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    John Wayne Museum

    4.8 (26 reviews)

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    Matthew S.

    One of the coolest small museum experiences I've ever had, and I'm not even a big John Wayne fan myself. They have an immense amount of artifacts that are awesome to see in person. This is a must see. And they have the best selection in their gift shop of any business or museum I've ever been to all unique, nothing just randomly selected.

    Entry
    Kristina H.

    Heads up about parking: it will cost. There is no free parking that's close by this museum. Unless you park WAY out and walk far away. We ended up paying $10 because today, 3/18/23, was a special event. I think it's normally $5 though. It was packed! There was a Patrick's Day parade and different various events. But we kept trudging along to find a place to park because I wanted to get to the Duke Spirits tasting and book signing event today only! We got to sample #GoldHandleCoffee mixed with #DukeSpirits which was strong but delicious. We even got to keep the special tin cup as a souvenir, very generous! Today the store was also having a sale on goods in front of the museum. Inside the exhibit, there are a lot of letters from friends of John Wayne. It interesting just how many people had such delightful things to say to the Duke. I loved seeing outfits from his movies on display and facts about his life/career. There aren't any interactive displays, so I wouldn't recommend for children even though they do sell children tickets. Also there are no restrooms. Stop by for a visit if you're a John Wayne fan, very nostalgic!

    Entrance
    Mike M.

    I was pleasantly surprised when finding out a few months ago that this museum had recently opened. Being a John Wayne fan all of my life and with me living relatively nearby I made it a point to visit on my next trip to the DFW area. Last week I made that happen. It's located in the famous Fort Worth Stockyards entertainment district and while parking in the area is plentiful it all requires a cost. The best bet for visiting this museum is the $5 lot across from Coopers Old Time BBQ which is about a 250 yard walk to the museum. Inside you enter passing walls with some great pictures of movie stars on movie sets that leads you into the large gift shop where you can buy tickets. Adult tickets are $22 and kids $18 so it ain't cheap coming here. I walked in and bought my ticket but during busier times they do have timed admission tickets that can be purchased online. You start with viewing a 3 minute movie and then proceed through galleries with numerous pictures, storyboards, artifacts, etc. for you to view. I really enjoyed visiting this museum and saw many things about him that I had never seen before. It's all indoors and of course air conditioned and the staff was very friendly. I found particularly interesting a display of still unopened letters in mail bags from fans that were mailed to him after his death. There were just so many his family couldn't open them all! Another interesting exhibit to see that's actually in the gift shop is from another western hero, Roy Rogers. This museum acquired from his (Rogers) museum when it closed a few years ago the taxidermied bodies of his horse Trigger and his dog Bullet. My only reason for not giving this museum (owned by the Wayne family) 5 stars is twofold. First there are several display cases in the museum that showcase letters, awards, etc. that are protected in clear acrylic for you to observe. However many of the display cases are much taller than they need to be to cover whatever is inside. This makes it difficult to read a letter that Duke wrote to someone famous or that someone famous wrote him or other certificates, awards, etc. The display cases don't let you get close enough to easily read what's inside them especially from the top. The second reason is that the ticket prices and especially the gift shop are too expensive in my opinion. I understand that the family wants to make money from The Duke (who died about 45 years ago) but I think these prices will hurt admission and furthering his popularity especially to newer fans. This museum may be the top tourist draw in The Stockyards and if you visit it, I think you will like it. Budget about 1 hour to go through it all and longer if you like to read.

    Souvenirs
    Pete G.

    This is a nice exhibit on the life and accomplishments of John Wayne. It has a lot of information, movie props, costumes and memorabilia on display including his Oscar for "True Grit." Personal letters from other well-knowns and fans plus other belongings are in display cases along with walls of movie info and photos. I had a great time here. If you're interested in details you can spend 60 to 90 minutes taking it all in. There's a souvenir shop at the end but things are overpriced.

    John Wayne's movies
    Armando G.

    This is a piece of Americana that I fully recommend you plan to visit when in Fort Worth, Texas! It's located just outside the Cowtown Coliseum and easily accessible by all. The museum is presented by one of John Wayne's sons and it contains many personal items from his late dad. Most importantly is John Wayne's life accomplishments and why he really represents our beautiful and beloved America! It takes an hour or so to go through all the information, stories and short videos, which represent his life in total. I recommend you purchase your tickets on line for best prices.

    Hat display
    Keasha E.

    This museum is done very well. There are a tone of pictures, archives, movie clips, and John Wayne's personal items. Even if you aren't a big JW fan the museum is informational and interesting. There is also a very nice gift shop. The staff was friendly and informative.

    Kelly S.

    Cool museum- a bit small. Won free tickets from yelp dfw so was fun to check it out. The gift shop has a lot of fun stuff. Definitely a cool spot to take the john wayne fans in your life but also for those, like my 16 year old, who had no idea who he was. After the museum, hes definitely a fan. We had to grab the john wayne handy book for men for him!

    Two shots deep in the gift shop!
    Lauren C.

    This was a very fun and informative museum all about John Wayne! My mom, aunt, and grandma were visiting from California so we went to the Stock Yards and surprisingly found this place. They had such cool items that Wayne had. It went into so much detail about all aspects of his life. This wasn't my grandma's first John Wayne Museum. She would give this place 5 stars if she had a Yelp! I think the shots from the gift store were hitting her lol They had really cool things to buy from the museum. They also had tastings of tequila, vodka, and whiskey. You best believe we tried all of them! The staff was very friendly too.

    Doug C.

    You must go to experience an American treasure. Over 150 films in a 50+ years of Hollywood. Lots to see and read and watch. Start with his early childhood in IA and later move to CA. Lucky him as he met the right people in college and got a foothold in the movie business as a prop guy. Lots of costumes that he wore in the movies are on display. Also many documents that show his career and personal life. Take the time to read a few. Plan on at least an hour+ to take it all in. BTW: we found the cheapest lot parking north of museum across from the Cooper Old Pit BBQ restaurant for $5. Don't try to drive down Exchange St too crowded.

    John Wayne Exhibit
    Lisa V.

    Excellent exhibit!!! My husband and I enjoyed the incredible journey this exhibit took us through of John Wayne's life. There were amazing things to see at every turn, everything from childhood photos, scripts, letters, telegrams, awards, clothing, and even one of his modified station wagons. There was so much to take in, I could go back and see things I missed the first time. Be sure to allow enough time to enjoy everything available, the entire exhibit in itself is a work of art.

    Bullet from the movies

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    1 year ago

    Great exhibits. Saw the Wild Goose boat in person years ago, model looks just like it

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Beautifully done exhibit and what a fun way to top off my Ft Worth trip. Highly recommend!

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    Review Highlights - John Wayne Museum

    Many personal writings between Wayne and people from everyday fans to people that only the Duke would have access to.

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    Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth - Diaries of Home exhibit

    Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

    4.5(267 reviews)
    2.9 miArlington Heights
    $$

    My cousin invited me to the Modern Art Museum. He wanted to show me his favorite paintings. We went…read morelast Friday evening. I'm so glad we did! We missed the traffic for the Cowtown run. We were able to find a parking quick. We walked in to find some nice tables, chairs and a small Bar. To the left of the Museum was the Information Desk, Restrooms, and Store. The Employees were dressed professional and were watching each room carefully. There was a lot to see. Paintings, Sculptures, Plants etc. We recognized Jackson Pollocks work but there were just a few pieces. I like how large the building is and how beautiful the windows are. I also love how it's surrounded by an oversized pond. I would definitely recommend the Modem Art Museum. It's free on Fridays but a donation is encouraged. They have a large clear box that accepts cash. It's definitely worth your time.

    I had a great experience visiting the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth one Saturday while visiting…read morethe DFW area. The art exhibited in the museum is all contemporary and mostly abstract. I enjoyed walking around the Kaws sculpture, which faces the water outside. This review is mainly for the gift shop, which I love. It ranks high among all the museums I've been to in other, especially the museums in NYC (Whitney, MoMA, The Met). There were lots of my favorite artists represented in the shop, including Warhol, Basquiat and Haring. I ended up getting the Velvet Underground tote, a magnet and a bag of Gudetama chips, which made me laugh. It would have been easy to spend a lot more money in the shop, but I decided to take it easy (Haha). The service was really good, as I recall, and everything was reasonably priced. The people who work in this museum tend to be friendly and easygoing. Overall, 5/5. Highly recommended.

    Photos
    Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth - Tony Feher, Just So, 2002 (chuckled then appreciated 09/06/24)

    Tony Feher, Just So, 2002 (chuckled then appreciated 09/06/24)

    Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth - Diaries of Home exhibit

    Diaries of Home exhibit

    Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth - Diaries of Home exhibit

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    Fort Worth Museum of Science & History - Medical play section

    Fort Worth Museum of Science & History

    3.0(228 reviews)
    3.4 miArlington Heights

    This was a really solid experience, especially for a 5-year-old. The space was wide open, clean,…read moreand easy to navigate, which made it stress-free and enjoyable for both kids and adults. There's plenty of room to explore without feeling crowded, and the overall atmosphere is calm and welcoming. That said, the museum does feel a bit dated in places. Several of the hands-on exhibits designed for kids -- especially the ones with buttons and interactive elements -- weren't working, which was a little disappointing since that's often what kids are most excited about. On the positive side, it's still better than the science museum in Houston, in our experience. The planetarium is one of the better ones around, and the absolute standout is the Omni Theater helicopter ride -- you simply cannot beat it. That alone is worth the visit and completely captivated our child. Overall, while some updates and maintenance would go a long way, this is still a strong family-friendly museum and a great outing for young kids.

    On January 14, 2026, my son, a friend, her kiddo, and I stopped by on a day when it was cold and…read morewindy. It was my friend's idea. Admission is free if your little one is 0-2 years old. If you're a member, depending on your membership, you're able to have 2 or more people go in with you for free. Which I feel is definitely worth it, especially if you have kiddos. I love that it's an interactive museum with many exhibits. You can take your kiddo/s here, and they can be entertained for hours. It's perfect for rainy days, or unfavorable weather days instead of just bring at home with your little one/s. This is a great spot to take them, and they will definitely let all their energy out. My little one enjoyed the Marvel section, especially since he got to wear a cape, the grocery store they have for the kiddos, as well as other interactive play areas within the museum. They have a café inside, and I'll have pictures of their menu. Oh, and you have to pay for parking, but if you're a member you're able to get a discount. My son had a good night's sleep after all the walking around. I highly recommend it to anyone who had little ones. They can run around or crawl for hours here.

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    Fort Worth Museum of Science & History - Entrance to the newly refurbished OMNI Theater ... AMAZING!

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    Entrance to the newly refurbished OMNI Theater ... AMAZING!

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden

    4.3(397 reviews)
    3.5 miArlington Heights

    So awesome to explore the botanical garde as a family. There are plenty of trees for a shaded…read morewonderful experience. Go in the spring before it gets too hot. Fue increíble explorar el jardín botánico en familia. Hay muchísimos árboles, lo que hace que la experiencia sea maravillosa y esté llena de sombra. Vayan en primavera, antes de que haga demasiado calor. Es ist einfach großartig, den Botanischen Garten als Familie zu erkunden. Es gibt dort jede Menge Bäume, die für ein schattiges und wunderbares Erlebnis sorgen. Besucht ihn am besten im Frühling, bevor es zu heiß wird. È stato fantastico esplorare il giardino botanico in famiglia. Ci sono tantissimi alberi che rendono l'esperienza meravigliosa e ricca di ombra. Andateci in primavera, prima che faccia troppo caldo.

    My husband and I had an extra day in Dallas, so we took a shuttle to the train, and two buses to…read morewalk to the Botanic Garden and Butterfly exhibit. It was one day after the Japanese Garden exhibit so there weren't a lot of people around, but the gardens were well maintained. The shuttle buses are helpful in getting to the far away parts of the garden. Our favorite part was the visit to the butterfly exhibit. They were releasing new butterflies and the staff was great with sharing information about the various species. I've been to other butterfly exhibit, and this was the most active population of various butterflies... Al displayed beautiful creativity of our amazing God! Would be better to have a bus stop at or near the gardens. Would have liked to see more flowers there... The rose beds were likely better a couple weeks before our arrival.

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    Fort Worth Botanic Garden
    Fort Worth Botanic Garden
    Fort Worth Botanic Garden

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    Texas Civil War Museum - Civil War Guns

    Texas Civil War Museum

    4.5(45 reviews)
    7.4 miFar West

    I really hate to hear this museum is closing. It is such an amazing find. We spent HOURS here and…read moreit had a ton of people visiting it. It was definitely my favorite part of our trip to the area! I couldn't believe all the artifacts it possessed. Texas played a significant role in the American Civil War Secession: Texas joined the Confederacy in early 1861, a few weeks before the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter. Texas declared its secession from the Union on February 1, 1861, and joined the Confederate States on March 2, 1861, after it had replaced its governor, Sam Houston, who had refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. Military: Nearly 90,000 Texans served in the military. Leaders of the Texas forces included legendary figures John Bell Hood, Albert Sidney Johnston, John Bankhead Magruder, Patrick Cleburne, and Ben McCulloch. Battles: Texas forces fought in many major battles, including Gettysburg, Antietam, Second Manassas, Wilson's Creek, The Wilderness, Vicksburg, Corinth, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Glorieta Pass, Pea Ridge, Gaine's Mill, Franklin, and Mansfield. Texas also defended its own coastline, repulsing Union invaders at Brownsville, Sabine Pass, Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Laredo. Blockades: The Union blockaded Galveston, Houston, and other ports, making it difficult for farmers to export their crops. Closing: The surrender of the Trans-Mississippi Department of the Confederacy at Galveston on June 2, 1865 was, as Capt. Benjamin Franklin Sands of the United States Navy noted, "the closing act of the Great Rebellion." Just a few weeks later on June 19, Gen. Gordon Granger, commander of U.S. troops in Texas, arrived in Galveston and ended slavery in Texas by issuing an order that the Emancipation Proclamation was in effect in Texas later to become known as Juneteenth.

    I was in tears seeing and reading the stories behind the uniforms and memorabilia! This museum hit…read moreme HARD and I wasn't even expecting it. It is so extraordinary how many personal pieces and artillery/weapons are on display for us to experience. The very last exhibit included Victorian dresses on display! So fascinating to see in detail the stitching and different types of fabric that these dresses boasted. It also detailed the different bustles and corsets women used. Regarding the Museum, there is ample parking and restrooms are located near the entrance. The gift shop has cool items that are reasonably priced. It is unfortunate they will be closing in December 2023 though.

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    Texas Civil War Museum - Instruments used during the war

    Instruments used during the war

    Texas Civil War Museum - Battle

    Battle

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    John Wayne Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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