Ex pthloe re
Panhandle Plains
TRACE THE HIGHWAYS OF THE PANHANDLE PLAINS,
where a staunch Old West history yields to the land’s
timeless, rugged beauty. Palo Duro Canyon–the U.S.’s
second-largest canyon–alone makes this region a nature-lover’s dream worthy of its Big Texas Sky. From
Buffalo Gap’s western charm to Lubbock’s Buddy
Holly nostalgia, the Panhandle is unlike any other
place on Earth.
TEXAS OUTDOOR MUSICAL, PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK
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TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017
AV ER AGE T EMPER AT UR E S C °
Oklah
hom
ma
385
87
Perryton
Stratford
83
Dalhart 287
Dumas
54
40
CA
60
Panhandle
AMARILLO
Vega
Shamrock
40
Clarendon
287
yon Palo Duro
State Park
27
Hereford
Can
60
Farwell
R
IVE
NR
DIA
Pampa
Canadian
NA
385
83
Littlefield
70
Spur
LUBBOCK
180
Tahoka
Brownfield
Seminole
Lamesa
380
Post
83
ZOS
BRA
Aspermont
ER
RIV
277
281
Graham
Stamford
Anson
Snyder
180
Sweetwater
20
Big Spring
87
Colorado City
CO
LO
RA
DO
Water Valley
boro
380
Haskell
84
87
2601 I-40 E., Amarillo, 79104
806-376-5181, aqha.com/museum
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum’s fantastic facility is designed to showcase the
stars of the American quarter horse world —the people and horses who have become legends. 35
Don Harrington
Discovery Center
1200 Streit Dr., Amarillo, 79106
806-355-9547, dhdc.org
Explore, tinker, create, and play at the Discovery
Center, with more than 55 hands-on exhibits and the
Panhandle’s only Space Theater. 12345
Rt. 66, Amarillo, 79106
amarillo66.com
44 Wichita
Falls
70
Paducah
27
380
American Quarter Horse
Hall of Fame and Museum
Historic Route 66
Vernon
84
385
Amarillo
2
4
8
14
19
24
26
25
21
14
8
3
260
Childress
385
Plainview
Plains
Abilene
7
8
13
18
23
27
29
29
24
18
12
8
244
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Sunshine Days
European paintings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th
centuries, Middle Eastern textiles, 9th-century Java
sculpture, photography, and Asian art. 1235
Mineral Wells
180
Abilene
20
RI
VE
R
San Anggelo
67
Brownwood
Paint Rock
87
The history of the Wild West is synonymous with
excitement, streng th, creativit y, and spirit. In
Abilene, that frontier spirit lives on. Spend a few
days scouting out the sights and sounds of this
legendary area–a place where western heritage is
both a birthright and a pastime. Take in Abilene’s
spirited venues and inspiring art scene, and savor
our mesquite–flavor dining that is truly in a class
of its own.
Abilene Zoo
2070 Zoo Ln., Nelson Park, Abilene, 79602
325-676-6085, abilenezoo.org
Home to over 900 animals from around the globe,
a visit to the Abilene Zoo is filled with fun and excitement for the entire family. Feed a giraffe, stroll
through the Elm Creek Backyard, home to dozens of
Texas species, or come eye–to–eye with a king cobra.
12345
Frontier Texas!
625 N. First St., Abilene, 79601
325-437-2800, frontiertexas.com
PHOTO: TXDOT
Frontier Texas! is one of the few storytelling museums
in the world that features life-sized holograms; they tell
the story of the men and women who lived and died
on the Texas frontier. The Frontier Experience Theater
also puts visitors in the center of an Indian raid, a west
Texas thunderstorm, and a buffalo hunt. 1235
Get a glimpse of the customs and traditions of the
people of the pueblos and plains. Explore the exhibits
of fine paintings, bronze sculptures, and artifacts of
Southwest culture. 12345
Eden
Panhandle
Plains
Abilene
Kwahadi Museum
of the American Indian
9151 I-40 E., Amarillo, 79120
806-335-3175, kwahadi.com
83
Ballinger
Route 66 represents the beginnings of America’s
highway infrastructure and the transition from dirt
roads to superhighways. The road tells the story of
a newly mobile nation and of the democratization of
travel. On the nearly 30 miles that lie within Amarillo
alone there are 25 antiques shops and 15 restaurants. 12345
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St., Abilene, 79601
325-673-4587, thegracemuseum.org
Canyon
Canyon, settled in 1887 as the headquarters of the
T Anchor Ranch, was named for its location next to
Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the
nation. West Texas A&M University, where artist
Georgia O’Keeffe once taught, is also here. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history
museum in Texas, was built in 1933 on campus out
of native Texas stone. Its doors are emblazoned with
famous ranch brands. Be sure to see the summer
musical TEXAS! in the canyon’s amphitheater.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
The Grace, located in the heart of downtown in a
1909 hotel, is an AAM–accredited museum. Changing
exhibits feature the best of Texas art, past and present.
The Grace offers a variety of educational programs for
all ages through new experiences in art, science, and
history. 1235
2503 Fourth Ave., Canyon, 79015
806-651-2244, panhandleplains.org
Amarillo
Hereford
With almost two million visitors each year from
every corner of the world, Amarillo’s main (natural)
attraction is Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where
you’ll find the second-largest canyon of its kind in
the nation. The summer musical TEXAS!, presented
in the canyon’s amphitheater, transports the audience to the Old West. Whether strolling around the
Cadillac Ranch or taking in a show at the GlobeNews Center for the Performing Arts, you’ll like
this mix of the historic and the new along with the
multitude of shopping and dining.
The community of Hereford was named for the
herds of Herefords that were raised here. Cows are
still the primary source of commerce for the town,
with approximately 1.9 million head of cattle within
a 30-mile radius of the city—hence the proud moniker Beef Capital of the World. Hereford’s attractions include the Deaf Smith County Museum, the
impressive Hereford Aquatic Center, and the John
Pitman Municipal Golf Course.
Amarillo Museum of Art
400 Sampson St., Hereford, 79045
806-363-7070
deafsmithcountymuseum.org
2200 S. Van Buren St., Amarillo, 79109
806-371-5050, 806-371-5392
amarilloart.org
Designed by noted architect Edward Durell Stone,
this museum exhibits works from the impressive
permanent collection of American modernist pieces,
Visit Texas’s largest history museum, with two million
artifacts and 22 galleries. Other parts of the museum
are devoted to the oil boom years, transportation, and
a collection of Southwestern art. 1235
Deaf Smith County
Historical Museum
This museum documents life during pioneer days with
a schoolroom, general store, living area, and kitchen.
A collection of period buildings includes a chapel
within the museum and a dugout house. 12
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Lubbock
From five award-winning wineries to live music rocking out almost every night, there’s something for
everyone in Lubbock. Whether you want to enjoy
a show at the famed Cactus Theater or treat your
kids to the excitement of a hands-on, interactive
museum or a movie under the stars, Lubbock has
it all. A vibrant history can be discovered at the National Ranching Heritage Center, where 48 authentic structures dating back to the 1700s have been
restored, or at the American Wind Power Center,
which houses the largest collection of windmills in
the world. Take in an eclectic art scene during Lubbock’s famous First Friday Art Trail and savor renowned wines from area-grown grapes.
Bayer Museum of Agriculture
1121 Canyon Lake Dr., Lubbock, 79409
806-744-3786, agriculturalhistory.org
Formerly the American Museum of Agriculture, this
step back in time features interactive exhibits and
historical displays dating to the pioneering years of
agriculture. 123
Buddy Holly Center
1801 Crickets Ave., Lubbock, 79401
806-775-3560, buddyhollycenter.org
The center houses permanent exhibits dedicated to
the life and music of Buddy Holly. Memorabilia donated by family, friends, and fans of Lubbock’s favorite son are showcased. The center also houses the
Lubbock Fine Arts Gallery. 1235
Depot Entertainment District
19th St. and Buddy Holly Ave., Lubbock, 79401
800-692-4035, visitlubbock.org
Music fills the air as you walk the street admiring the
neon lights, restaurants, and entertainment offered in
the historic Depot Entertainment District. 12345
CADILLAC RANCH, AMARILLO
TOUR 1
Jacksboro,
Mineral Wells, Abilene
Fort Richardson State Park and
Historic Site in Jacksboro offers a
double-whammy. Be transported
to the post-Civil War era, when
frontier settlers needed protection
from native tribes, by exploring the
seven buildings of a historic fort.
Or lose yourself in the expansive
park, which promises something
for hikers, cyclists, swimmers, and
fishermen. Next to the park, a sinewy 10-mile trail runs along Lost
Creek, a main watershed for the
city’s two lakes.
Since 1885, with the discovery
of a natural well alleged to cure
mental illness and more, Mineral
Wells has attracted thousands of
pilgrims. Immerse yourself in a
spartan soaking room or buy a bottle of water from one of the town’s
entrepreneurs. Three miles east of
the city, head to the Clark Gardens
Botanical Park, replete with lush
gardens and a massive outdoor
model train exhibit.
Drive southwest to Abilene, a
varied city that boasts a state park,
a war museum, and a contemporary
arts center. In the confines of Fron-
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Road Trips
tier Texas!, an interactive museum
that plunks you into the Old West,
nine “spirit guides” from different
facets of frontier life walk visitors
through the past. Pay a walletfriendly visit to the Abilene Zoo,
home to more than 160 species of
animals–from creeping insects to
black rhinos and giraffes.
TOUR 2
San Angelo, Paint Rock,
Lubbock
Touched by water on three sides,
San Angelo is a burgeoning city
founded on the site of the historic
Fort Concho, now a museum.
Into birding? Explore the Concho
Valley, home to more than 332
species. Art aficionados flock to
the San Angelo Museum of Fine
Arts and Education. For a sense
of cosmic wonder, it’s warp-speed
ahead to Angelo State University’s
planetarium, which projects amazing 3-D views of more than 500
million stars.
For beauty of a lower-tech
sort, journey to the banks of the
Concho River, where hues of red,
yellow, white, black, and orange
lick the aged limestone cliffs.
Natural formations? Far from it.
TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017
B
The simple pictographs on the
70-foot-tall Paint Rock bluffs are
mysterious visual tales left by
generations of Native Americans.
Year-round guided tours are available by appointment.
Three hours northwest, Lubbock looms as a cultural force.
The Buddy Holly Center celebrates
its namesake and other notables
in the Texas Musicians Hall of
Fame. For a blast of hipsterdom,
walk to the Depot Entertainment
District, where tunes, eats, and
microbrews await. Peruse the
world’s largest collection of windmills at the American Wind Power
Center, an old-time destination
with zeitgeist appeal. Nurture your
intellect at the world-renowned
Museum of Texas Tech University,
home to cutting-edge exhibits in
many fields.
TOUR 3
Palo Duro
Canyon,
Amarillo
Extending 120 miles, Palo Duro
Canyon carves an earthen gash
that rivals the big sky above. Far
from untouchable, the “Grand
Canyon of Texas” annually attracts
thousands to its 1,500 acres
for hiking, camping, birding and
sightseeing. Pitch a tent, rent
fully furnished cabins, or hole up
in a newly refurbished rock cabin.
Take advantage of equestrian-use
amenities and ride a horse to
the renowned Lighthouse formation. In the summer, take in the
spectacle of TEXAS!, a song-anddance show about the region’s
intrepid early settlers.
Just a few miles north, Amarillo
boasts botanical gardens, a zoo,
ranches, an amusement park, and
scores of souvenir shops nodding
to historic highway Route 66.
Notch some bragging rights at
the Big Texan Steak Ranch, the
famous restaurant that offers a
72-ounce steak dinner for free– if
you can finish the entire meal in
an hour. For more high-minded
pursuits, check the seasonal
calendars of the Lone Star Ballet,
Amarillo Opera, Amarillo Little
Theatre, and Amarillo Symphony.
PHOTO BY J. GRIFFIS SMITH, TEXAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE, AMARILLO CONVENTION VISITOR COUNCIL
B
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK LIGHTHOUSE, CANYON
Museum of Texas Tech University
3301 Fourth St., Lubbock, 79409
806-742-2442, 806-742-2490
depts.ttu.edu/museumttu
Explore exhibits featuring a total of nearly five million
objects. Discover collections in the arts, humanities,
and natural sciences, as well as the Moody Planetarium’s daily laser and star shows. 123
National Ranching Heritage Center
3121 Fourth St., Lubbock, 79409
806-742-2498, nrhc.ttu.edu
This16-acre site houses 48 structures dating back to
the 1700s, each authentically restored and furnished.
The center depicts the life of North American ranchers
through year-round events and tours, including the
popular Candlelight at the Ranch in December and
Ranch Days in April. 123
San Angelo
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMARILLO CVC
From its scenic river walk to the San Angelo State
Park, frontier heritage is alive and well in this Old
West town on the Concho River. Its beginnings
can be traced back to Fort Concho, which today is
recognized as the largest and best-preserved U.S.
Army fort of the 19th century. Connecting the fort
to the downtown is El Paseo de Santa Angela, a
tree-lined pathway that winds along the river. Make
time to explore the Museum of Fine Arts, Miss
Hattie’s Bordello Museum, and the International
Water Lily Garden.
International Water Lily Garden
325-655-4136, 800-375-1206
internationalwaterlilycollection.com
The garden, located in Civic League Park, hosts a
variety of day and night lilies that can be visited at any
time. 13
San Angelo Museum
of Fine Arts
One Love St., San Angelo, 76903
325-653-3333, samfa.org
The building that houses San Angelo’s fine arts museum is an architectural masterpiece in itself, with
three galleries, a rooftop sculpture garden, a library,
an atrium, a studio, and an outdoor kiln. 1235
Wichita Falls
Whether you choose to visit for business or leisure,
there is something for everyone. Wichita Falls boasts
over 2,000 affordable hotel rooms plus a seasonal
waterpark, an 18-hole championship golf course, a
nature conservatory, and a winery plus a host of museums and works of art located throughout the city.
Wichita Falls is nestled in the North Texas area, only
20 minutes from two Indian Nation casinos.
Castaway Cove Waterpark
1000 E. Central Fwy., Wichita Falls, 76301
940-322-5500, castawaycovewaterpark.com
Museum of North Texas History
720 Indiana Ave., Wichita Falls, 76301
940-322-7628 , museumofnorthtexashistory.org
Permanent exhibits include “The Military Collection,”
housing more than 3,000 items from the Civil War to
the current conflict. The centerpiece of this collection
is the Iwo Jima Room. Heritage Hall features the
collection of more than 500 cowboy hats gathered
over the last 54 years from local ranchers and
businessmen. 1235
River Bend Nature Center
and Butterfly Conservatory
2200 Third St., Wichita Falls, 76301
940-767-0843, riverbendnaturecenter.org
Watch a profusion of emerging but ter flies in the
chrysallis stage at the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and
Nature Conservatory and Peyton’s Place. 1235
Wichita Falls Waterfall
and Hike and Bike Trails
100 Sunset Dr., Wichita Falls, 76302
940-761-7490, wichitafallstx.gov
This 54-foot manmade waterfall is a multilevel cascade on the banks of the Wichita River. The falls are
a perfect backdrop to the city’s Wichita River Trail as
well as the additional 18 miles of lighted-concrete
trails throughout the city. 1235
A tropical-themed paradise for the whole family, this
waterpark features slides from 40-foot and 50-foot
towers, a Kiddie Park, the Lazy River, and the Tidal
Wave Pool. 12345
Corner of Pecos and N. Park Sts.
at Civic League Park
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