Exploring Beyond Oklahoma
S ummer travel season is upon us and it’s the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway filled with nostalgia, cowboys and culture aboard the Heartland Flyer – destination Cowtown. Day 1 Heartland Flyer & Fort Worth Stockyards All Aboard! Roll down to Fort Worth on the Heartland Flyer BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS BY IAN CUOMO AND PROVIDED.
THE HEARTLAND FLYER WAS NAMED BY 11-YEAR-OLD KATIE MOORE THROUGH A CONTEST HOSTED BY OKLAHOMA SEN. DON NICKLES. PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMTRAK.
Stepping outside the typical weekend trip, my family opted to travel aboard the Heartland Flyer , which departs daily on a round trip between OKC and Fort Worth, Texas. The roughly four-hour train ride provided a relaxing start and finish to our three days of fun since we were able to swap the cramped quarters of our family car (and the usual bickering that comes with it) and driving responsibilities for some much-needed quality time. The journey not only provided respite from typical travel stressors but also set a tranquil tone for the adventures that awaited us. Arriving at the OKC station 30 minutes ahead of our departure, the boarding process was quick and easy. We waited inside the historic depot for our train to arrive. Tracking via the app, we were able to see the train pull into the platform. Once the conductor called for us to board, we scanned our tickets, picked our seats and stowed our luggage, all set for our adventure in a matter of minutes. We opted for seats on the upper level so we could enjoy the views. The narrow stairs can be a challenge to maneuver with bulky luggage, so keep that in mind when packing. Spacious, reclining seats offer plenty of leg room and have adjustable footrests, a nice upgrade from my SUV or standard air travel! My kids enjoyed the freedom to move about the train car for a different view or to stretch their legs while securing snacks from the café car, which boasts breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, coffee, burgers, candy and more. The train arrived in Fort Worth just after noon, which left us plenty of time to explore the nearby sites. Fort Worth Central Station is located within the Sundance Square neighborhood, which offers a complimentary trolley, Molly the Trolley, that runs daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, a number of hotels near the station are accessible via the trolley. The Sundance Square area is pedestrian-friendly with walkable options for dining, shopping and sightseeing.
FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS CAME TO FAME AT THE HEIGHT OF THE CHISHOLM TRAIL. TODAY, COWHANDS DRIVE A HERD DOWN EXCHANGE AVENUE TWICE A DAY.
After checking in to our hotel, we took a metro bus to the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards , a national
historic district showcasing the area’s importance to the cattle industry and the Chisholm Trail. Fort Worth got its nickname, Cowtown, from the millions of cattle and cowboys that stopped in for rest and to restock supplies before crossing the Red River into Indian Territory. The brick buildings and walkways and wooden corrals
connect visitors to a bygone area. Twice daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., crowds line the sidewalks to watch as cowhands drive a herd of Longhorn cattle down the heart of the district.
58 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2024
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