The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District welcomed a record 8.2 million visitors in 2025, according to figures released this week by the Stockyards Heritage Association, solidifying its position as one of the top cultural tourism destinations in the American West.
The milestone represents a 12 percent increase over 2024 and caps a five-year run of growth fueled by major investments in new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout the district. The $175 million Mule Alley development, which transformed historic horse and mule barns into a boutique shopping and dining destination, has been a major draw since opening in phases over the past several years.
“People come to the Stockyards expecting cowboy hats and cattle drives, and they get that,” said Stockyards Heritage Association president Tom Baker. “But they also find world-class dining, live music, and a sense of history you can’t get anywhere else.”
The daily cattle drive along Exchange Avenue, which has been a free attraction since 1999, continues to be the district’s most popular event. New additions like the expanded Cowtown Coliseum rodeo schedule and a recently opened Western heritage museum have helped extend the average visitor stay.
Hotel occupancy rates in the Stockyards area averaged 82 percent in 2025, well above the citywide average. The economic impact of tourism in the district is estimated at more than $1.5 billion annually, supporting thousands of jobs in hospitality, retail, and food service.
Looking ahead, the association announced plans for a new visitor center and additional parking facilities to accommodate the growing crowds. A proposed trolley connection linking the Stockyards to downtown Fort Worth is also under study.
“We’re proud of what the Stockyards has become, but we know we have to keep investing to keep people coming back,” Baker said.
