The beauty of Texas' nature can be experienced first-hand with a hike through this 630-acre (146-hectare) preserve. With guided and self-guided tours available along the ten miles of wooded trails, outdoor enthusiasts can wander up to the Escarpment Nature Preserve, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Along the way you can view ponds, wildflowers and a butterfly garden before arriving at vistas and an observation tower. The trails vary in difficulty. All are natural terrain paved with rock, mulch, or dirt. They are designed for foot traffic only, and bikes or roller blades are not allowed. Hikes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, depending upon the trail selected. A snack bar, gift shop, and amphitheater are also located on the grounds.
This building, designed by James J. Kane in the Gothic Revival style, has been in use since its completion in 1892. It features stunning hand-painted stained glass windows, which came over from Munich the year of the church's dedication. The church's bell was cast in 1889. Though damaged by the recent tornadoes that ripped through much of downtown Fort Worth, St. Patrick Cathedral still holds mass twice daily for the faithful. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1908.
This fascinating museum, which was named in honor of astronomer Oscar E. Monnig, helps educate visitors and space enthusiasts about the origin, evolution and types of meteorites present in the vast realm of space. Visitors to the museum can get a hands-on experience through interactive meteorite displays, and learn more through the museum's diverse collection, which was donated to the Texas Christian University (TCU) over a period of eight years. An exciting feature at the museum is that visitors can even create their own terrestrial impact crater!
The Will Rogers Memorial Center houses The Will Rogers Coliseum which is a great place to catch up on some good old rodeo action and re-live the days of the old west. The Coliseum has permanent seating facilities for 6000 people. Some of the world's most famous and heart-stopping rodeo contests take place here during the Southwestern Exposition and Life-stock Show. The Coliseum hosts other sporting events too.