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If you’re visiting Texas and want something that feels truly Texan, a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must. Even with just half a day, you can experience the famous longhorn cattle drive, stroll through Mule Alley, and enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by western charm.

Half-Day Fort Worth Stockyards Itinerary

⏰ Suggested Schedule

10:30 a.m. – Arrive in Fort Worth, park ($17.32 all day), and head to the observation deck to see the longhorns up close before the cattle drive begins.
Optional: If you want to relax before exploring, arrive a little earlier and grab a coffee at Avoca Coffee Roasters, just outside Mule Alley. It’s the perfect spot to sip your drink and watch the morning activity as the Stockyards come to life.
11:15 a.m. – Find a good viewing spot for the cattle drive. There’s a short announcement beforehand explaining the history and tradition behind it.
11:30 a.m. – Watch the Fort Worth cattle drive, a quick but unforgettable experience that happens twice daily — at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
11:45 a.m. – Walk over to 97 West Kitchen & Bar at the Drover Hotel for lunch (the short rib grilled cheese is a must-try).
1:00 p.m. – Explore the shops along Mule Alley — from classic cowboy boots and hats to unique Texas souvenirs.
2:00 p.m. – Treat yourself to ice cream or a sweet snack at one of the nearby dessert spots before wrapping up your visit.

✨ Travel Tip: The cattle drive only lasts about 5–10 minutes, so be sure to arrive early enough to catch the pre-show announcements and secure a good viewing spot.

Cowboys and cowgirls on horses — Cowboys and cowgirls answering questions for tourists

Cattle Drive sign in Fort Worth Texas — The Cattle Drive is held everyday at 11:30AM and 4PM

Watch the Fort Worth Cattle Drive

The highlight of any visit to the Stockyards is the Fort Worth cattle drive, where real-life cowboys and cowgirls guide a line of majestic longhorns down the main street. It’s a short event, but it captures the spirit of Texas perfectly.

The modern-day cattle drive started in 1999 to celebrate the area’s long ranching history, which dates back to the 1800s. Between drives, you can still see the longhorns in the viewing pens or from the observation deck. The handlers are friendly and often answer questions about the cattle and the history of the Stockyards.

Explore Mule Alley and the Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards feel like a western movie set brought to life. Think brick streets, wooden signs, and plenty of cowboy charm. Mule Alley is the heart of it all, lined with:

Boot and hat shops – Perfect if you want a true Texas souvenir.
Boutiques and general stores – Fun for browsing or picking up unique gifts.
Historic buildings – Many date back to the early 1900s, adding to that old-west feel.

✨ Parking Tip: We paid $17.32 for all-day parking by scanning a QR code on-site. It was super easy and convenient.

Lunch at 97 West Kitchen & Bar

Located inside the Drover Hotel, 97 West Kitchen & Bar is one of the best restaurants in the Stockyards. It’s upscale without being stuffy, and the interior has that perfect blend of modern Texas charm.

We got seated right away around 11:45 a.m., and both the food and service were fantastic. I ordered the short rib grilled cheese with tomato soup and a Caesar salad, while my boyfriend, Tyrone, got the grilled chicken club sandwich. The portions were huge and everything was fresh and flavorful.

✨ Pro Tip: Even if you’re not staying at the Drover Hotel, walk through the lobby afterward — it’s gorgeous and makes for great photos.

Short Rib Grilled Cheese entree — Short Rib Grilled Cheese

Sweet Treats and Shopping

Even though we were completely full after lunch, we could not resist stopping at MELT Ice Creams for a sweet treat. They have fun, seasonal flavors and that classic small-batch creamery vibe. It was the perfect pick-me-up before continuing our walk.

After dessert, we wandered into Second Rodeo Brewing, a lively spot with outdoor seating, a stage for live music, and plenty of photo ops. My favorite part was the fake jail cell where you can snap playful photos. And as a bonus for the ladies, the women’s bathroom is hilariously decorated with cheeky photos of nearly naked male celebrities like Burt Reynolds. Definitely not your average bar bathroom!

We also browsed more stores around Mule Alley. Some were closed since it was Monday, but there were still plenty of open shops filled with hats, boots, and unique western finds. I tried on a few pairs of cowboy boots (surprisingly comfy) and spotted lots of creative styles.

Famous Burt Reynolds photo in the ladies’ bathroom

fake jail cell photo op at Second Rodeo Brewing — Fun photo ops at Second Rodeo Brewing

Practical Tips for Visiting Fort Worth Stockyards

Parking: $17.32 for all-day parking (pay via QR code or text).
Best Time to Visit: Arrive by 10:30 a.m. to see the longhorns before the 11:30 cattle drive.
Cattle Drive Times: Daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Where to Eat: 97 West Kitchen & Bar for lunch.
Shopping Tip: Almost every store sells cowboy hats and boots, so you will have plenty of options for every style and budget.
Photo Spots: The Drover Hotel, Second Rodeo Brewing jail cell, Mule Alley brick streets, and the Stockyards sign.

Recommended Tours in Fort Worth

If you want to experience the Stockyards with a local guide (or make the trip from Dallas even easier), here are two highly-rated tours that bring the history and culture of Fort Worth to life:

Fort Worth: Stockyards History Tour Pub Crawl

Discover the hidden stories of the Stockyards with an expert guide on this fun history-meets-bar crawl. You will visit historic saloons, sip cold drinks, and hear fascinating tales about cowboys, cattle drives, and the wilder side of Fort Worth. Perfect for travelers who want to mix history with a good time.

From Dallas: Fort Worth Guided Day Tour

If you are staying in Dallas and want a stress-free way to visit the Stockyards, this guided day trip is a great option. The tour explores Fort Worth’s historic sites and includes a stop at the Cattle Drive Visitor’s Center, where you can glimpse what life was like in the city’s “Hell’s Half Acre” days. It is a full day of Texas culture without the hassle of driving or planning.

Both tours have excellent reviews and are a great way to see more of the city’s cowboy heritage while learning insider facts you might otherwise miss.

If You Have More Time

If you want to turn your half-day visit into a full day, there’s plenty more to explore nearby:

Stockyards Museum – Learn about the history of Fort Worth’s cattle industry inside the Livestock Exchange Building.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame – Celebrates rodeo legends and western heritage.
Billy Bob’s Texas – The world’s largest honky-tonk, with live music and dancing.
H3 Ranch – A great spot for a hearty Texas dinner.

Final Thoughts

We only spent a few hours in the Fort Worth Stockyards, but it was the perfect mix of history, food, and cowboy culture. Between the friendly locals, the longhorns, and the lively western vibe, this stop felt like the true Texas experience.

If you’re visiting Dallas, it’s definitely worth making the short trip over to Fort Worth for a taste of authentic Texas charm.