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.

Architect Louis I. Kahn won an award from the American Institute of Architects for this building's striking design. He used a series of arched glass ceilings to let in natural light and enhance the presentation of the many important pieces in the museum collection. The artwork comes from all over the world, with maestros such as Renoir, Picasso, Rubens and Rembrandt represented. Those desiring more exotic artwork will enjoy the Asian, African and Mediterranean collections. The Buffet Restaurant is open daily, offering different kinds of light fare depending on the time of day. Admission to the permanent collections is free.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo is a pioneer in using natural habitats to showcase animals. Exotic animals are kept out of cages and left to freely roam in a natural environment. On most occasions, visitors are separated from the residents by only a river or a waterfall! Special exhibits include the world of primates, African Savannah, Asian falls and Texas wild. An onsite restaurant serves hamburgers, fries, pizza and BBQ, while a canopy of magnificent oak trees provides shelter from the hot Texas sun.

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.

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.

Rodeo Exchange has been in business since 1986, which makes it somewhat of an institution around these parts. Come on Tuesday nights for free dance lessons — just don't forget your cowboy hat. Famous for their low-price drinks, Rodeo Exchange offers a number of drink specials, including happy hour until 8p and Friday Ladies Nights. Fridays and Saturdays feature live music, mostly country, from acts ranging from local favorites to national stars like Trace Adkins. Fun times, cheap drinks and good old fashioned country tunes make this club a hoot.