Fort Worth, Texas Attractions

zoo image by Mat Hayward from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Fort Worth, or Cowtown as it is often called, is rich in western heritage from cattle to railroads to oil. Located in north central Texas, near Dallas, the city was the last major stop on the famous Chisholm Trail, the route used to drive cattle north to market. While many attractions focus on the city's western heritage, there are many options for the lover of the outdoors.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Japanese Garden

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest garden of its kind in Texas, and features more than 100 acres of natural beauty. Highlights include the 7.5-acre Japanese garden and the Texas Native Forest Boardwalk, an elevated walkway connecting the major parts of the garden and designed to engage children and adults in outdoor learning activities.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. 
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817-871-7686
fwbg.org

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

See the natural habitats that the pioneers saw when they first arrived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Ten miles from downtown, the Nature Center and Refuge has more than 3,600 acres of forest, prairies and wetlands. Explore the native wildlife and plants on more than 20 miles of hiking trails.

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge
9601 Fossil Ridge Road 
Fort Worth, TX 76135
817-392-7410
fwnaturecenter.org

Heritage Trails

Walk through downtown and learn about the people and things that have shaped Fort Worth. There are 22 stops, each marked with a bronze plaque detailing a historic event. Walking maps are available online or at four locations in the city.

Heritage Trails
817-338-3330
fortworthheritagetrails.com

Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo is the oldest zoo in Texas and has been recognized by publications such as USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, Family Life, Southern Living and Zagat Surveys as one of the top zoos in the United States. Home to more than 5,000 native and exotic species, the zoo is one of the most popular destinations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Visit with such animals as tigers and primates, raptors and penguins. Travel to an area called "Texas Wild!" It highlights the different regions of the state, with seven exhibits in an eight-acre area.

Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Parkway 
Fort Worth, TX 76110
817-759-7555
fortworthzoo.com

Trinity Trails

Rollerblade, bike, run or walk on more than 30 miles of paved trails along the Trinity River and its tributaries. The trails connect 21 parks and wind through major points of interest such as Heritage Park, Forest Park, the botanic garden and Cultural District. Horseback riders can enjoy the route on designated equestrian trails. The easiest location from which to access the trails is from behind Heritage Park.

Trinity Trails
300 North Main
Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-871-7275
trwd.com/Webdocs/TrinityTrailsMap.swf

Resources

Article Written By Jane Larkin

Jane Larkin has been a writer since 1992. Her most recent articles have appeared on Interfaithfamily.com. Larkin has received numerous awards for business leadership and consumer marketing. She holds an M.B.A. from Fordham University and a B.S. from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

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