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Fort Worth Stockyards

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aviron7
aviron7
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5 out of 5
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3
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Editor Pick

Cowboys and Flying Bulls

  • April 2, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by MikeInTown from Norristown, Pennsylvania
Cowboys and Flying Bulls

Livestock has been bought and sold in this historic section of the city since the late 1800’s. By 1917, the Fort Worth Stockyards was the largest horse and mule market in the country.

Today, the livestock sales are much less; however, everyday at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM, long horn cattle are herded through the streets. Unfortunately, my wife and I arrived just after the last migration had completed; therefore, we had to settle for looking at the long horns in their pen. I had no idea these bovine are so large.

In addition to being a business area for ranchers, the Stockyards district has a worthwhile tourist infrastructure. There are Old West store fronts for general stores, saloons, souvenir shops, museums, and plenty of steakhouse restaurants. My wife and I wandered in and out of a few souvenir shops each greeting us with their own distinctive aroma - leather, scented candles, etc.. Strolling the streets, we were surprised to come across a maze that advertised the fact it was featured on our favorite reality TV show, The Amazing Race. We also took a peek inside the Stockyards Hotel where we were intrigued by the saddle bar stools of the hotel's saloon.

However, it was our walk past a sign advertising live rodeos every Friday and Saturday night at 8 PM that really caught my attention. I had never been to a rodeo but had always wanted to see one. Therefore, we spent $30 for two tickets. The rodeo took place in the Cowtown Coliseum. Established in 1907, it is the oldest indoor rodeo arena in the U.S.. Cowboys from all over the world come here to compete for prize money.

The events of the rodeo were bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and two rounds of bull riding. The emcee was very good at explaining the rules and judging criteria for each rodeo event. The bronco riding and bull riding was exciting when a rider could actually stay on a horse or bull for the 8 seconds required for a qualifying ride. It turned out to be bad night for the bull riders as only two out of the eighteen or so cowboys were able stay on for a qualifying ride. We were reminded just how dangerous this sport can be when one unfortunate cowboy was bucked off into the path of the 1800-pound bull he was riding. He took a few hooves to the body before the bull fighters (rodeo clowns) could rescue him. Fortunately, the cowboy was able to walk out of the arena without even a limp. Another rider did not have the same luck. He got bucked off into the metal gate. The paramedics had to work on him for a few minutes before they could get him to his feet and walk him out of the arena. Despite, the close-calls, we enjoyed our night out at the rodeo.

If we ever make it back to the Stockyards, I would like to check out some of the museums dedicated to the Old West. Regardless, the Stockyards is a great stop for any first-time visitor to Fort Worth, Texas.

From journal Marathon Weekend in Cowtown

The Stockyards

  • July 11, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by carolynann831 from Jefferson, Texas
The Stockyards

There is lots to do and see. At Stockyard Station there is a maze for the kids and adults in addition to restaurants and shops. The Livestock Exchange is a step back in time that houses a museum inside its doors. We enjoyed watching the longhorns walk down the street. We also visited the Texas Cowboy museum which not only has information about some of Texas most notable cowboys, but has a very nice collection of vintage wagons. We walked down the street to visit some antique shops and western stores, and just see that area of the town. During the time we were there, on the grounds of the Livestock Exchange there was a petting zoo and a pony ride. There was also a man with a longhorn that the kids can sit on while mom or dad takes a picture. This is a very relaxing place with enough for the kids and parents to keep interested while not shelling out lots of money. All in all we enjoyed the stockyards and will go back.

www.fortworthstockyards.org

From journal Fort Worth Getaway

Fort Worth Stock Yards

  • January 15, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by aviron7 from chattanooga, Tennessee
Fort Worth Stock Yards

If you wanna see the heart of Texas but you only have one day, then you need to hit up the Fort Worth Stock Yards. This is still, present day, where the cattle exchange (the buying and selling of cattle) happens in this area. The town looks just like the old-time country towns of yesterday. Every building is made of wood or stucco, there are men riding horses (and other things, as shown in my pictures) through the streets, and lots of shops and candy stores selling every cowboy thing you could imagine.

This was one of my favorite places to visit. After that, we went walking around the shops and stores and taking pictures of every place we could find. Although we weren't there at the right time, there are parades that come through Main Street everyday and always a special event. Although I'm sure they're very "tourist-oriented," it was still an awesome thing to see while in the heart of Texas.

From journal A Day or Two in Dallas/Ft. Worth

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