Amarillo is a city located in the panhandle of Texas, United States. It is known for its cowboy culture, western heritage, and beautiful landscapes. The city is home to various tourist attractions, including the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, and the Wonderland Amusement Park.
Amarillo Texas is the best place you can be!
The city’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, ranching, and oil and gas production. It also has a growing healthcare and manufacturing sector. Amarillo has a diverse population and a vibrant cultural scene. It hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, such as the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo, and the Texas Outdoor Musical.
Overall, Amarillo can be a great place to live or visit for those who enjoy a western lifestyle, natural beauty, and cultural activities.
Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park:
This park is the second-largest canyon in the United States and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and horseback riding.
pointsandtravel.com ; THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Amarillo, TX – 2023
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a beautiful and unique destination that’s worth visiting if you’re in the Amarillo area. With its stunning natural beauty and various outdoor activities, it offers a fun and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located about 12 miles east of Amarillo. The park’s address is 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015.
Access: The park is open year-round, and there is a fee for entry. You can pay the fee at the park entrance or purchase a Texas State Parks Pass in advance. The park has various hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas, so plan your visit accordingly.
Activities: Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. The park has over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. And you can also take guided horseback rides to explore the canyon. The park also hosts various events and programs. Things like birdwatching tours, stargazing parties, and ranger-led activities.
Attractions: The park’s main attraction is the Palo Duro Canyon, which is the second-largest canyon in the United States. The canyon is about 120 miles long and up to 20 miles wide in some areas. It offers stunning views of the red rock formations, mesas, and cliffs. The park also has a visitor center, which features exhibits. And displays the canyon’s history and geology.
Safety: When visiting the park, it’s important to be prepared for the weather conditions. Especially during the summer months when temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking. Follow the park rules and guidelines. And be respectful of the environment and wildlife.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a beautiful and unique destination that’s worth visiting if you’re in the Amarillo area. With its stunning natural beauty and various outdoor activities, it offers a fun and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame:
This museum showcases the history and heritage of the American Quarter Horse. And is a must-visit for horse lovers. Here’s some information about the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in Amarillo, Texas:
Location: The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is located at 1600 Quarter Horse Drive in Amarillo, Texas. It’s adjacent to the American Quarter Horse Association headquarters.
History: The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame was established in 1982 to recognize and honor the individuals and horses who have made significant contributions to the American Quarter Horse breed. The Hall of Fame includes both humans and horses. And new inductees are announced every year.
Exhibits: The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame features a variety of exhibits that showcase the history and heritage of the American Quarter Horse. The exhibits include artifacts, photos, videos, and interactive displays that cover topics. Things such as breeding, training, racing, and showing. Some of the notable exhibits include the Hall of Fame Gallery, the Legend of the Horse exhibit, and the Cowgirl Museum exhibit.
Activities: In addition to the exhibits, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame offers various activities and programs for visitors. These include guided tours, educational programs, and special events. Things such as the Hall of Fame Banquet and the AQHA World Championship Show.
Gift Shop: The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and other items related to the American Quarter Horse.
Visiting the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is a must for horse lovers. And anyone interested in the history and heritage of the American Quarter Horse breed. With its fascinating exhibits and activities, it offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Experience the Cadillac Ranch:
This roadside attraction features ten half-buried Cadillacs, which visitors are encouraged to spray paint.
Here’s some information that can help you if you’re planning to visit the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas:
Location: The Cadillac Ranch is located on the west side of Amarillo, off Interstate 40. The address is 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124.
Access: The Cadillac Ranch is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and admission is free. There is a parking lot near the attraction, and you can park your car there and walk to the Cadillacs. Keep in mind that the area can get muddy if it has rained recently, so wear appropriate footwear.
Spray Painting: Visitors are allowed to spray paint on the Cadillacs. Many people bring their own spray cans, but you can also buy cans of spray paint from nearby shops. Make sure to be respectful of others and the environment by following the guidelines for painting and disposing of the cans properly.
Photography: The Cadillac Ranch is a popular spot for photography, so bring your camera and take some great photos of the colorful Cadillacs. You may even find some professional photographers and artists working on their projects.
Safety: While the Cadillac Ranch is generally safe, it is important to be careful when walking around the cars, especially if you’re with children. Keep an eye out for broken glass, sharp edges, and uneven ground.
The Cadillac Ranch is a unique and fun roadside attraction that’s worth visiting if you’re in Amarillo. Remember to respect the environment and follow the guidelines. That way everyone can enjoy the experience.
Visit the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum:
This museum features exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the Texas Panhandle and includes a collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents.
Here’s some information about the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas:
Location: The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is located at 2503 4th Ave, Canyon, Texas, which is about 15 miles south of Amarillo.
History: The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum was founded in 1921 and is the largest history museum in Texas. The museum’s collections focus on the history, art, and culture of the Texas Panhandle and Plains region.
Exhibits: The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum features a variety of exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, including Native American cultures, early pioneers and settlers, ranching and farming, oil and gas development, and the arts. The museum has over two million artifacts and works of art, including weapons, clothing, tools, vehicles, and fine art.
Overall, Amarillo can be a great place to live or visit for those who enjoy a western lifestyle, natural beauty, and cultural activities.
Enjoy the Wonderland Amusement Park:
Games: Wonderland Park has a variety of games, including classic carnival games like ring toss and balloon pop, as well as interactive games like laser tag and virtual reality games.
Attractions: In addition to rides and games, Wonderland Park has several attractions, including a miniature golf course, a rock climbing wall, a batting cage, and a Ferris wheel. The park also has a Kiddie Land area with rides and attractions designed for younger children.
Food and Drinks: Wonderland Park has several food and drink options, including a variety of snacks, beverages, and meals like burgers, hot dogs, and pizza.
Events: Wonderland Park hosts various events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, concerts, and special events like the annual Summer Concert Series.
Visiting Wonderland Park is a fun and exciting way to spend a day with family and friends. With its wide range of rides, games, and attractions, as well as its food and drink options and special events, it offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Attend the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo:
This annual event takes place in September and features livestock shows, rodeo competitions, carnival rides, and live entertainment. Here’s some information about the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo in Amarillo, Texas:
Location: The Tri-State Fair and Rodeo is held annually at the Tri-State Exposition Center, located at 3301 SE 10th Ave, Amarillo, Texas.
History: The Tri-State Fair and Rodeo has been a tradition in Amarillo since 1923. The event celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Texas Panhandle and includes livestock shows, rodeo competitions, carnival rides, and food and drink vendors.
Livestock Shows: The Tri-State Fair and Rodeo features livestock shows where farmers and ranchers showcase their prize-winning animals, including cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep. Visitors can watch the shows and learn about the different breeds of animals raised in the Texas Panhandle.
Rodeo: The rodeo competition at the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo includes events like bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Visitors can watch professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in the arena.
Carnival Rides: The Tri-State Fair and Rodeo has a variety of carnival rides, including classic rides like the Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, and merry-go-round, as well as newer rides like the Zipper and the Sizzler.
Food and Drinks: The fair and rodeo have a variety of food and drink vendors, offering everything from classic fair food like corn dogs and funnel cakes to more unique options like fried Oreos and turkey legs.
Concerts: The Tri-State Fair and Rodeo also host live concerts featuring popular country music artists. Past performers have included Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, and Blake Shelton.
Attending the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo is a great way to experience the agricultural and rodeo culture of the Texas Panhandle. With its livestock shows, rodeo competitions, carnival rides, food and drink vendors, and live concerts, it offers a fun and exciting event for visitors of all ages.
Taste the local cuisine:
Amarillo is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, BBQ, and steak. Some popular local restaurants to try to include The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Coyote Bluff Cafe, and Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant. Amarillo, Texas has a diverse cuisine scene that reflects its Southwestern roots and agricultural heritage. Here are some popular local dishes that you can try:
Texas-style barbecue: Texas-style barbecue is a must-try when you’re in Amarillo. It usually includes slow-cooked beef brisket or pork ribs that are dry-rubbed with spices and smoked over mesquite wood for a rich, smoky flavor.
Tex-Mex: With its close proximity to Mexico, Amarillo offers a variety of Tex-Mex cuisine, which combines traditional Mexican dishes with Texan flavors. Some popular Tex-Mex dishes include enchiladas, tacos, and burritos.
Chicken fried steak: Chicken fried steak is a Southern classic that you’ll find on many menus in Amarillo. It’s a thin, tenderized steak that is coated in seasoned flour, fried, and served with gravy.
Chili: Chili is a staple in Texas cuisine, and Amarillo has its own unique version. Amarillo-style chili is made with chunks of beef, chili peppers, onions, and spices, and it’s often served with a side of crackers or cornbread.
Steak: Amarillo is known for its beef, and you can find a variety of steakhouses in the city. Whether you prefer a classic T-bone or a juicy ribeye, you’re sure to find a delicious steak in Amarillo.
Craft beer: Amarillo has a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries and taprooms in the city. You can try local beers that range from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and porters.
These are just a few of the many delicious foods and drinks that Amarillo has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for barbecue, Tex-Mex, or a juicy steak, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds in this Southwestern city.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Amarillo, Texas. With its rich culture and beautiful natural attractions, there’s always something to see and do in this exciting city.
The Cadillac Ranch is a unique and fun roadside attraction that’s worth visiting if you’re in Amarillo. Remember to respect the environment and follow the guidelines, so everyone can enjoy the experience. Overall, Amarillo can be a great place to live or visit for those who enjoy a western lifestyle, natural beauty, and cultural activities.
