Dallas Travel Essentials
Dallas Frontier Experience: 8 Places to Relive the Old West
The Most Authentic Texan Experiences in Dallas
Dallas may be a modern metropolis of soaring skyscrapers and trendy neighborhoods, but it doesn’t forget its Wild West roots either. A city rich in history and culture, you can explore its many museums and places of historical significance and still pick yourself up an authentic, custom-made cowboy hat in the heart of its bustling Downtown, too.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in Dallas’ frontier heritage and discover everything that made the city the place that we know and love today, then here are the best places in Dallas to experience the Old West and have yourself a rootin’ tootin’ good time.
1. Pioneer Plaza
Home of the Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
A large public park in the heart of the city, Pioneer Plaza is a point of historical significance for Dallas. Aside from being a beautiful spot to break away from the bustling streets and enjoy a peaceful stroll, its main purpose is to showcase how Dallas came to be, by telling the story of how the first settlers arrived to the city.
Take a wander alongside native plants and trees and past the waterfall, cliffs, and flowing stream. But the highlight of the park? Getting lost among the 49 lifelike bronze steers and three cowboys on horseback that make up the remarkable Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures, a magnificent work of art.
Location: 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA
Pioneer Plaza
2. Oldwest Café
The true taste of Texas
Good for: Families, Food
Giddy-on-up and enjoy the taste of Texas at the Wild West-themed Oldwest Café. An authentic experience in every sense, the saloon-style restaurant features cowboy murals and memorabilia on the walls and a menu to match. There are three locations around the western side of Dallas, but the Bedford branch is probably the most popular.
You’ll love the fun and friendly atmosphere and the food is on par with the exceptional service. Feedin’ times may only be at breakfast and lunch, but the pancakes and loaded eggs are enough to fill even the hungriest of horsemen. You can’t make reservations, so in the words of Oldwest Café itself, “First to ride in, first to hang their hat.”
Location: 2900 Hwy 121, Bedford, TX 76021, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 2 pm
Phone: +1 817-354-8000
Oldwest Café
3. Six Flags Over Texas
The Thrill Capital of Texas
Good for: Families, Adventure
An action-packed and thrilling adventure for the whole family, Six Flags Over Texas features modern-day fun with an old Texas twist. The park is split into different themes from around the world, including Spain and France, but features Texas and Old South areas too.
The park boasts close to 50 different rides, many of which will take you back to the Old West days. Take to the skies over the prairie on the Gunslinger, be plunged into total darkness on Runaway Mountain, and experience the high-speed adrenaline rush that is New Texas Giant, one of the best hybrid rollercoasters in the world.
Location: Arlington, TX 76011, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 817-640-8900
Six Flags Over Texas
4. Wild Bill’s Western Store
Texas’ legendary shopping experience
Good for: Shoppers, Unusual
If you’ve ever dreamt of looking like a true cowboy, saddle up and head over to Wild Bill’s Western Store. Here, you’ll find everything you need to embody the spirit of the Old West.
A staple in the city for over 40 years, you can browse the belts and buckles or try on a plaid shirt or two. If, however, you’re wanting to achieve the ultimate Western look, sit in authentic saddles while you have a custom-made cowboy hat steamed. Or, sink into a longhorn chair while you have your very own pair of cowboy boots fitted.
Location: 311 N Market St #101, Dallas, TX 75202, USA
Open: Monday–Wednesday from 10.30 am to 7 pm, Thursday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 8 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Phone: +1 214-954-1050
Wild Bill’s Western Store
5. State Fair of Texas
The largest fair in the USA
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Head to Fair Park in Dallas between September and October to experience the world-famous State Fair of Texas, one of the busiest and best state fairs in the country. The annual event has taken place every year since 1886 (barring certain years during the First and Second World Wars) and runs for 24 days, usually from the last week in September.
The fair features a college soccer game, a full auto show, all the bizarre deep-fried food you can ever imagine, and a State Fair Midway with over 70 different rides and attractions. Take a ride on the iconic Texas Star Ferris Wheel and be sure to get a selfie with Big Tex, the fair’s 55-ft (17-meter) cowboy mascot.
Location: Parry Ave &, Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75210, USA
Phone: +1 469-945-3247
State Fair of Texas
6. Dallas Heritage Village
Discovering 19th-century Dallas
Good for: History, Photo
Step back in time and experience the city exactly how it used to be at the incredible Dallas Heritage Village, now called City Park. A fascinating open-air museum experience, every building that you see throughout the village is exactly how it was back in the 19th century, perfectly preserved and as original as it comes.
Just a short walk from Downtown, all the buildings and exhibits that you see are originals dating back to the era between 1840 and 1910. They’ve all been moved to their location over the last 40 years, allowing visitors a revealing look at how the North Texans once lived. Take a wander around yourselves, or arrange a guided tour for a more detailed insight.
Location: 1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 972-482-3055
Dallas Heritage Village
7. Fort Worth Stockyards
Stepping into the West
Good for: Families, History
Things don’t get much more Western than a visit to the immersive Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. An awesome day out for the whole family, you’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked back in time as you learn the history of Texas’ famous livestock industry.
You could quite easily spend the whole day at the stockyards with so much to see and do, including the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive, a winery, and a museum. At night, you have plenty of dining options, plus the world-famous Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk and the year-round Championship Rodeo, taking place every Friday and Saturday night.
Location: 131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA
Open: Hours vary by season and events
Phone: +1 817-624-4741
Fort Worth Stockyards
8. Cowboys Red River
A good, old-fashioned honky-tonk
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
You can’t possibly go to Dallas without trying your hand (or feet) at some line dancing, and there’s no better place to do so than at Cowboys Red River. Two-step your way to the largest dancefloor in Texas, where you’ll find 30,000 sq ft (2,800 sq meters) filled with live music, dancing, and, of course, a mechanical bull.
The venue holds big events and concerts, plus there are dance lessons multiple times a week, should you fancy boot scootin’ along to one of them. There are regular themed party nights too, so it’s the ultimate place to be for a memorable Texan nightlife experience.
Location: 10310 Technology Blvd W, Dallas, TX 75220, USA
Phone: +1 214-352-1796
Cowboys Red River
Sadie Geoghegan-Dann
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