5 Free Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth

Nov 12, 2015

Spending the day in Dallas/Fort Worth doesn’t have to cost much. In fact, if you plan your itinerary right, it won’t cost you a dime. Before organizing your next drive into the city, consider the following free attractions:

1. Dealey Plaza

When considering historic sites in Dallas, Dealey Plaza is usually the first name to come up. This iconic city park was the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and since the area earned National Historic Landmark status in 1993, the street and structures have all been preserved. Getting into the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza will cost you $16 per ticket, but driving by this historic site won’t cost you a thing. You can even view the notorious grassy knoll from your car.

If you would prefer to experience the plaza up close, take advantage of nearby parking garages and explore the area on foot. And don’t forget to view the new John F. Kennedy Memorial.

2. Fort Worth Stockyards

The Stockyards is Fort Worth’s most beloved historic district, offering landmarks, events, shops, dining options, and entertainment. While you could easily get carried away buying souvenirs or throwing back a cold one at one of the old-fashioned saloons, wandering around the Stockyards is completely free. This district is a living history book of the livestock industry, so don’t be surprised to encounter real cowboys herding longhorn cattle through the streets twice a day.

3. Dallas Arts District

The largest arts district in the country, the Dallas Arts District spans 68 acres and is comprised of 19 contiguous blocks. Visitors can enjoy architectural walking tours, restaurants, and museums, including the Dallas Museum of Art, which currently offers free admission. This museum houses an impressive collection of more than 22,000 pieces spanning the centuries. Although entrance to special exhibitions will cost $8 per person, free general admission allows you to see works by Monet, O’Keeffe, Pollock, Renoir, Warhol, Van Gogh, and more.

4. Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Western Currency Facility

Located in Fort Worth, this printing facility is one of only two locations in the nation that print money. Stop in during the week, and enjoy a free 45-minute guided tour of the facility, which includes walking on an elevated catwalk to get the best view of the money being printed below you. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Western Currency Facility also houses artifacts from turn-of-the-century presses as well as special demonstration exhibits. While here, you can even buy uncut sheets of currency.

5. Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive

This popular plaza on Young Street in Dallas features 70 bronze cattle and three trail riders, making it a larger-than-life sculpture you have to see to believe. This work of art even has historical significance, as the sculpture sits on the actual 1850s Shawnee Trail drive. Other must-see features of Pioneer Plaza include man-made cliffs, a waterfall feature, and native plant life.

With several free options available, you can enjoy a drive into Dallas/Fort Worth any time of year.

Image via Pixabay