Page 243 - GrapevineFY24 Adopted Budget

Convention & Visitors Bureau Headquarters and Museum Complex

The Grapevine Convention &
Visitors Bureau headquarters and
Museum Complex is a symbol of
friendship and hospitality. The facility
represents the architectural period of
significance from the 1870s through
1915 and is a tribute to the agricultural
and commercial heritage of Grapevine.
The complex rises above Main Street
at the southern end of Historic
Downtown and consists of six distinct
storefronts, each representative of a
significant period in Grapevine’s
history.

Along with the Would-Be Train Robbers, the glistening gold of the 9-foot weather vane, signifies
that conditions are excellent for visiting Grapevine. Visitors are also greeted by the unique vertical
clock and temperature gauge on the front side of the Tower. And a unique wind direction dial
stimulates a little whimsy in those who come to discover the magic of the Tower. All of the
elements of the new building’s design come together to showcase Grapevine as a premier leisure
destination, welcoming visitors from across the region, the nation and the world.

Would-Be Train Robbers

The Grapevine Glockenspiel, featuring the Would-Be Train Robbers, is one of the city's unique
attractions. Watch an exciting confrontation every day between larger-than-life mechanical
figures.

Born on the Grapevine Prairie in 1861, Nat left
home at 16 to pursue his dream of earning
enough money to buy a cattle ranch. Out of
work, his savings vanished, Nat plans to snatch
the $60,000 cash box from the train headed to
the Fort Worth Stockyards auction.

Willy was born to an itinerant family in 1829.
Always a drifter, he bounced around from job
to job, always managing to wind up on the
shady side of the law. He was involved in
riverboat gambling and a few stage coach and train robberies. Willy heard about the big cash box
when he was gambling in Fort Worth and decided to rob the train when it stops in Grapevine. Then
he will head to Galveston and take the first steamer out of there to his new life of respectability.

See the action as these larger-than-life figures emerge just before the clock prepares to strike noon
and 6 p.m. No matter who wins, they learn that train robbery doesn’t pay.

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