The Fort Worth Herd cattle drive is the only twice-daily cattle drive in the world, and it happens every single day in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. A team of drovers in period clothing guides a herd of Texas longhorns down East Exchange Avenue while visitors line the street and snap photos. The whole event takes about eight minutes, it costs nothing to watch and it is one of the most photographed moments in Texas.
Here is how to see it.
The cattle drive runs at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. CT daily, weather permitting. The only exceptions are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.
The morning drive tends to draw slightly smaller crowds than the afternoon drive. If you prefer a less crowded experience, the 11:30 a.m. time slot is the better option.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to secure your viewing spot and watch the drovers prepare. Getting there by 11:20 a.m. or 3:50 p.m. gives you time to find a position along the route before the herd starts moving.
The cattle drive runs along East Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards. The best viewing spots are in front of the Livestock Exchange Building at 131 East Exchange Avenue and the RFD-TV Building at 130 East Exchange Avenue.
An observation deck on East Exchange Avenue offers an elevated view if you want to see the full scope of the herd from above rather than street level.
You can also view the longhorns in their pens behind the Livestock Exchange Building before and after the drive. This is a good option if you want a closer look at the animals without the crowd.
The cattle drive lasts about eight minutes from start to finish. The drovers move the longhorns at a steady walk down the street while narrating the history and answering questions. The herd typically includes 15 to 20 longhorns, and the animals are calm and accustomed to the routine.
The atmosphere is festive. Visitors line both sides of the street, and the Stockyards district has shops, restaurants and saloons open before and after the drive. It is easy to spend a full day in the area.
The cattle drive is free. No tickets or reservations are needed.
Parking is available in paid lots throughout the Stockyards. The area can get crowded, especially on weekends, so plan for extra time to find a spot.
Follow @fortworthherd on social media for weather-related cancellations. Texas storms can roll in quickly during the summer, and the drive may be canceled on short notice in severe weather.
The Fort Worth Stockyards are about 30 minutes west of the Arlington Entertainment District. Watch the afternoon cattle drive at 4:00 p.m. CT, eat dinner at Cattlemen’s Steak House or Joe T. Garcia’s (cash only) in Fort Worth and then drive to Globe Life Field for an evening Texas Rangers game.
Get tickets to see the Rangers in 2026 and pair the most Texan free attraction with a night at the ballpark.
The cattle drive runs at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. CT daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
About eight minutes from start to finish.
Yes. No tickets or reservations are required.
In front of the Livestock Exchange Building at 131 East Exchange Avenue or the observation deck on East Exchange Avenue.
About 30 minutes west by car from the Arlington Entertainment District.
Yes. The longhorns are visible in their pens behind the Livestock Exchange Building before and after the drive.
