Amarillo know for its cattle and cowboys is a city located in the panhandle of Texas, and is a city worth spending some time in. The city offers great restaurants, museums, and State Parks are located close by. The world-famous Big Texan Steak Ranch built in 1960 on route 66 soon became famous across the country, the sign of the long-legged cowboy has become a national landmark. Another landmark just West of Amarillo right on route 66 next to Interstate 40 is Cadillac Ranch. Ten Caddies were buried nose deep into the dirt lined from West to East. The cars have been in the ground as art longer than they were on the highway. Seven days a week, rain or shine, people trudge through the cow pasture to put their mark on the cars.
What better place than Amarillo to have the Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Here one can read the plaques on the wall of fame of people and horses that has shaped America. In addition, one can learn about the different types of horses in many other countries, as well as the proper grooming, feeding and care of the American Quarter Horse. To tour this facility is very rewarding and educational. The RV Museum displays the technology changes which have occurred over the years in the camping industry. Also, one can view the displays of vintage motorcycles, bicycles, the mockup of a 1950’s gas station and vending machines. Everything Jack Sisemores Traveland RV Museum has on display has been restored to its original state, quite amazing. While here, take a look at some of the smallest travel trailers on today’s market to large fifth wheels as well as all classes of drivable campers
The 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 which leads down into the canyon is about eighteen miles round trip. Driving the canyon road allows for one to see up close the colorful and rugged beauty of the canyon walls. Throughout the canyon are campgrounds for RV’s as well as locations for tent campers. What better way to experience life in a canyon than by camping? Inside the canyon one can explore more than thirty miles of trails by hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding trails. The canyon is home to wildlife such as Turkeys, deer, Coyotes, Road-runners and many species of snakes and lizards. To really experience what the canyon has to offer, one needs to spend a week in the canyon. To experience the heart of the canyon, take the Texas 207 scenic drive from Claude 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 trip the landscape will go from flat land to large rolling hills and back to the open plains. In Liberal tour Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz. The Land of Oz is a 5000 square foot animated building which displays Dortheys’ trip along the yellow brick road back home to Kansas. The house is a replica of Dorothy’s home from the movie, The Wizard of Oz. To experience some history, head out to the Liberal airport and tour the Mid-America Air Museum. Marvel at the World War ll fighters along with planes from the Korean and Vietnam wars.