This Veterans Day weekend, the spirit of the Duke rides into Fort Worth. John Wayne: An American Experience — the museum dedicated to Hollywood’s most iconic cowboy — is opening its doors for free to veterans and active-duty military from Saturday, Nov. 8, through Tuesday, Nov. 11. It’s a fitting tribute: Wayne didn’t just play cowboys — he famously donned the uniform on screen in films like “Sands of Iwo Jima” and “The Green Berets,” earning him a deep respect for the men and women who serve. 

The weekend kicks off with a little motion at the John Wayne Grit Series Fort Worth Stockyards 5K on Nov. 8. Runners take off at 8 a.m. from the museum itself, with Kylie Frey performing the National Anthem and members of the Wayne family cheering them across the finish line. Proceeds benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, which carries on the Duke’s legacy of courage and grit against cancer. 

Inside the museum, visitors trace the arc of Wayne’s life — from his childhood and early career to his final roles. The exhibits include never-before-seen family photos and letters curated by the Wayne family, offering a glimpse at the man behind the legend. Military buffs will appreciate displays of costumes and memorabilia from Wayne’s war films, which underscore his lifelong respect for the armed forces. 

Two rotating exhibits add extra allure this fall. “The John Wayne Gun Collection — Guns that Won the West,” on view through Dec. 31, spans four decades of cinematic firepower, from the Remington 1861 New Model Army in “The Big Trail” to the Colt 1890 Gatling Gun in “The War Wagon”. Also through Dec. 31, the John Wayne Family Portfolio Collection from Andy Warhol’s “Cowboys & Indians” series spotlights 10 Warhol artworks depicting Wayne alongside iconic Western imagery — a colorful intersection of Hollywood, history, and pop art. 

For those inspired to give back, donations to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation can be made at John Wayne Stock & Supply, the museum’s flagship store, or online at johnwayne.com. 

What: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military with ID 

When: Nov. 8–11, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily 

Where: John Wayne: An American Experience — Fort Worth Stockyards, Historic Exhibits Building, 2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164 

Tickets: $22.95 adults, $20.95 seniors 65+ and students with ID, $17.95 kids 6–15; children 5 and under free. Veterans and active-duty military personnel are admitted free with valid identification.