Road Trips : Texas : Amarillo, TX
350mi ~ 6.5hr
Amarillo is in the center of the Texas Panhandle, a 26-county area that is bordered by New Mexico and Oklahoma. Here, the southern plains meet the desert. Founded in 1887 at the intersection of two railroads, today the city is the intersection of Interstates 40 and 27.
The Amarillo area is a major destination for Old West enthusiasts from all over the globe. The lure of the Old West also draws thousands every year to attractions like the internationally-famous outdoor musical "TEXAS", and Cowboy Morning Breakfast.
Amarillo is in the center of the Texas Panhandle, a 26-county area that is bordered by New Mexico and Oklahoma. Here, the southern plains meet the desert. Founded in 1887 at the intersection of two railroads, today the city is the intersection of Interstates 40 and 27.
The Amarillo area is a major destination for Old West enthusiasts from all over the globe. The lure of the Old West also draws thousands every year to attractions like the internationally-famous outdoor musical "TEXAS", and Cowboy Morning Breakfast.
Attractions
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
One of the nation’s most magnificent scenic attractions. Enjoy extraordinary vistas of color and beauty from the comfort of your automobile. Travel the same trails used by the Apache, Comanche, buffalo hunters and early Spanish explorers. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is more than 30,000 acres of prime outdoor activity - primitive and enhanced camping, horseback riding with stables, picnic areas, a restaurant and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Restored cabins on the rim of the canyon and in the Cow Camp area for overnight accommodations. Activities subject to seasonal schedules. (806) 488-2227. Admission charged.
TEXAS Musical Drama
Internationally-acclaimed musical extravaganza performed in a natural amphitheatre in majestic Palo Duro Canyon. It is the 44th season of delightful musical performances in the canyon. Over 3 million visitors have seen this timeless show. A 600-foot cliff serves as the backdrop as singers and dancers take you back to the settling of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800s. Performed Tuesday through Sunday from early June through late August, with a steak dinner by the Big Texan available before the show. For reservations or more information contact the office at 1514 5th Ave. in Canyon, TX 79015. (806) 655-2181
Tickets $16.95-20.95
Big Texan Steak Ranch
This world-renown restaurant is famous for its 72-oz. steak. Eat it and all the trimmings in one hour, and its FREE! I-40 East, exit Lakeside, 1 mile going west. (806) 371.7000 or (800) 657-7177
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Where else can you cover 26,000 miles in one day on foot? From dinosaurs to conquistadors, you’ll find it all in this, Texas’ largest history museum. Relive the stories of courage and hardship, victory and defeat over the past 14,000 years. Walk along the boardwalks of a life-size 1880’s frontier town, view one of the Southwest’s finest art collections, experience an exciting history of the petroleum industry, and more. On 4th Avenue in Canyon, TX. Admission Charged. (806) 651-2244
Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian
9151 I-40 East.
This museum is geared to the preservation of the history of the Native Peoples of the Plains. Magnificent displays and art exhibits make this a jewel. Ceremonial dance schedule and youth hostel reservations. Open Thur-Sat noon-5pm, Sun 1p-5p; summer-> Sun noon-5p. Admission Charged. (806) 335-3175
Don Harrington Discovery Center
Explore, tinker, create and play your way through science at the Discovery Center, with over 100 hands-on exhibits and the only Digistar 3 Space Theater in the Texas Panhandle. Also the site of the Helium Monument, whose gleaming steel columns serve as a tribute to one of Amarillo’s prevalent natural resources, helium. (806) 355-9547 • 1200 Streit Drive; Tue-Sat 9->30a-4->30p; Sun. noon-4->30p, closed Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years. Admission Charged.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
A unique 1 1/2-mile walking tour, led by a park ranger, offers a captivating glimpse of the High Plains Indians, who used flint from these quarries for making tools and weapons. Located next to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. (806) 857-3151
Cadillac Ranch
Who would have thought that burying ten old Cadillacs in an Amarillo dirt farm in 1974 would make such an indelible mark on Texas roadside attraction maps? The product of helium millionaire Stanley Marsh 3’s eccentric mind, Cadillac Ranch was designed with a California-based artist collective called Ant Farm as an homage to the Golden Age of American Automobiles (1949-1963) and to the historic Route 66 which passes by Marshs’ palatial West Texas ranch.
One of the nation’s most magnificent scenic attractions. Enjoy extraordinary vistas of color and beauty from the comfort of your automobile. Travel the same trails used by the Apache, Comanche, buffalo hunters and early Spanish explorers. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is more than 30,000 acres of prime outdoor activity - primitive and enhanced camping, horseback riding with stables, picnic areas, a restaurant and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Restored cabins on the rim of the canyon and in the Cow Camp area for overnight accommodations. Activities subject to seasonal schedules. (806) 488-2227. Admission charged.
TEXAS Musical Drama
Internationally-acclaimed musical extravaganza performed in a natural amphitheatre in majestic Palo Duro Canyon. It is the 44th season of delightful musical performances in the canyon. Over 3 million visitors have seen this timeless show. A 600-foot cliff serves as the backdrop as singers and dancers take you back to the settling of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800s. Performed Tuesday through Sunday from early June through late August, with a steak dinner by the Big Texan available before the show. For reservations or more information contact the office at 1514 5th Ave. in Canyon, TX 79015. (806) 655-2181
Tickets $16.95-20.95
Big Texan Steak Ranch
This world-renown restaurant is famous for its 72-oz. steak. Eat it and all the trimmings in one hour, and its FREE! I-40 East, exit Lakeside, 1 mile going west. (806) 371.7000 or (800) 657-7177
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Where else can you cover 26,000 miles in one day on foot? From dinosaurs to conquistadors, you’ll find it all in this, Texas’ largest history museum. Relive the stories of courage and hardship, victory and defeat over the past 14,000 years. Walk along the boardwalks of a life-size 1880’s frontier town, view one of the Southwest’s finest art collections, experience an exciting history of the petroleum industry, and more. On 4th Avenue in Canyon, TX. Admission Charged. (806) 651-2244
Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian
9151 I-40 East.
This museum is geared to the preservation of the history of the Native Peoples of the Plains. Magnificent displays and art exhibits make this a jewel. Ceremonial dance schedule and youth hostel reservations. Open Thur-Sat noon-5pm, Sun 1p-5p; summer-> Sun noon-5p. Admission Charged. (806) 335-3175
Don Harrington Discovery Center
Explore, tinker, create and play your way through science at the Discovery Center, with over 100 hands-on exhibits and the only Digistar 3 Space Theater in the Texas Panhandle. Also the site of the Helium Monument, whose gleaming steel columns serve as a tribute to one of Amarillo’s prevalent natural resources, helium. (806) 355-9547 • 1200 Streit Drive; Tue-Sat 9->30a-4->30p; Sun. noon-4->30p, closed Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years. Admission Charged.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
A unique 1 1/2-mile walking tour, led by a park ranger, offers a captivating glimpse of the High Plains Indians, who used flint from these quarries for making tools and weapons. Located next to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. (806) 857-3151
Cadillac Ranch
Who would have thought that burying ten old Cadillacs in an Amarillo dirt farm in 1974 would make such an indelible mark on Texas roadside attraction maps? The product of helium millionaire Stanley Marsh 3’s eccentric mind, Cadillac Ranch was designed with a California-based artist collective called Ant Farm as an homage to the Golden Age of American Automobiles (1949-1963) and to the historic Route 66 which passes by Marshs’ palatial West Texas ranch.
Activities
Elkins Ranch Cowboy Morning
Elkins Ranch is the proud home of the nationally-known Cowboy Morning Breakfast (a chuck wagon supper is also available). Enjoy a tour of magnificent Palo Duro Canyon on the way to the campsite. Arrive to the aroma of a chuck wagon meal cooked over an open fire. Relax in the shade and enjoy the best in live western entertainment. Meals are offered April-October (806) 488-2100 or (800) 658-2613
Price-> Adult-> $27.00. Child-> $23.00
Price and Menu Subject to Change
Time-> 8->30 a.m. to 10->30 a.m.
Sorry, No Credit Cards
River Breaks Ranch
Come visit the River Breaks Ranch and get a taste of the real cowboy lifestyle. With just a 10-minute drive from Amarillo, you will ride through our canyon on covered wagons while watching a stampede storm past you. Then join the working cowboys for a real ranch breakfast or dinner.
The fun does not end there, at the campsite you will be entertained by horse races and authentic cowboys roping steers. For those of you who are up for just relaxing ya'll are welcome to come on over and warm by the fire, if that Panhandle breeze gets to you.
(806) 374-0357
River Breaks Ranch Buck
Old West Stables
While in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, ride on horseback where cowboys and Native Americans once roamed. See the back country of Palo Duro Canyon. Snacks, souvenirs and hayrides available. Palo Duro Trading Post features snack bar and camp supplies. Selected activities subject to seasonal schedules.
(806) 488-2180
1 Hour Guided Ride - $35
Minimum Age-> 6 years
Maximum Weight-> 250lbsReservations Recommended
Palo Duro Riding Stables
Since 1962 visitors have enjoyed riding the miles of trails on gentle horses in Palo Duro Canyon. There are trails for beginner or experienced riders. Visitors can receive riding lessons and enjoy camping and hiking. Located on Texas 217 just 1 mile from the entrance to the state park; this popular attraction has been used in several movies. The stables are open 6 1/2 days (excl. Sun. morning) year round.
(806) 488-2799 Call for prices and reservations
Elkins Ranch is the proud home of the nationally-known Cowboy Morning Breakfast (a chuck wagon supper is also available). Enjoy a tour of magnificent Palo Duro Canyon on the way to the campsite. Arrive to the aroma of a chuck wagon meal cooked over an open fire. Relax in the shade and enjoy the best in live western entertainment. Meals are offered April-October (806) 488-2100 or (800) 658-2613
- Scrambled Eggs - Western Style
- Maple Link Sausage
- Old Timers' Potatoes
- Dutch Oven Buttermilk Biscuits
- Grampa's Sausage Gravy
- Fresh Baked Cinnamon Rolls
- Chilled Frontier Fruit
- Orange Juice and Cowboy Coffee
Price-> Adult-> $27.00. Child-> $23.00
Price and Menu Subject to Change
Time-> 8->30 a.m. to 10->30 a.m.
Sorry, No Credit Cards
River Breaks Ranch
Come visit the River Breaks Ranch and get a taste of the real cowboy lifestyle. With just a 10-minute drive from Amarillo, you will ride through our canyon on covered wagons while watching a stampede storm past you. Then join the working cowboys for a real ranch breakfast or dinner.
The fun does not end there, at the campsite you will be entertained by horse races and authentic cowboys roping steers. For those of you who are up for just relaxing ya'll are welcome to come on over and warm by the fire, if that Panhandle breeze gets to you.
(806) 374-0357
River Breaks Ranch Buck
Old West Stables
While in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, ride on horseback where cowboys and Native Americans once roamed. See the back country of Palo Duro Canyon. Snacks, souvenirs and hayrides available. Palo Duro Trading Post features snack bar and camp supplies. Selected activities subject to seasonal schedules.
(806) 488-2180
1 Hour Guided Ride - $35
Minimum Age-> 6 years
Maximum Weight-> 250lbsReservations Recommended
Palo Duro Riding Stables
Since 1962 visitors have enjoyed riding the miles of trails on gentle horses in Palo Duro Canyon. There are trails for beginner or experienced riders. Visitors can receive riding lessons and enjoy camping and hiking. Located on Texas 217 just 1 mile from the entrance to the state park; this popular attraction has been used in several movies. The stables are open 6 1/2 days (excl. Sun. morning) year round.
(806) 488-2799 Call for prices and reservations
Accommodations
Hilton Garden Inn Amarillo
9000 Interstate 40 West
Amarillo, Texas 79124
2 QUEEN BEDS EVOLUTION RM $99
This room offers the latest in technology and ergonomic comfort to our guests. And the pursuit of the perfect night's stay continues with an evolution of innovative new amenities including the bed, chair, television and crisp white duvet. The Garden Sleep System is one of the most comfortable beds you will ever experience - providing the perfect balance between comfort and support. The ergonomic Mirra chair by Herman Miller is good for your back and better for work. Enjoy an in-room movie or your favorite television show on our high definition television. There's also a microwave, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker and a high definition LCD television to help you feel at home. And for conducting business, our rooms ensure your productivity thanks to the spacious work desk, two telephones with dataport and voicemail and complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet access. This room comes with the bath tub shower combination.
Ambassador Hotel
3100 I-40 West
Amarillo, TX
Standard 2 Queen
Great summer values for your Route 66 Roadtrip. Standard Two Queen room is located on the first through the ninth floors. Two queen beds with plush chair and ottoman, Complimentary Wi-Fi, direct dial phone, Remote control TV with cable and On Demand Movies & Video Games. Iron & ironing board, radio alarm clock, hair dryer, coffee maker and complimentary coffee and tea. All rooms are Non-Smoking.
Total-> USD 114.61
Amarillo, TX
1 KING BED DELUXE WITH SOFA SLEEPER NON SMOKING $99.99
Door separates the two rooms, double sofa sleeper, 2 TVs? w/premium channels, microwave, refrigerator, free in-room coffee, plus much more
Estimated Total-> $114.99
9000 Interstate 40 West
Amarillo, Texas 79124
2 QUEEN BEDS EVOLUTION RM $99
This room offers the latest in technology and ergonomic comfort to our guests. And the pursuit of the perfect night's stay continues with an evolution of innovative new amenities including the bed, chair, television and crisp white duvet. The Garden Sleep System is one of the most comfortable beds you will ever experience - providing the perfect balance between comfort and support. The ergonomic Mirra chair by Herman Miller is good for your back and better for work. Enjoy an in-room movie or your favorite television show on our high definition television. There's also a microwave, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker and a high definition LCD television to help you feel at home. And for conducting business, our rooms ensure your productivity thanks to the spacious work desk, two telephones with dataport and voicemail and complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet access. This room comes with the bath tub shower combination.
Ambassador Hotel
3100 I-40 West
Amarillo, TX
Standard 2 Queen
Great summer values for your Route 66 Roadtrip. Standard Two Queen room is located on the first through the ninth floors. Two queen beds with plush chair and ottoman, Complimentary Wi-Fi, direct dial phone, Remote control TV with cable and On Demand Movies & Video Games. Iron & ironing board, radio alarm clock, hair dryer, coffee maker and complimentary coffee and tea. All rooms are Non-Smoking.
Total-> USD 114.61
Amarillo, TX
1 KING BED DELUXE WITH SOFA SLEEPER NON SMOKING $99.99
Door separates the two rooms, double sofa sleeper, 2 TVs? w/premium channels, microwave, refrigerator, free in-room coffee, plus much more
Estimated Total-> $114.99
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