Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

The Got Weekend take

Why go

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the country, a preserve in northwest Fort Worth whose mission is educating the community in the preservation and protection of natural areas in North Central Texas. Its bison herd is the marquee attraction — the site posts regular updates on which pasture the animals are grazing — and the Hardwicke Interpretive Center (open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily) anchors a full slate of programs, from bison hayrides on National Bison Day to monarch, birding and alligator talks. Visitors stop at the gate house for a day pass and trail map, and a digital trail map is available via QR code. Leashed dogs are welcome for a $2 fee, and professional photography requires a permit. From Loop I-820, take Hwy 199 west four miles, exit Confederate Park Rd., then turn right on Buffalo Road into the entrance.

• Resident bison herd, with posted updates on where to find them in the refuge
• Hardwicke Interpretive Center open daily with exhibits and naturalist-led programs
• Seasonal programming: bison hayrides, monarch and birding classes, alligator talks and more
• Dogs welcome on leash for $2; veterans admitted free with ID

Families, school-age kids and anyone who wants real wildlife — bison, alligators, prairie and forest trails — within Fort Worth city limits. A strong pick for a half-day outing with kids.

Make it your kind of weekend

• family outing
• outdoors
• solo exploring
• friends

A few visit notes

No entry after 4 p.m. so visitors have enough time on the refuge. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Stop at the gate house for a day pass and trail map. Leashed dogs only; professional photography requires a permit. Registration for programs is via the Active Communities website.