Texas history isn’t something you only read about—it’s something you drive through. From preserved frontier forts to dusty Chisholm Trail stops and charming old towns, Fort Worth is a perfect launchpad for exploring some of the state’s most fascinating historical gems. These road trips take you deep into Texas’s rugged past, all within a couple hours’ drive.
Perfect for history lovers, families, and curious road-trippers, these destinations bring stories to life through museums, architecture, battlefield relics, and living history experiences that connect you to the people who shaped the Lone Star State.
Why Fort Worth Is the Ideal Base for Historical Road Trips
As a city that once served as the final stop for cowboys driving cattle north, Fort Worth itself is steeped in frontier lore. But just beyond its borders, the surrounding region reveals even deeper layers of Texas’s past—Native American heritage sites, early settler cabins, Civil War forts, and historic railroad towns. The roads out of Fort Worth don’t just lead to attractions—they lead to time machines.
Each trip offers immersive experiences with exhibits, walking tours, reenactments, and authentic architecture that make Texas history feel vivid and alive.
Best Historical Destinations Near Fort Worth
1. Fort Richardson State Park – Jacksboro
A key military outpost during the post-Civil War Indian Wars, Fort Richardson includes seven original 1860s buildings, including the hospital, barracks, and officer quarters. Explore walking trails along Lost Creek and imagine soldiers marching across the North Texas plains.
Address: 228 Park Rd 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–5 PM
Approx Cost: $4 per adult
Famous For: Restored military fort and trailway walks through history
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Time your visit with a living history weekend for costumed reenactments and artillery demos.
2. Granbury Historic Square
Granbury’s square is one of the best-preserved in Texas, with 19th-century buildings now housing antique shops, cafés, and museums. Visit the Hood County Jail Museum or take a ghost tour through its storied past.
Address: Granbury, TX (Approx. 1 hr from Fort Worth)
Hours: Shops open daily, 10 AM–6 PM; museum varies
Approx Cost: Free to explore; museum $2–$5
Famous For: Civil War-era buildings, historic jail, and folklore
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Walk the square at dusk to take in the architecture—and maybe a few ghost stories.
3. Log Cabin Village – Fort Worth
Travel back to the 1800s without leaving the city. This interactive museum features six fully furnished log cabins from the Texas frontier era, complete with costumed interpreters and demonstrations of pioneer life.
Address: 2100 Log Cabin Village Ln, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Hours: Tues–Sat, 9:30 AM–4 PM
Approx Cost: $7 adults, $6 seniors/kids
Famous For: Pioneer-era Texas life and educational demos
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Check the events calendar for blacksmithing or candle-making demos.
4. Weatherford’s Museum of the Americas
A hidden gem dedicated to preserving the indigenous, Spanish, and pioneer cultures of the Americas. The museum holds over 4,000 artifacts and is located just off Weatherford’s historic square.
Address: 216 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76086
Hours: Mon–Fri, 10 AM–5 PM
Approx Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Famous For: Native and early Texan artifacts and cultural history
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk around Chandor Gardens for a peaceful blend of art and history.
5. Old Stone Prison – Decatur
Built in 1883, this eerie limestone jail has housed some of the West’s most colorful outlaws. Though no longer active, the building remains an iconic stop for ghost hunters and Wild West enthusiasts.
Address: 206 N State St, Decatur, TX 76234
Hours: View exterior anytime; interior may be accessed during tours
Approx Cost: Free (tour fees may apply)
Famous For: Historic jailhouse and frontier justice stories
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Walk the historic square and visit Bookish Coffee for a cozy, history-themed break.
6. Glen Rose – Dinosaur Valley & Barnard’s Mill
While famous for prehistoric footprints, Glen Rose also boasts a rich settler history. Barnard’s Mill, built in 1860, now functions as an art museum showcasing early Texas artists in a building that once served as a trading post and hospital.
Address: 307 SW Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Hours: Fri–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM
Approx Cost: Free–$5
Famous For: Prehistoric history and early settler life in one stop
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Walk the town’s historic trail system for plaques, ruins, and scenic views.
7. Texas Civil War Museum – Fort Worth
One of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts west of the Mississippi. This museum dives deep into both Union and Confederate perspectives, with uniforms, weapons, and immersive exhibits.
Address: 760 Jim Wright Fwy N, Fort Worth, TX 76108
Hours: Wed–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM
Approx Cost: $6–$8 per person
Famous For: Extensive Civil War collection and immersive battlefield exhibits
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Watch the short film at the beginning—it helps frame the museum experience with helpful context.
Best Food Stops with a Historic Vibe
1. Babe’s Chicken Dinner House – Granbury
Step back into a simpler time with this old-fashioned chicken dinner house. Long tables, homestyle food, and servers who treat you like family.
Address: 114 W Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$25 per person
Famous For: Family-style fried chicken and Southern hospitality
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Expect a wait on weekends—but the courtyard and local shops make it pass quickly.
2. Greenwood’s Restaurant – Weatherford
Located in a converted 1900s home, Greenwood’s serves up scratch-made meals in a romantic, cozy setting surrounded by vintage decor.
Address: 202 W Exchange St, Weatherford, TX 76086
Hours: Tues–Sat, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $12–$25 per person
Famous For: Upscale comfort food in a historic home
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Don’t skip dessert—the bread pudding is legendary.
3. Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes – Decatur
Rustic interior, charming waitstaff, and huge portions make this a favorite among history buffs passing through. The wooden décor adds a Wild West feel to your meal.
Address: 201 W Main St, Decatur, TX 76234
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30 per person
Famous For: Ribeyes, loaded potatoes, and down-home feel
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit near the fireplace on cool evenings for extra atmosphere.
Packing Tips for Historical Road Trips from Fort Worth
- Printed or downloaded maps for small towns with poor service
- Notebook for jotting historical facts or family stories
- Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection
- Museum pass (some towns offer bundled deals)
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Camera for historical architecture and plaques
- Books or podcasts related to Texas history
- Cash for small-town museums or donations
- Emergency car kit for rural drives
- Lightweight backpack for exploring on foot
Local Tips & Seasonal Advice
Spring/Fall: Best weather for walking tours and outdoor history trails
Weekdays: Less crowded museums and more relaxed town vibes
Events: Check local calendars for reenactments, pioneer days, or ghost tours
Photo Rules: Some museums restrict flash—ask first before taking interior photos
Tourist Info Centers: Great spots for maps, discounts, and insider tips
Support Local: Buy books, crafts, or souvenirs to support historical preservation
Final Thoughts: Let the Road Tell the Story
These road trips from Fort Worth aren’t just drives—they’re journeys through Texas’s living history. From frontier forts to Civil War exhibits and Main Streets lined with stories, each stop offers a chance to slow down and connect with the past.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or making memories with family, these destinations will leave you with more than photos—they’ll give you stories worth retelling.
