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Amarillo, Texas
If you’re looking for something fun to do on your next vacation, Amarillo, Texas, is the place to go. Its museums, art galleries, and restaurants are sure to excite your senses. And if you’re a history buff, you can’t pass up the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. The park is spread over 4 acres and features many different types of plants and animals. Whether you’re looking for a romantic afternoon or an exciting family outing, you’re sure to find something to entertain you here.
The city is also known for its arts and culture, and if you love theatre, the Amarillo Little Theatre is the perfect place to spend your evening. Amarillo’s historic Little Theatre is the oldest continuously running open-air theater in the nation and continues to present entertaining classics while displaying the area’s historical charm. Visit their official website to learn more and purchase tickets. If you don’t have time for the opera, you can also check out some of the city’s museums.
Amarillo’s proximity to Route 66, the town’s western atmosphere, and its famous cowboys have made the city a destination for visitors from around the world. The city hosts various themed events throughout the year, including the World Championship Ranch Rodeo in November. Another fun activity to enjoy while visiting Amarillo is attending the famous Amarillo by Morning country concert. This song was originally recorded by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser and was later covered by George Strait.
Cadillac Ranch #1
This attraction is located at the western edge Amarillo’s, near Interstate 40. It is free and very fun. The Cadillacs are artistically arranged in a row, sunk nose-first into the soil of a farmer’s field.Spray paint is a great way to create graffiti on your cars. You don’t have to bring your own spray paint, as half-filled canisters can be found scattered around the area surrounding the cars. Pick a few colors and get to work creating your artistic vision.
This is a very loved family activity . Children can run around the interiors of the cars and climb onto them. The cars are thick and full of paint.Photographers will enjoy the ever-changing and colorful canvas that is in front of them.The parking area is approximately 150-200 yards from the cars. You will walk along a wide, flat dirt path that can become slippery and muddy after rain. A souvenir seller can be found near the gate that is always open, selling colorful paint chips from cars. They also have key chains.
More Details About Cadillac Ranch
Website: | https://www.facebook.com/1974cadillacranch/ |
Address: | 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, United States |
Contact: | +1 833-330-2650 |
Opened: | 1974 |
Artists: | Stanley Marsh 3, Ant Farm, Chip Lord, Doug Michels, Hudson Marquez |
Route 66 Historic District #2
13 blocks of commercial property make up the U.S. Route 66 Historical District. They are located in San Jacindo Heights, to the west Amarillo’s central city. It includes blocks between Georgia and Forrest Avenues. One of the most preserved groups of buildings connected to the highway is found in this district.
There are many architectural styles to choose from, including Art Moderne and art deco elements, as well as Spanish Revival elements. The historic district includes the Adkinson-Baker Tire Company and the Natatorium.
More Details About Route 66 Historic District
Website: | https://www.amarillo66.com/ |
Address: | 3511 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States |
Contact: | +1 806-373-1427 |
Palo Duro Canyon State Park #3
Palo Duro Canyon has been voted one of the top Amarillo attractions by those who love nature and the outdoors. It is located only 24 miles from Amarillo and makes it an easy day trip. Palo Duro Canyon is America’s second-largest canyon.Camping spots can be reserved and you can stay over night. You can also rent a few cabins. These cabins are a great way to experience life in the canyon as it was in its earliest days.
An RV can be parked for overnight stays. Glamping is more appealing to you, so check out the Doves Rest Cabins.Palo Duro Canyon has many must-see attractions, including the Canyon Gallery, Zipline Adventure Park and TEXAS, The Musical.Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers many great hiking and backpacking trails. There are also many biking trails. If you have a limited time, take a drive on the 16-miles of paved road.
More Details About Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Website: | https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon |
Address: | 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, United States |
Contact: | +1 806-488-2227 |
Depth: | 880 ft (270 m) |
Length: | 120 mi (190 km) |
Panhandle Plains Historical Museum #4
The Panhandle Plains Historical Museum is the largest Texas history museum. It offers an insight into Texas’ history from the time of the dinosaurs through modern times.The museum houses one of the best collections of Southwest art. Locals often refer to it as the Smithsonian with an accent.
Learn about the American Indians that lived on the land, the pioneers, oil, geology, water as a resource, and the innovations that shaped development in the region like windmills, transportation, and many other topics.The museum has a remarkable permanent collection and hosts regular special exhibitions. It is about 15 minutes from Amarillo.
More Details About Panhandle Plains Historical Museum
Website: | https://www.panhandleplains.org/ |
Address: | 2503 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79015, United States |
Contact: | +1 806-651-2244 |
Founded | 1921 |
Founder: | Panhandle-Plains Historical Society |
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum #5
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum highlights this breed. The museum features photographs and paintings of horses who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Orren Mixer, a renowned Western artist, painted many of these beautiful paintings.
Many displays are related to horseback riding and include photographs and ribbons as well as photos and artifacts about the Hall of Fame inductees. Interactive exhibits in the museum teach visitors about riding and horse anatomy. Museum visitors are given a brief orientation and then are free to explore the exhibits by themselves.
More Details About American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
Website: | https://www.aqha.com/foundation-overview |
Address: | 2601 E Interstate Dr, Amarillo, TX 79104, United States |
Contact: | +1 806-376-5181 |
Amarillo Museum of Art #6
The Amarillo Museum of Art has art exhibits that span many genres and periods of art. It often hosts art exhibits and shows that are created by Texas artists. The museum is open to all visitors.
The museum also offers docent-guided tours that can be used for groups or field trips. The museum hosts educational talks, lectures and other programs throughout the year. Additional educational opportunities are provided by the Museum School and Museum Summer Camp, which offer more extensive and comprehensive programs. You can find a variety of art-related souvenirs, books, apparel and apparel in the museum store.
More Details About Amarillo Museum of Art
Website: | https://www.amoa.org/ |
Address: | 2200 S Van Buren St, Amarillo, TX 79109, United States |
Contact: | +1 806-371-5050 |
Architect: | Edward Durell Stone |
Founded: | 1972 |
Amarillo Zoo #7
The Amarillo Zoo is the ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon with a view of exotic wildlife.The most popular animals are lions and tigers, bears and kangaroos as well as bobcats and ring-tailed lemurs. These are the main attractions, but you will also find adorable miniature horses, miniature donkeys and Texas longhorns.
The reptiles, amphibians and spiders are less adorable but just as interesting. There are many snakes to choose from, plus turtles and salamanders at the Herpetarium.
More Details About Amarillo Zoo
Website: | https://zoo.amarillo.gov/ |
Address: | 700 Comanchero Trail, Amarillo, TX 79107, United States |
Contact: | +1 806-381-7911 |
FAQs About Amarillo
Does Amarillo Have a Downtown?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Does Amarillo have a downtown?” then you’re not alone. Many cities throughout the world have downtown areas that are filled with shops and restaurants. Amarillo, Texas, is no exception. Downtown Amarillo is the place to get your fix of art and culture. This downtown area features numerous artisan stores, boutiques, and eateries, which will be sure to please any taste buds.
Where Can I Walk Around Amarillo TX?
There are numerous places in Amarillo where you can walk. Big Texan Ranch, for example, is just 20 minutes from Amarillo, and it is home to the second-largest canyon in the United States, known as the Grand Canyon of Texas. You can hike and take scenic overlooks here. You can also try your hand at the 72-ounce steak challenge. If you don’t like to hike, you can simply relax and enjoy the views.
Tourist Attractions in Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo is known for many things. It is the midway point of Route 66, and is home to a unique museum: the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. Other attractions include the Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The city is also nicknamed “Yellow Rose of Texas” and is the “Helium Capital of the World” due to its large helium reserves. The city is also home to a huge aircraft assembly plant, and is known as “Rotor City, USA”.