Known for its cattle and cowboys, Amarillo is a city located in the far north of Texas, and it’s a city worth spending some time in. The city offers great restaurants, museums and state parks nearby. The world famous Big Texan Steak Ranch built in 1960 on Route 66 soon became famous across the country, the leggy cowboy sign has become a national landmark. Another landmark just west of Amarillo, right on Route 66 off Interstate 40, is Cadillac Ranch. Ten Caddies were buried nose deep in the ground aligned west to east. Cars have been on the ground as art longer than on the road. Seven days a week, rain or shine, people trudge through the cow pasture to put their brand on cars.
What better place than Amarillo to have the Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Here you can read the plaques on the wall of fame of people and horses that have shaped America. Additionally, one can learn about the different types of horses in many other countries, as well as the proper care, feeding, and grooming of the American Quarter Horse. Touring this facility is very rewarding and educational. The RV Museum showcases the technological changes that have occurred over the years in the camping industry. In addition, you can see displays of vintage motorcycles, bicycles, a model gas station from the 1950s, and vending machines. Everything the Jack Sisemores Traveland RV Museum has on display has been restored to its original condition, quite amazing. While you’re here, take a look at some of the smallest travel trailers on the market today, large fifth wheels, as well as all classes of driveable motorhomes.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, just thirty miles south of Amarillo, is the second largest canyon in the country. The canyon is about 120 miles long and 20 miles wide. The deepest point is about 800 feet. The road that leads to the canyon is about eighteen miles round trip. Driving along the canyon road allows you to see the colorful and rugged beauty of the canyon walls up close. Throughout the canyon there are RV campgrounds as well as places to camp in tents. What better way to experience life in a canyon than camping? Within the canyon, more than thirty miles of trails can be explored on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. The canyon is home to wildlife such as turkeys, deer, coyotes, roadrunners, and many species of snakes and lizards. To really experience what the canyon has to offer, one must spend a week in the canyon. To experience the heart of the canyon, take Claude’s Texas 207 Scenic Drive to Silverton. This quiet 48-mile stretch of road passes by where the 1963 Paul Newman Classic Hud was filmed.
If time permits, take a road trip to Liberal Kansas. On the journey, the landscape will change from flat terrain to large rolling hills and back to open plains. On tour Liberal House of Dorothy and the Land of Oz. The Land of Oz is a 5,000 square foot animated building depicting the Dortheys’ journey along the yellow brick road back to Kansas. The house is a replica of Dorothy’s house from the movie The Wizard of Oz. To experience a bit of history, head to Liberal Airport and tour the Mid-America Air Museum. Marvel at the fighters of World War II along with aircraft from the Korean and Vietnam wars.
