If you want to saddle up for an authentic cowboy experience in Texas, we found some of the best ways to enjoy the Western-themed culture. From shopping for the perfect cowboy hat to dancing at the world’s largest Honky Tonk, here are some recommendations for a great Texas cowboy experience.
Texas Cowboy Experience
Get Yourself a Hat and Boots
To truly immerse yourself in the Western culture in Texas, you need to get yourself a cowboy hat and maybe some boots as well.
Many handcrafted hats and boots are still made in Texas. The luxurious, hand-stitched Lucchese cowboy boots have more than 130 years of tradition, while still being innovated in technology and design.
If you’re looking for style with less of a price tag, Fort Worth Stockyards has dozens of shops with a variety of prices for any budget.
Witness a Historic Cattle Drive in Fort Worth
Witness a historic cattle drive at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
The Fort Worth Herd is the world’s only twice daily longhorn cattle drive, held every day at 11:30 AM & 4:00 PM in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
The Fort Worth Herd steers can be viewed before and after cattle drives in their pens behind the Livestock Exchange Building or at the Observation Deck just east of the Livestock Exchange Building on East Exchange Avenue.
Drovers are available before each cattle drive for photo ops and questions as well.
Sleep in a Conestoga Wagon
Does it get any more “cowboy” than sleeping in a Conestoga Wagon?
At Silver Spur Resort, the wagons are tucked away at the back of the resort so it really feels remote and unique. They combine modern luxuries like heating and air conditioning with camping experiences like fire pits and fishing for a bucket list worthy glamping experience.
The wagons are comfortable and cozy but don’t feel cramped.
While there isn’t a bathroom in the wagon, it’s located just a few steps away. There are two bathrooms with showers specifically for the wagons so it would be rare to wait if you need to go.
They are also temperature-controlled, providing all the luxuries of home.
Go to the World’s Largest Honky Tonk
Billy Bob’s Texas is a Texas-sized honky tonk with a 100,000-square-foot dance hall, 30 bar stations, a Texas-sized dance floor, a full restaurant featuring delicious favorites such as BBQ, and a live professional bull-riding arena.
At Billy Bob’s Texas, the mission is to deliver the world’s greatest honky-tonk experience and create lasting Texas memories. They accomplish this by delivering the finest live music nightly, and an authentic western atmosphere.
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only in the world dedicated to honoring trailblazing women of the American West.
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience and independence that helped shape the West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.
Its multimedia exhibits and historic photographs, papers, clothing, spurs and saddles tell the inspiring stories of remarkable women pioneers, ranchers, performers and rodeo stars
At the Cowgirl Shop, find books, apparel, gifts, jewelry and souvenirs.
John Wayne: An American Experience Exhibit
Sprawling over 10,000 square feet, the John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit is structured to give you an intimate tour of the life of John Wayne.
Starting with his early childhood and career, each room highlights an aspect of The Duke’s legacy. There is an extensive gallery called the “Life on Screen” that highlights the most iconic film props and costumes. In the “America, Why I Love Her” gallery, you can immerse in patriotism through Grammy-nominated original poems, recited by John Wayne. Also, all patrons will have exclusive access to never-before seen family photos and correspondences which have been thoughtfully curated by the Wayne family.
In addition to the exhibit, there are 2,000 square feet of retail space stocked with limited-edition items.