Even if you live locally, if you haven’t strolled the Heritage Trails in downtown Fort Worth, you are missing out on some fact-finding fun. Oh yeah, and it’s free! Not only will you get to spend some enjoyable time in this vibrant city, but you’ll get some fresh air and exercise, learn some truly interesting history, and perhaps scout out some new food, entertainment and shopping hot spots to return to later.
Use this map to find your preferred starting point.
City of Fort Worth Heritage Trails maps are available at Downtown Fort Worth Inc., the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Intermodal Transportation Center, or the Renaissance Worthington Hotel. Many merchants also keep copies by their registers and there are displays available throughout the city.
You can also download the Heritage Trails map ahead of time here.
Heritage Trails markers are prominently displayed throughout the city and are easily identifiable.
QuesterMark/Flickr This was the first marker erected, which was unveiled in November 2006.
All markers feature the “Cubistic Longhorn.”
Fort Worth Heritage Trails Artist Evaline Sellors created these longhorn cast stone plaques in 1936 to decorate a shelter house on Fort Worth’s North Side. It was chosen as the signature icon for the trails.
History buffs of all ages enjoy the walking trails. Kids like the excitement of finding the next spot on the map.
Fort Worth Heritage Trails There are currently 22 markers, with more being added in the future.
Fort Worth has kept its historic presence through downtown.
Bonita de Boer/Flickr
Dustin Askins/Flickr Historic buildings co-exist with tall high rises, making Fort Worth’s cityscape unique.
There’s so much to do in between marker spots too!
Tim Cummins/Flickr The entrance to the free Water Gardens is just past the marker for Hell’s Half Acre.
Behold, the angels!
David Hamill/Flickr No visit to Fort Worth is complete without gazing upon the angels at Bass Performance Hall.
Sundance Square is the perfect stop and refresh spot.
CJ Anderson/Flickr While there, be sure to walk through some the alleyways and explore beyond just the markers.
The Tarrant County Courthouse was completed in 1895.
Amy the Nurse/Flickr It is a pinkish Texas granite, built in the Renaissance Revival style, and resembles the Texas State Capitol.
The most popular marker tells of JFK’s last night.
QuesterMark/Flickr Worth Square is dedicated to the legacy of President Kennedy.
Jeff Stvan/Flickr The hotel where Kennedy spent his last night is now a Hilton Hotel. Be sure to walk in the lobby and admire how restorations have been able to maintain a balance between the old and new.
It can’t be Fort Worth without reminders of its start as a cattle town.
Ken Slade/Flickr Nothing says you’ve been to Fort Worth than a photo taken in front of this downtown mural.
The 1907 Fire Station No. 1 is a downtown treasure.
Steven Martin/Flickr Plans are in the works to turn this historic fire station into a public historic building.
Art aficionados will love the various art pieces in the city.
Steven Martin/Flickr “Man with a Briefcase” statue by Jonathan Borofsky is at Burnett park. Burk Burnett was a city founding father, who made his first cattle drive in 1866. He called Fort Worth his home and built a bank, now at the site of the park.
Be sure to peek inside buildings as well.
Payton Chung/Flickr Majestic architecture and decadent interiors are still apparent in many historic buildings. This interior is from the Texas & Pacific station.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral downtown is truly divine.
Steven Martin/Flickr This 1890s building is one of a few majestic churches with incredible architecture.
Visit a festival while taking the walking tour if you want to double your fun.
QuesterMark/Flickr Numerous festivals occur in downtown Fort Worth throughout the year. The city is inviting for all ages to enjoy.
In a hurry? Rent a bike!
Flickr/Jeff Stvan If a two-wheel ride is your preferred mode of travel, you can always pedal to the markers. Rentals are available downtown and may even leave you with enough time to bike the nearby Trinity River Trails!
Each marker provides a different glimpse of Fort Worth’s history. If you have taken the Heritage Trail walking tour, which fact about the city did you find most interesting?
City of Fort Worth
Heritage Trails maps are available at Downtown Fort Worth Inc., the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Intermodal Transportation Center, or the Renaissance Worthington Hotel. Many merchants also keep copies by their registers and there are displays available throughout the city.
You can also download the Heritage Trails map ahead of time here.
QuesterMark/Flickr
This was the first marker erected, which was unveiled in November 2006.
Fort Worth Heritage Trails
Artist Evaline Sellors created these longhorn cast stone plaques in 1936 to decorate a shelter house on Fort Worth’s North Side. It was chosen as the signature icon for the trails.
There are currently 22 markers, with more being added in the future.
Bonita de Boer/Flickr
Dustin Askins/Flickr
Historic buildings co-exist with tall high rises, making Fort Worth’s cityscape unique.
Tim Cummins/Flickr
The entrance to the free Water Gardens is just past the marker for Hell’s Half Acre.
David Hamill/Flickr
No visit to Fort Worth is complete without gazing upon the angels at Bass Performance Hall.
CJ Anderson/Flickr
While there, be sure to walk through some the alleyways and explore beyond just the markers.
Amy the Nurse/Flickr
It is a pinkish Texas granite, built in the Renaissance Revival style, and resembles the Texas State Capitol.
Worth Square is dedicated to the legacy of President Kennedy.
Jeff Stvan/Flickr
The hotel where Kennedy spent his last night is now a Hilton Hotel. Be sure to walk in the lobby and admire how restorations have been able to maintain a balance between the old and new.
Ken Slade/Flickr
Nothing says you’ve been to Fort Worth than a photo taken in front of this downtown mural.
Steven Martin/Flickr
Plans are in the works to turn this historic fire station into a public historic building.
“Man with a Briefcase” statue by Jonathan Borofsky is at Burnett park. Burk Burnett was a city founding father, who made his first cattle drive in 1866. He called Fort Worth his home and built a bank, now at the site of the park.
Payton Chung/Flickr
Majestic architecture and decadent interiors are still apparent in many historic buildings. This interior is from the Texas & Pacific station.
This 1890s building is one of a few majestic churches with incredible architecture.
Numerous festivals occur in downtown Fort Worth throughout the year. The city is inviting for all ages to enjoy.
Flickr/Jeff Stvan
If a two-wheel ride is your preferred mode of travel, you can always pedal to the markers. Rentals are available downtown and may even leave you with enough time to bike the nearby Trinity River Trails!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
