Amarillo, known for its cattle and cowboys, is a city located on the edge of Texas, and it is a city worth spending some time in. The city offers excellent 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 west of Amarillo just off Route 66 off Interstate 40 is Cadillac Ranch. Ten Caddies were buried deep in the land lined from 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 leave their mark on the 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. In addition, one can learn about the different types of horses in many other countries, as well as the proper care, feeding, and care of the American Quarter Horse. Touring this facility is very rewarding and educational. The RV Museum displays the technological changes that have occurred over the years in the camping industry. In addition, you can see the exhibits of vintage motorcycles, bicycles, a model of a gas station from the 50s and vending machines. Everything that 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 to large fifth wheels, as well as all kinds of drivable motorhomes.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, just thirty miles south of Amarillo, is the second largest canyon in the country. The canyon is approximately 120 miles long and 20 miles wide. The deepest point is about 800 feet. The road leading to the canyon is about eighteen miles round trip. Driving down the canyon road allows you to see up close the colorful and rugged beauty of the canyon walls. Throughout the canyon there are RV campgrounds as well as tent camper locations. What better way to experience life in a canyon than camping? Within the canyon, more than thirty miles of trails can be explored by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The canyon is home to wildlife such as turkeys, deer, coyotes, trail runners, and many species of snakes and lizards. To really experience what the canyon has to offer, you need 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 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 shift from flat terrain to large hills and back to open plains. On the Liberal tour, Dorothy’s house and the land of Oz. The Land of Oz is a 5000-square-foot animated building that shows 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 WWII fighters alongside aircraft from the Korean and Vietnam wars.