Museum District has an outstanding kids’ museum, and the Cowgirl Hall of Fame is a lot of fun, too!”
Many of the museums in the district are considered architectural masterpieces in and of themselves! For example, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum, and the Amon Carter Museum are all designed by world-renowned architects. Also, all the museums regularly host temporary exhibitions, lectures, and workshops that draw people from around the world.
You might also like the historic Will Rogers Memorial Center. Built in the 1930s as part of a New Deal project, the Memorial Center is located right in the middle of the district and hosts events like the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, equestrian showcases, concerts, and trade shows. The historic Casa Mañana Theatre is a great option in the district, too! It produces Broadway-style shows, musicals, and plays and has been a staple of Fort Worth’s performing arts scene since the 50s.
3. Browse the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Morgan tipped us off to a little lesser-known attraction the fam might like, too. “For a dose of learning that’s great for older kids, go to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing,” she says. “There you can see how US money is actually made. It’s a bit off the beaten track but worth it, especially on a hot day when you want to do something indoors!” You’ll have a bird’s eye view of the bustling production floor from a suspended, enclosed walkway. There are also two floors of interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the history of US currency and how it’s manufactured.
Good to know: The Bureau is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The last tour of the day begins at 4:30.
4. Cool off at The Water Gardens
“This is a must-see place downtown that has huge modern waterfalls, making it a great photo opportunity for the family plus a nice way to cool off,” Morgan added. The garden is located downtown, adjacent to the Fort Worth Convention Center, and was designed by Phillip Johnson. (Johnson also designed the local Amon Carter Museum of American Art.) The park features an aerating pool, a quiet pool, and an active pool that visitors can explore any time of the year.
5. Travel back in time in The Stockyards
“First on the list has to be the historic Stockyards where you can step into a true Western atmosphere, see the daily cattle drive, and delve into chicken fried steak and deviled eggs,” says Bill Alexy of Secured Moving Company, a full-service moving company operating in Fort Worth and its surrounding areas. You’ll find that many of the original turn-of-the-century buildings, like the Livestock Exchange Building and the Stockyards Station, are still intact and in use.
Twice a day, you can watch massive Texas Longhorns pass down the streets of the Stockyards as cowhands recreate the sights and sounds of the historic cattle drives. The weekly rodeo is an exciting outing to share with the kids, too. They’ll love watching bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and other classic rodeo events at the Cowtown Coliseum. When everyone gets peckish, you can mosey over to Stockyards Station to grab a bite to eat and some western-themed duds to wear at Billy Bob’s Texas, an iconic live music venue and dance hall hosting numerous country music stars.
6. Grub on some legendary Texas-style BBQ
“You can’t come to Fort Worth without enjoying some of the best BBQ in Texas,” says Alexy. Goldee’s and Dayne’s are local favorites, but be sure to get there early. Like, 8 am early. The lines start well before the places open, and once they sell out for the day, that’s it. While both places do serve up unbelievable smoked sausage, ribs, and more, the real star of the show is the brisket. Considering its “Cowtown” moniker, it’s probably no surprise that Fort Worth brisket is revered the world over.
7. Dance the night away in Sundance Square
“For those who love live music, Sundance Square offers free performances regularly, providing an authentic Texas vibe right in the heart of downtown,” Alexy says. There’s something going on there nearly every night of the week, including concerts from a huge variety of country-western, Americana, folk, mariachi, and other musical artists. You can learn to salsa, swing, and line dance, go to an art appreciation workshop, or discuss Western literature in the Tall Tales book club.
If you’re hungry, there are plenty of excellent restaurant options catering to whatever you’re in the mood for. Not interested in what’s on the rotating calendar? No problem! There’s also a comedy club, theaters offering a variety of productions, a jazz club, art galleries, and the Sid Richardson Museum featuring Western American Art. Visit the Sundance Square website for a current calendar of events; there’s pretty much something for everyone.
8. Enjoy some peace in the Ft. Worth Botanical Garden
“The Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden is my personal favorite place in the city,” says Scott Winterrowd, director of the Sid Richardson Museum. It’s one of the most popular areas of the garden and has over seven acres of koi ponds, wooden bridges, stone lanterns, cherry trees, Japanese maples, bamboo plants, and other authentic touches. If you happen to be in town, check out the garden’s Japanese Fall Festival celebrating traditional Japanese art and culture!
But the Japanese Garden is only one of many plant collections and landscapes to enjoy. For example, you’ll find the Rainforest Conservatory with tropical plants like orchids, palms, and bromeliads as well as winding paths and a gorgeous waterfall. There’s also the Rose Garden. Created in 1933, it’s one of the oldest sections of the Botanic Garden and is a popular spot for weddings and photography.
(A Texas-sized) Welcome to Fort Worth!
Fort Worth is proud of its Texas-tough culture, but there’s so much more to this exciting city! From interesting museums to gorgeous gardens to the best BBQ you’ll ever put in your mouth, the people of Fort Worth are happy to show off their town to visitors from all over. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, a romantic getaway, or a fun solo excursion, we hope our locals’ suggestions have given you some inspiration for planning your adventure in Fort Worth!
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Mihaela Buzec is a senior writer and online content developer for RentCafe. She covers topics about everything related to the renting lifestyle, from decorating and interior design to finding the right apartment, frugal living, money saving advice, and more. She dives deep into topics of interest, writing well-researched comprehensive guides on subjects such as renting with pets, saving on utilities, or avoiding rental scams to help renters stay informed and live smart.
Mihaela holds a BA in English and German Language and Literature, an MA in Current Linguistics, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in neurolinguistics.
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