Started as a tiny outpost on a lonely frontier, Fort Worth, Texas is known for being the most typical Texan out of all Texas cities. With more than 900,000 people, the cattle and oil industry in Fort Worth is nothing short of magnificent.
History of Fort Worth Texas
Fort Worth, Texas, has a rich and storied history that dates back to the 19th century. The city’s origins can be traced back to the early days of the Texas frontier when Fort Worth was established as an army outpost to protect settlers and traders from Indian attacks. The city has always been known for its cowboy culture and wild west spirit – for a good reason.
As the city grew, it became a center for the cattle industry and was known as “Cowtown.” The Chisholm Trail, which was a significant cattle-drive route, passed through the city, making it an essential stop for cowboys and ranchers. This led to the development of the Fort Worth Stockyards, which remains a major tourist attraction today.
Fort Worth continued to grow and prosper throughout the 20th century, becoming a center for commerce, education, and culture in the Southwest. Fast-forward to the present, we can all agree that Fort Worth’s history is a testimony to its people’s resilience and pioneering spirit. Fort Worth has always been a city of progress and innovation, from its humble beginnings as a military outpost to its current status as a thriving metropolis.
But let’s stay away from the vibrant culture of this 12th largest city in the United States and focus on the top 5 must-see destinations. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone on this ultimate Fort Worth, Texas, bucket list.
Top 5 Things to Do in Fort Worth, Texas
1. Explore the Stockyards National Historic District
If you want a taste of an authentic American West experience, you should visit the Stockyards National Historic District. Aside from so many historic buildings, the place is home to many restaurants, shops, and breweries, offering a glimpse into the past. Here are some of the many things to do in the Stockyards National Historic District:
Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive – Every day at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM, real Texans cowboys drive a herd of longhorns down East Exchange Avenue to the district – just like the old days.
Attend a Rodeo – Stockyards Championship Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum is a year-round rodeo that anyone can witness every Friday and Saturday night. It features barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, and so much more.
Stockyards Museum – Learn about the history of the Stockyards and the role they played in the cattle industry. The museum is housed in the historic Livestock Exchange building and features exhibits that showcase the district’s past.
2. Spend an entire day at the Fort Worth Zoo.
The Fort Worth Zoo houses more than 7,000 native and exotic animals. It’s one of the nation’s top-ranked zoos. From flamingos to hippopotamus, the zoo is categorized into exhibits showcasing honored animals of many countries, especially the unique wildlife Fort Worth, Texas is proud of. The zoo also offers scavenger hunts, dinner for an overnight stay, and a petting zoo. And when you need a break from all the animal watching, the zoo has plenty of food options and picnic areas where you can relax and refuel.
3. Visit the Sundance Square
Sundance Square goes way back to when it was a hot spot for many Western outlaws. It was named after a Sundance Kid, Butch Cassidy, Sundance Square is a walkable downtown with many art galleries, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping areas. The plaza is considered the “living room of Fort Worth” because of the top gathering spots you can visit. Sundance Square also features fountains, courtyards, murals, and anything under the sun.
To make things more interesting, Sundance Square is where you can explore the picturesque Fort Worth Water Gardens, Burnett Park, and the JFK Tribute that honors the late President Kennedy for his historic stay in the city.
4. Attend the Texas Motor Speedway
Fort Worth constitute to more than 230 days of sunshine every year, so it’s easy to see why it’s a paradise to many outdoor sports and recreation. Texas Motor Speedway is where you can feel fast life with NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Race and racing experiences. Usually, the NASCAR Racing Experience is held between 2nd week and 4th week of the month. The cup series playoffs, on the other hand, is scheduled to take place on the last week of September.
Not only that, but Texas Motor Speedway is a state-of-the-art Media Center that congregates different events primarily for charity. You may also rent out the whole place for your own occasion as it can entertain up to 1,400 guests in the reception and 6,000 guests in the outside space.
5. Dine in many Fort Worth Restaurants.
What’s a tour of the city without food, right? Fort Worth is home to many restaurants that feature different culinary itineraries. Whether you want a restaurant with a romantic city view, near the cultural district, in Sundance Square, food from the East, and find big, juicy steaks in Stockyards – you’re in for a treat!
One of the best restaurants in Fort Worth is Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine. The food in this place is sourced locally from Texas farmers and ranchers, and they serve almost anything from wagyu beef to oysters. Additionally, Bonnell’s offers an extensive selection of wines and craft cocktails to complement your meal. The restaurant is also noteworthy, with a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion!
Final thoughts
We hope this list of the top 5 things to do in Fort Worth, Texas has inspired you to visit and explore all this city offers. From the world-renowned museums and cultural offerings to the exciting nightlife and entertainment scene, Fort Worth, Texas is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Texas. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and start exploring these fantastic attractions!
