- 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.
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…