National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Fort Worth

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What a wonderful experience. It quite frankly touched my heart because I could relate to all the women of past and present who carry on the true American spirit of a poineering woman who weren't just cowgirls, but writers, artists, teachers, entertainers, and the woman who just works hard at everything she does. "Amen!" This museum represents alot of hard work and attention to detail. It the Hall of Fame hall it has twelve glass murals depicting portraits or images of cowgirls which slowly change when looking at them in a different direction. Pretty cool I say! It has so many wonderful exhibits it is a must see for sure when your in Fort Worth Texas!
Hours: Tues 10-8:00pm Wed-Sat 10-5pm Sun 12-5pm Closed Mon and special holidays. Adults $6.00 Seniors $5.00 Children (6-18) $4.00 Members Free
Oh no cameras! copyrights!

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One of the VT members laughed when I said we visited the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame over the Kimball Art Museum but I pointed out that a) where else but Texas could I find a museum devoted to cowgirls and b) the Kimball had borrowed the collection of impressionist art from Chicago's Art Institute and I could see it any time.

Since we got in free because it was the Day in the District when a handful of museums were free to the public, I thought it was a worthwhile stop. The museum focuses on cowgirls and many other women such as Dale Evans and Annie Oakley who shaped the American West. There are several interactive exhibits that looked fun for kids, they can hop on a bucking bronco and get filmed which can later be seen on the Internet, have their picture put on old Western film poster or give a try at being a cowgirl or boy.

We only spent about a 1/2 hour here but if you watched some of the films or come with kids, I could see a visit being an hour or two.

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For many years there have been stories, pictures, movies and other media dedicated to the Cowboy way of life. Just as important to the rich history of the Wild West however were the contributions of the Cowgirl. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame was built as a dedication to their hard work. Although the museum has officially been open since 1975, the current location was opened in 2002. Previous to 2002, the museum was located in the small town of Hereford, which is close to Amarillo, TX.

When we went in September 2008, the museum was splitting its area with the Museum of Natural Science and History, since it is closed for renovations.

There are plenty of things to see and do in the museum, including a movie theater that occasionally hosts small music sessions. During our walk through, we were joined by the Barbershoppers from Fort Worth who sang some fun songs about Texas and America.

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Entrance to the Fort Worth Science and History Museum also includes a visit to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

There are 160 women who are honored within these walls. Inspirational women who exhibited spirit, courage and leadership. You'll find cowgirls, ranchwomen, entertainers, artists, teachers and writers who have 'blazed their own trail' in life.

The interior is beautifully designed so that an enormous amount of light enters the building. I particularly liked the moving art pictures near the ceiling in the foyer.

You'll experience a taste of pop culture, ranching and the American West through the displays, tributes and film clips. I thought it was a nice portrayal of the cowgirl spirit!

Hours are Mon.-Thurs. 9am-5:30 pm; Fri.-Sat. 9am-8pm; Sun. 11:30am-5:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day.

Admission for the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame only is $8 for adults; $7 for seniors and children 3-12.

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Originally founded in 1975 in Hereford Texas, it was moved to Ft Worth in 1994 and its research library has over 3,000 rare photographs. Women featured at the museum are painter Georgia O’Keeffe, Laura Ingalls Wilder (author of Little House on the Prairie), Herietta Chamberlain King (co-founder of the hug King Ranch in Southern Texas), Annie Oakley (legendary cowgirl and sharpshooter) and Patsy Cline (singer) and Dale Evans (actress) to name only a few.

If someone said they could only do one thing while in Fort Worth and asked for my advice, I would tell them to visit the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. I would venture to say that it is one of the best small museums in the world.

The Hall of Fame is located in the central rotunda, with chrome buttons embedded in the walls with the name of each honoree. There are two massive computerized displays that allow visitors to use a touch screen to view the biography of any of the honorees.

The museum features cowgirl artwork, artifacts, films, interactive displays, photographs and much more. The main film "Catch the Cowgirl Spirit" is so moving that by the end of it I got a little choked up.

On the whole this is a terrific attraction that you shouldn't miss. Kids will enjoy it as well. There is also a gift shop and small cafe on site.

The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world which is dedicated to document and honour th elives of distinquished women of the American West. More than 140 women are acknowledged and honoured with more being honoured each year. The outstanding women include not only cowgirls and ranch women, but also writers, artists, teachers and entertainers such as Georgia O'Keefe (artist), Patsy Cline (singer) and Dale Evans Rogers (actress) .

Admission is free.

This is the only museum in the world which is dedicated to honouring the courage of American West women along with their pioneer spirit. There is 33,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits, artefacts and a travelling exhibit gallery, multi-purpose theatre, research library, wild-west-show-themed gift store, and a grand rotunda where visitors. Within the Hall of Fame there are 158 women featured.

Open: Tues - Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun – 12noon – 5pm - Closed Mondays and some holidays.

Admittance charge.