Fort Worth Stockyards

We expected to spend just a couple of hours at the Fort Worth Stockyards – but those couple of hours quickly turned into an entire day! When visiting Texas, we wanted the full Texas experience, and the Stockyards delivered.

Our main goal was to catch the first cattle drive, and it didn’t disappoint. Watching the massive longhorns make their way down the street, guided by cowboys, was such a fun and unique sight. Afterward, we caught a comedy “shootout” that’s been running since the 1980s – a lighthearted show that’s perfect for families with kids.

From there, we dove into the shopping scene. If you’re in the market for boots, hats, or souvenirs, you won’t be disappointed. The Stockyards are packed with shops, from small souvenir stops to big-name stores like Pendleton, Tecovas, and Ariat. We even stumbled across a charming antique shop with plenty of treasures (boots included). For something truly special, M.L. Leddy’s is worth a visit. This family-owned store has been crafting custom boots since the 1920s and is a Fort Worth icon.

Of course, no day is complete without good food. For a moment of pause in our day, we spent some time at Avoga Coffee. After asking a few locals for recommendations, we landed at Second Rodeo Brewing for margaritas, then headed to Riscky’s for dinner. Cattlemen’s Steak House came highly recommended too, but without a reservation, the wait didn’t quite fit our plans. We wrapped up the evening with ice cream from Melt before heading to the rodeo – which you can read more about here!

We HIGHLY recommend adding the Fort Worth Stockyards to your bucket list!