Your next road trip has arrived. Plan to see these top attractions in the Texas Panhandle.
If you follow Texas via the seven regions, you’ll notice that the Panhandle Plains cover much ground. But travelers may not know that the region actually starts around San Angelo and goes up to the big square at the tip of Texas. This article will cover top attractions in the Texas Panhandle, not the entire Panhandle Plains.
What Cities Are in the Texas Panhandle?
The cities in this article include Amarillo, Canyon, Dumas/Dalhart, Hereford, and Pampa. So, if you are heading on a road trip to Western Oklahoma, New Mexico, or Colorado from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you may want to stop and see more of the Panhandle before going further.
You’re probably aware of some of the top attractions in this area, but I will name a few, and hopefully, I don’t miss any!
Outdoor activities in the Lone Star State in this area include Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyons State Parks. Rivers carve the remarkable canyons.
Texas Travel Information Center (Gainesville ) Kim Croisant
Top Attractions In The Texas Panhandle
Next time you go to the best ski slopes in Colorado or anywhere northwest of Texas, consider a stop in the Texas Panhandle to see a few sites. This part of Texas can get a little chilly. It snows in the Texas Panhandle if you’re trucking there in winter. In the summer, no problem – but it can get pretty hot up there too!
Things To Do In Panhandle Texas
From roadside attractions to the famous steakhouse, the city of Amarillo is the largest city at the top of the Texas Panhandle. If you’re traveling on I40, look for the Texas Travel Information Center. I love stopping at these centers (12 in Texas) for information about the area and many brochures of every inch of Texas. They have clean restrooms, free advice, usually a small gift shop, and possibly a few photo opportunities.
Route 66
If you are in or near the Texas Panhandle, these are some places you may want to visit. Did you know you can drive a stretch of Route 66 through Texas? Everyone wants to go where the old Cadillacs live. I can’t believe I’ve never been. As often I’ve driven to Amarillo (or through), I’ve never stopped (don’t tell anyone?).
Amarillo’s nickname is “The Yellow Rose of Texas”
• Cadillac Ranch
It’s no secret Amarillo dominates the Panhandle, and the best things happen when you follow the famous route. Take the famous historic Route 66 to see the Cadillac cars – a popular stop on everyone’s list. Be sure to bring a can of spray paint or two along to mark your spot on the cars – make it colorful!
Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX
• Big Texan Steak Ranch And Brewery
Another popular spot when driving through Amarillo. The two times we were there, we saw a couple of dudes attempting the Big Texan Steak Challenge. If you haven’t heard of it – they challenge you to eat a huge steak and all the trimmings – and if you do, you get it for free. If you don’t – you pay for it! Challengers get to sit at a table where everyone can see them eat. I could never do that. Would you attempt it?
Address: 7701 I-40, Amarillo, TX
• Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
The Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum comprises several impressive and unusual vintage RVs—a very colorful scene.
Address: 14501 I-27, Amarillo, TX, Closed Sun-Weds.
• Bill’s Backyard Classics
If you’re into classic cars, stop by this vintage car museum to see some you’ve probably never seen before.
Address: 5309 S Washington St, Amarillo, TX
Admission: $12 cash only
• Texas Air And Space Museum
Do you have space enthusiasts in your family? This museum has a wide collection of air and space artifacts. If your family is really into it, plan on at least 3 hours here. This is a great way to see the space gallery that it offers.
Address: 10001 American Dr, Amarillo, TX
Admission: Free
Other attractions in Amarillo you may be interested in are Amarillo Botanical Gardens, Amarillo Zoo, Don Harrington Discovery Center & Space Theater, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, and Wonderland Amusement Park.
• Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Just south of Amarillo is the largest history museum in the state of Texas and is located on the West Texas A&M University campus. It has a 4.7-star rating, and many appreciate the Mexican and Italian artifacts exhibited at the museum.
Address: 2503 4th Ave, Canyon, TX
Admission: $6-$12.50
• Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Established in 1982, this state park is approximately 100 miles southeast of Amarillo (Where the Buffalo Roam). Besides its 90 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking is a popular sport there. If you have horses, they allow horseback riding on a few trails. Camping and water sports are fun here, too.
Address: 850 Caprock Canyon Rd., Quitaque, TX.
Admission: Day pass $5
Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Photo Credit: Chastity V.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second largest canyon in the country and lies in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. I’m sure you’ve heard it is considered the Grand Canyon of Texas. It’s also one of the popular state parks in the Texas Panhandle.
With the Palo Duro Zipline that takes you over the canyon floor, horseback riding on your own horse in the state park, and all the mountains you’ll see, this small town rocks with open skies, rugged beauty, and miles of trails to hike. It’s the perfect place to schedule a road trip with the family this summer. Horse lovers – sign up for a guided tour of the Old West Stables.
If you follow them on Instagram, you see notices of when the park is closed for various reasons – i.e., heavy rain, etc.
Address: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX.
Admission: $8
• Love’s Travel Stop
This roadside stop is about 40 miles north of Amarillo.
Address: 720 N Dumas Ave, Dumas, TX
• Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center
A live music venue.
Address: 320 S Cuyler St, Pampa, TX
• Pampa H20 Aquatic Center
Perfect for families whose kids love to play in the water.
• Freedom Museum USA
This is a great place to see actual military employees and the equipment used in war.
Address: 600 N Hobart St, Pampa, TX
Admission: Free
The Panhandle Plains are mostly flat and treeless – kind of a boring drive. If you’re taking a road trip, the closer you get to the border of New Mexico, it can get quite boring, so be sure to bring family games to play in the car.
• Travel Information Center
There are only twelve Texas Travel Information Centers in Texas, and one is located in Amarillo. The center is full of information for travelers, including brochures on every city and town in Texas. Be sure to stop by if time allows.
Address: 9700 I-40, Amarillo, TX
There you have it, Texas Travel Talk’s top attractions in the Texas Panhandle. Which ones will you visit?
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