Why You Should Visit
This is the only museum in the world honoring the western cowgirl, and they do a great job of capturing the pioneering spirit of these women in a surprisingly hi-tech environment.
Fort Worth, Texas has long been synonymous with cowboy culture and the Wild West, and the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is right at home here in the Cowtown cultural district.
Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- The American West
- Cowgirls
- Women’s History
- Wild West
Where to Begin Your Field Trip
Parking: The best place to park for the museum is the lot on the corner of Montgomery St. and Harley Ave. Enter on Harley.
After you enter the building, purchase your tickets, and get your sticker. They will probably suggest you start with the mini-films in the small theatre (near the entrance,) a good idea.
What Can You Expect to See & Do While Here?
The outside of the building is a nod to the classic cowgirl, complete with relief sculptures and western murals, and the inside has a polished modern vibe.
On the first floor, you will find several areas to explore. Start with the small theatre to learn a little background on the museum and some of the amazing women featured here, including a kid favorite, Jessie, from Toy Story!
Look up to view the Grand Rotunda Mobile in all its technological glory. Some of the photographs are stills, others are video projections of the honorees.
Step into the Ann W. Marion Gallery to admire the latest Western art exhibition.
The Hitting the Mark: Cowgirls & Wild West Shows Gallery is what comes to mind when you think of the Wild West. Here you’ll find the iconic Annie Oakley, (in holographic form.)
Don’t miss the photo booth at this exhibit. There are several authentic looking backgrounds you can have your picture made in. Our 15 year old field-tripper now has a nice souvenir of herself texting in the back of a covered wagon.
On the second floor, you’ll find these themed “islands,” displaying interesting artifacts, old and new, as well as some nontraditional cowgirl memorabilia.
The backdrop for this gallery is Western cinematic art projected in one continuous scene, having a beautifully dramatic effect.
This isn’t the only immersive experience here. Kids will love the chance to design their own Western wear or style a horse in the Western Design Room.
The Bucking Bronco Room is sure to be a big hit. Hop up on the not-so-mechanical bull and go as wild (or tame) as you’d like. Hit the record button, and you will be put into a 1930 rodeo film you’ll then be able to send to yourself, or post on social media for a truly unique and hilarious souvenir.
The Basics
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame
1720 Gendy Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Tuesday-Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Noon – 5 pm
Adults – $12.00
Seniors – $9.00
Military & First Responders – $9.00
Children (age 4-12) – $6.00
Children age 3 & under – free
Tips for Visitors
The Fort Worth Cultural District has several great field trip opportunities including numerous art museums, a science museum, and many event centers and theatres. The Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens are nearby, as well.
Parking is $10, or free for members after obtaining a voucher at the front desk.
The Cowgirl Museum participates in the NARM (North American Reciprocal Program,) so if you become a member you will have free entry to participating museums and cultural sites across America.
School tours are available for 10-120 participants. Check their education page for details.
Additional Resources
The National Cowgirl Museum has a new online resources page, for when you need the field trip to come to you. This includes “Craft Corral” videos, “Cowgirl Museum Story Time” videos, as well as several printable activities. Our 4th grader loved the Bison Coffee Art activity.
The museum also has a Traveling Trunk full of curated cowgirl items and educational materials available for checkout.
Children’s Reader: Annie Oakley-Little Sure Shot by Jennifer Kroll
Bull’s Eye: A Photobiography of Annie Oakley by Sue Macy
Cowgirl Poetry : One Hundred Years of Ridin’ and Rhymin’ by Deanna Dickinson McCalland Virginia Bennett
