Experience the Fort Worth Cattle Drive: A Slice of the Old West
Unique Texas tradition
Field Note Submitted by:
Chrissy Clary
I was in Fort Worth on a sun-drenched Texas morning, I was on a work trip that gifted me a day off. With the wild spirit of the Old West whispering sweet nothings in my ear, I hopped on over to Fort Worth to witness the legendary cattle drive.
The twice-daily cattle spectacle features real Texas cowhands and their majestic Texas longhorns. As I strolled down East Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District, I could hear the echoes of cowboy boots hitting the dusty trail. The authenticity was palpable—from the worn leather saddles to the wide-brimmed hats. If you want to experience the true heart of Texas and a dash of adventure, you can catch this daily show at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Observations
Unique Texas tradition
Daily cowboy spectacle
Historical Stockyards District
Real Texas cowhands
A ton of Fun!
Perfect for families
There’s nothing quite like the thunder of hooves on brick streets to remind you you’re in Texas. The Fort Worth Cattle Drive delivers that classic Wild West spectacle twice daily, right in the heart of the Stockyards National Historic District. Whether you’re a history buff, a cowboy-at-heart, or just looking for a memorable outing, here’s why you won’t want to miss this authentic Texas experience.
Authentic Cowboy Culture
Every detail of the cattle drive is rooted in history. From the hand-tooled saddles and chaps to the crisp cowboy hats and boots, the Fort Worth Herd cowhands look—and act—just like they did over a century ago. It’s like stepping into a living cowboy novel.
Daily Drive Schedule
Planning is easy:
Catch the longhorns as they parade down Exchange Avenue at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Grab a hearty breakfast at one of the Stockyards’ eateries, then stake out your spot curbside—these twice-daily drives are perfect for both early birds and afternoon adventurers.
Go Behind the Chutes
For a deeper dive, book the Fort Worth Herd Experience every Friday through Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. You’ll get exclusive backstage access, meet the cowhands, learn about cattle handling, and hear the rodeo–worthy tales that make this tradition so storied.
Explore the Stockyards District
Surrounding the cattle drive is a vibrant historic district filled with Western shops, saloons, and barbecue joints. After the drive, wander into the SCAD Museum of Art for contemporary exhibits in a 19th-century depot, or gear up for your next adventure with tips from Plan Your Perfect Road Trip.
Plan & Stay Connected
Schedule Updates: Text THEHERD to 41444 for drive alerts, or follow on social media.
Donations & Support: Help preserve this living history by contributing via the same notification service.
Comfort Essentials: Bring an Insulated Cooler Bag for drinks and snacks and a Camp Spork for on-the-go bites between events.
Conclusion
Whether you’re lining the streets for the daily print of cowboy boots or diving into the behind-the-scenes action, the Fort Worth Cattle Drive delivers a hefty dose of Texas spirit and history. Ready to share your Stockyard memories? Share your adventure, contact us for insider tips, or book your next Texas getaway with Let’s Go Wander ’Bout—because some traditions deserve to be lived fully. You can even plan your adventure with our affiliate traveling partner, Viator.
