Top Rated Attractions in Ft. Worth

Often referred to as the state's oldest art museum, this facility has been in existence since 1892. The Modern Art Museum now houses more than 2800 sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs and other artworks created since World War II. The collection includes pieces by luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol. Tours are open to the public every Saturday afternoon. The gift shop offers books, magazines, posters and other artistic memorabilia as well as educational toys. The museum hosts various art classes for patrons of all ages throughout the year.

Fragrant and serene, Fort Worth's Botanical Gardens offer beautiful trails and garden exhibits in one of the oldest and largest natural settings in North Texas. An extensive greenhouse area, housed in the garden's conservatory, showcases tropical plants and exotic birds in colorful settings. The Japanese Garden, a popular attraction among visitors, is tranquil and perfect for relaxation or contemplation. Special events abound throughout the year, such as the annual spring butterflies in the garden, with more than 6,000 butterflies adding color to the already magnificent setting.

Situated in the heart of downtown, this mercantile and entertainment district features 20 blocks of renovated storefronts from the turn of the century. The nostalgic buildings and red brick streets pay tribute to Fort Worth's heritage and provide a very popular place to find great shopping, food and live performances of all kinds. Green sightseeing trolleys make it easier to take in all the sights, while horse-drawn carriages might be the ride of choice for those wanting to add a Victorian flair to their tour. A tourist information center provides the inside scoop on the best Sundance Square has to offer.

Since 1997, this huge stadium with an oval track 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometers) in circumference and more than 150,000 seats in the Grandstand alone has provided racing lovers with all the thrills they could hope for. This is the second largest racing venue in the United States, behind the Indianapolis 500 Speedway. Events at Texas Motor Speedway include major NASCAR races, car shows and the Thursday Night Stampede, a weekly showcase of local racers. Speedway World offers souvenirs as well as tours of the speedway. The cafeteria is open on racing nights, and the onsite camping grounds can accommodate 6,000 people.

As its name implies, Scat Jazz Lounge is a live music venue specializing in jazz performances. This 1920's speakeasy style lounge features an interior combination of swank and retro decor, making it easy to imagine you really are drinking at a Prohibition Era joint. The place is literally underground; you have to take an elevator down below ground level to get in. Once inside, the jazzy performances, stiff drinks and classy, retro elegance make this a juice joint worth coming back to.

This is a great way to experience Fort Worth's history. Fort Worth Stockyards was once the second-largest cattle market in the world. Renovated for tourism in 1976, the district brims with entertainment, including restaurants, shopping and Wild West performances. Events include the Chishold Trail Round-up, held annually in June, and the Fort Worth Stockshow and Rodeo, held annually beginning in January. Visit Stockyards Station, where there is even a small children's amusement park.