Best Landmarks in Ft. Worth

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.

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.

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.

Lavish elegance and opulence are the foundation of this Georgian Revival house. Built in 1903 during the Cattle Baron Era of the West, Thistle Hill was designed and occupied by Electra Waggoner—daughter of cattleman William T. Waggoner—and her husband. Today it is considered a historic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The house contains 18 rooms, each filled with turn-of-the century furnishings. Oak-paneled halls and solid limestone pillars are just a few of the fine craftsmanship details. The house is known as much for its architectural design elements as it is for the families who occupied it. Guided tours, which begin on the hour, are offered to provide insight on the family and the house's design and creation, as well as on local history.

The Fort Worth Cultural District is where tourists and residents alike come to dine, shop and explore. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, the Cultural District features tree-lined surrounding and immaculately manicured grounds, a scenic area worthy of countless photo opportunities and hours of aimless wandering. Every year, more than 2 million visitors from around the world descend upon this area to check out unique shops and delicious restaurants, as well as art displays, performance theaters and cultural exhibits.

Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, this adobe-style building was constructed in 1902 as a center for cattle traders. It was the central location for all activity in the Stockyards and often referred to as "The Wall Street of the West". Today, the building houses professional services and the North Fort Worth Historical Society Museum, which features artifacts from the beginning of the development of the Stockyards.