Fort Worth Highlights, Billy Bob’s & John Wayne Day Tour

Stop by the former Hotel Texas, and visit the JFK Tribute; which honors President Kennedy’s historic stay in Fort Worth.

Visit downtowns', Sundance Square Historic District where beautifully restored buildings and brick streets add to its charm. Learn of Fort Worth’s fascinating western history and colorful past…tales about the Chisholm Trail and the famous outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Hear stories about Hell’s Half Acre where saloons, gambling parlors and dance halls once flourished.

For a view of the romance and reality of the Old West, visit the Sid Richardson Museum featuring paintings from two of the preeminent visual storytellers of the 19th-century American West: Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.

Then off to explore the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, where the Old West comes to life! Begin your journey on Exchange Avenue, where the weathered brick streets are lined with historic barns, restaurants and saloons. Kids will enjoy the Maze, the Petting Zoo, the Mini-train and Pony Rides. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Fort Worth Stockyards, a living museum and learn about this historic area that speaks to a bygone era when the town was a stop for the legendary cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail. Experience the world’s only daily Cattle Drive as a team of genuine Texas cowboys drive a herd of Texas Longhorn Cattle down Exchange Avenue. Every detail of the cattle drive; from the saddles to the chaps, from the hats to the boots….is authentic! Climb up in the saddle of a real Texas Longhorn Steer for a photo or take your chances and ride the Mechanical Bull, just waiting to buck you off!

Tour the historic Cowtown Coliseum, home of the weekly Stockyards Championship Rodeo and site of the world’s first indoor Rodeo. Many famous folks have visited here, including General Pershing, Enrico Caruso, Doris Day, Bob Hope, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, President Carter and President Roosevelt.

Visit the Livestock Exchange, the “Wall Street of the West” and learn about the livestock auctions where cattle and cotton were common currency and outlaws were folk heroes. Step into the past at the Stockyards Museum or climb up on a real Texas Longhorn Steer for a photo.

Step inside the White Elephant Saloon, site of Fort Worth's infamous gunfight in 1887. Originally located in dangerous Hells Half Acre, the White Elephant moved to the Historic Stockyards. The the interior was used in the filming of Walker Texas Ranger.

Visit the historic Stockyards Hotel, known for its rich ancestry, historic architecture and unique character. Restored to its original grandeur, it is reflecting the cattle baron era of the Old West. Saddle up to the bar for a cool drink. The Stockyards Hotel is the shining star of the Stockyards National Historic District in Fort Worth, Texas. When you stay at the Stockyards Hotel, you experience a time when cattle were common currency, outlaws were folk heroes, and a single boutique hotel was known around the world for Texas-Style hospitality and comfort.

Enjoy a private tour of Billy Bob’s Texas, with more than 30 bar stations, a venue for country music’s biggest stars, real Pro Bull Riding, and a Texas size dance floor. It has became known as “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk”! For over 41 years, Billy Bob’s has hosted the biggest stars in country music and classic rock from Alabama to ZZ Top. Billy Bob’s has been named “Country Music Club of the Year” 12 times by the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. Visitors to Billy Bob’s can enjoy the large collection of memorabilia. Each entertainer leaves a concrete impression displayed on the Wall of Fame. Visitors can see how their hands match up to those of Garth, Willie, or Ringo. The Guitar Bar in Billy Bob’s has 75 guitars autographed by the stars who have performed at the club. Billy Bob’s gift store offers a wide selection of souvenirs and unique western gifts.

John Wayne: An American Experience is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards! Guests are taken on a tour through John Wayne’s lengthy career. Notable pieces on display include both the screenplay and Academy Award for Best Actor for the 1969 movie True Grit. Featuring over 400 pieces of personal and professional memorabilia, the exhibit will take you through John Wayne's life and how he achieved the ultimate American dream through hard work and determination. View of 16 of John Wayne’s favorite hats – from Stetsons to fedoras – and can step into three of his scenes to pose with him to create new images that we can share via social media. An American Legacy gallery features an empty director’s chair at its center where the Duke once sat when he was with us. No longer with us now, we have a chance to reflect on the legacy he left us. Stock and Supply Gift Shop has items including apparel, books, drinkware, fine art, leather goods and western accessories.