Due to construction, parking for Thistle Hill guests is now in the garage on 7th Avenue, at Pennsylvania Avenue, and immediately east of Thistle Hill. Parking in the garage is free for guests of Historic Fort Worth, Inc. To reach the back gate of Thistle Hill, exit the garage, turn left towards Pruitt Street and then right onto Pruitt Street. The gated entrance to Thistle Hill will be on the right. Please allow additional time for parking.
During the winter months, if weather conditions are such that driving becomes hazardous, we will close the houses.
If the weather is questionable and you are planning to tour one or both houses, please check the website or call to make sure we are open.
817-332-5875.
House Museum Tours
Historic Fort Worth offers tours of its stately cattle baron mansions, Thistle Hill (1509 Pennsylvania Avenue) and the Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House (1110 Penn Street), on the following days:
(Appointments are not needed for these days and times.)
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday: 11:00, 12:00, 1:00 & 2:00
2:00 is the last tour at both houses. In order to tour both properties, you must begin by 1:00.
Sundays: 1:00, 2:00, & 3:00
3:00 is the last tour at both houses. In order to tour both properties, you must begin by 2:00.
Tours begin on the hour and you may begin at either house.
Admission includes a tour of both properties:
$20.00 Adults
$10.00 Children, 12 years of age and under
Group rates available for 20 or more. Groups by appointment only.
“Behind the Scenes” at Thistle Hill – Behind the Scenes tours have been suspended temporarily. We hope to have them back in the fall.
Become one of the few to venture beyond the standard tour. Join us as we explore the basement, third floor and carriage house. See how the family and staff really lived. Peek into the nooks and crannies of the house. Listen to the sounds the house makes and hear some of the stories only the staff can tell…
Some may even keep you up at night!
Tour pricing includes both the Behind the Scenes tour and the main house tour, both at Thistle Hill.
Reservations are highly encouraged!
In advance: $30
At the door: $35
Add McFarland House for an additional $10.
Group rates available for 10 or more.
Please call 817-332-5875 to make reservations.
The fine print:
- No children under the age of 10
- Appropriate footwear and outerwear is required
- Involves the climbing of over 60 stairs
- Many areas are not climate controlled or restored
- Signed waivers are required for each adult participant. Download the form here.
Flashlight Tours are not available during the months of June through September due to extreme heat.
Membership Tours
Historic Fort Worth organizes three exclusive tours for its members each year free of charge. These tours are a unique opportunity to explore historic sites in Fort Worth that are not typically open to the public. Past tours include Heritage Park Plaza, Sinclair Station, the Forest Park Tower, Fire Station No. 18, Martin Sprocket & Gear, Fairview (the Bryce House), and many more. Non-members may attend for a fee.
Previous Tour Photos:
ArchiTours
ArchiTours are day-long excursions by motorcoach to nearby cities and towns to explore the wealth of architectural and cultural heritage in our region. In 2014, tour participants visited Lindsay and Gainesville, Texas to tour the beautifully-restored St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church and Gainesville’s charming historic district. The 2015 tour featured Ennis’ railroad history and Waxahachie’s Gingerbread Trail. Stay tuned for details about upcoming tours.
