Best of the Best of the Texas Panhandle
The Texas Panhandle is located within the US Great Plains Region and features a much different geography and culture than the rest of the state. Visitors to the Panhandle are often amazed at the variety of things to see and do in the region. Here are some of the best things to see and do while on vacation in the Texas Panhandle.
One of Texas' most impressive natural attractions, Palo Duro Canyon, lies right in the heart of the Texas Panhandle region, just north of the town of Canyon. Also known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide and 800 feet deep. Palo Duro Canyon stretches from the town of Canyon to the town of Silverton and today is part of the 20,000 acre Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Hiking and camping are among the most popular activities in Palo Duro State Park, but mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities, including the guided horseback tours and wagon rides operated by the state park.More »
Everything is bigger in Texas, right? Well, that's certainly the case at Amarillo's Big Texan Steak Ranch, which has become famous (perhaps infamous) for its 72 ounce steak challenge. Located on historic Route 66, the Big Texan Steak Ranch offers a "free meal" to anyone who can finish a 72 ounce (4 1/2 pound) steak, baked potato, salad, dinner roll, and shrimp cocktail in one hour. Since 1965, tens of thousands have attempted the 72 ounce steak challenge. The list of those who have succeeded is substantially smaller.More »
Route 66 is a long road to be certain. But, the section cutting across the Texas Panhandle is certainly worth driving. The entire length of Route 66 contained within Texas is dotted with interesting and unique attractions. Also situated on Route 66 is the iconic Texas town of Amarillo. Founded in the early 1800s, Amarillo was once the center of the American cattle industry. It later gained fame as a central stop along Route 66.More »
Located on I-40 about 12 miles west of downtown Amarillo (between Exits 60 and 62), Cadillac Ranch is an iconic attraction. Originally placed along Route 66, Cadillac Ranch was moved to its current location in 1997 due to the ever-expanding city limits of Amarillo. The Cadillac Ranch was created by a California-based group of artists known as the Ant Farm at the behest of eccentric Amarillo millionaire and art patron Stanley Marsh 3. Cadillac Ranch consists of 10 Cadillacs planted nose-down into the ground. The 10 cars used were year models 1949, '52, '54, '56, '57, '58, '59, '60, '62, and '64. These models were chosen to represent the evolution of the Cadillac's signature tail fins. Cadillac Ranch gained cult-like status thanks to Bruce Springsteen's ode to this odd attraction.More »
Home to the official bison herd of Texas, Caprock Canyons State Park features animals that are descendants of the great southern plains bison herd. A total of 80 bison were released into the park in September 2011, where they free-range and roam throughout the park's 700 acres of grasslands. This allows visitors to view these indigenous animals in their native habitat. Additionally, the park has day-use and camping facilities. Popular activities within the park include hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain-biking, boating on the park's no-wake lake, fishing, swimming, bat viewing and nature watching. Guided tours and seasonal concessions offering horse rentals are also available. Caprock Canyons State Park features 13 trails featuring almost 90 miles of multiuse trails that range from the very difficult in rugged terrain to trails with a mild grade. The more difficult trails are recommended for the experienced equestrian and mountain bike riders only.More »
1. Best Natural Attraction - Palo Duro Canyon
One of Texas' most impressive natural attractions, Palo Duro Canyon, lies right in the heart of the Texas Panhandle region, just north of the town of Canyon. Also known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide and 800 feet deep. Palo Duro Canyon stretches from the town of Canyon to the town of Silverton and today is part of the 20,000 acre Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Hiking and camping are among the most popular activities in Palo Duro State Park, but mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities, including the guided horseback tours and wagon rides operated by the state park.More »
2. Best Meal Deal - Big Texan Steak Ranch
Everything is bigger in Texas, right? Well, that's certainly the case at Amarillo's Big Texan Steak Ranch, which has become famous (perhaps infamous) for its 72 ounce steak challenge. Located on historic Route 66, the Big Texan Steak Ranch offers a "free meal" to anyone who can finish a 72 ounce (4 1/2 pound) steak, baked potato, salad, dinner roll, and shrimp cocktail in one hour. Since 1965, tens of thousands have attempted the 72 ounce steak challenge. The list of those who have succeeded is substantially smaller.More »
3. Best Stretch of Highway - Route 66 Through Amarillo
Route 66 is a long road to be certain. But, the section cutting across the Texas Panhandle is certainly worth driving. The entire length of Route 66 contained within Texas is dotted with interesting and unique attractions. Also situated on Route 66 is the iconic Texas town of Amarillo. Founded in the early 1800s, Amarillo was once the center of the American cattle industry. It later gained fame as a central stop along Route 66.More »
4. Best Roadside Attraction - Cadillac Ranch
Located on I-40 about 12 miles west of downtown Amarillo (between Exits 60 and 62), Cadillac Ranch is an iconic attraction. Originally placed along Route 66, Cadillac Ranch was moved to its current location in 1997 due to the ever-expanding city limits of Amarillo. The Cadillac Ranch was created by a California-based group of artists known as the Ant Farm at the behest of eccentric Amarillo millionaire and art patron Stanley Marsh 3. Cadillac Ranch consists of 10 Cadillacs planted nose-down into the ground. The 10 cars used were year models 1949, '52, '54, '56, '57, '58, '59, '60, '62, and '64. These models were chosen to represent the evolution of the Cadillac's signature tail fins. Cadillac Ranch gained cult-like status thanks to Bruce Springsteen's ode to this odd attraction.More »
5. Best State Park - Caprock Canyons State Park
Home to the official bison herd of Texas, Caprock Canyons State Park features animals that are descendants of the great southern plains bison herd. A total of 80 bison were released into the park in September 2011, where they free-range and roam throughout the park's 700 acres of grasslands. This allows visitors to view these indigenous animals in their native habitat. Additionally, the park has day-use and camping facilities. Popular activities within the park include hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain-biking, boating on the park's no-wake lake, fishing, swimming, bat viewing and nature watching. Guided tours and seasonal concessions offering horse rentals are also available. Caprock Canyons State Park features 13 trails featuring almost 90 miles of multiuse trails that range from the very difficult in rugged terrain to trails with a mild grade. The more difficult trails are recommended for the experienced equestrian and mountain bike riders only.More »
