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33 Best & Fun Things To Do In Amarillo (Texas)

Widely known as “The Yellow Rose of Texas” since it takes its name from the Spanish word for yellow, “amarillo”, Amarillo is a top vacation spot.

This city in Texas is the 14th-most populous and also the largest city in the Texas Panhandle.

It boasts of a population of 200,393 as of April 1, 2020.

Although there is a lot of history and formidable happenings in the city, a few of its side attractions have brought it to the limelight.

A trip to Cadillac Ranch while trying graffiti on Cadillacs or even a meal at its popular Big Texan Steak Ranch are some of the popular things to do in the city.

Additionally, the city is also home to many popular theatres and art shows.

There are a handful of activities to try here that you may not even notice time passing by.

Below is the list of the best and most fun things to do in the city.

Things To Do In Amarillo, Texas

1. Cadillac Ranch

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Cadillac Ranch

Exploring Amarillo can be quite tricky since there are pretty much a lot of things to do.

Nevertheless, a visit to Cadillac Ranch is one of the top things to do around, besides is free.

Don’t let its name fool you. While you may think that this is a ranch or maybe a part of Cadillac, it isn’t.

It’s an art installation of Cadillacs!

Cadillac Ranch was completed in 1974 by reputable artists Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez, and Doug Michels.

However, it was moved away in 1997 following the city’s expansion.

The Cadillac Ranch offers sightings of ten Cadillacs, each appearing half-buried with their noses facing the ground, turning to the west, just like the great pyramids of the Cheops.

For a side attraction, this is a worthy find and is worth every second and time spent in the city.

Its graffiti and paint are regularly changed to make it brighter and more attractive during events and festivals in the city.

Even visitors can bring their own graffiti and add a touch of color to these Cadillacs and can do it all day.

Are you an art lover?

Grab your paint can, brush and apron, and head down to do some graffiti activities.

Literally, its rare feel is out to give you a much fun experience and you’ll enjoy every moment painting and soaking in sweat.

Wait till you see the graffiti works at sunset and watch the sun radiate on them.

Take photos.

Make graffiti masks.

Create designs.

There’s just so much you can do here.

 If you don’t want to paint, there are a lot of roadside attractions to keep you busy as well.

Address: #13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, United States.

2. Amarillo Zoo

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Amarillo Zoo

Zoos can be quite a good catch, especially if you have an eye for animals, traveling with curious friends, or even children.

The Amarillo Zoo is one special place in the city that is bound to give you a stupendous amount of fun and exhilaration.

In most zoos, you will meet a lack of animals or even a few you may be conversant with, but this is different.

At the Amarillo Zoo, you’ll find over 88 species of animals and over 150 animals put throughout its 15-acre area.

Also, you will find spiders, reptilian creatures, amphibians, and distinct types of animals in its affluent spaces.

Most native Texan species also consider this as home and are the top highlights of this museum.

You’ll find bison, longhorns, tarantulas, foxes and so many other exotic breeds that can’t easily be found in the area.

Let’s say you want to take animal photography or look at less harmful or common species, there’s provision for that as well.

There are skunks, bears, iguanas, lemurs, scorpions, donkeys, horses, bobcats, cockatoos, and even kangaroos.

Birdwatching is another great thing you can try while here since this place holds not just animals but different species of birds who come to make this their home.

Bird photography will also come out great if you find them sitting still.

During festivities and celebration days like the International Cat Day, Halloween, and even Zoo Lights, this museum hosts shows you can see for little or no fee.

In all, you’ll find this experience as enticing as enticing can be. You just have to plan your schedule.

Address: #700 Comanchero Trail, Amarillo, TX 79107, United States

3. The Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: The Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

For something a little different and directed at car lovers, The Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is worth a try.

This museum is one of the best, free and enticing things to do in Amarillo.

Trent and Jack Sisemore, son, and father, founded this museum and dedicated it only to showcasing old and unique RVs.

All of its special car exhibits are in Jack Sisemore’s collection.

Apart from that, there is a really vast collection of these cars, since Jack is one of the oldest RV dealers in Texas.

Some of the automobiles on display include the world’s oldest existing Fleetwood and even the bus from the movie RV.

Countless other exhibits are on display and you can see even the oldest collections of RVs.

Take photos and even feel them up close while looking at their interiors.

Also, you’ll find bouncy camping chairs, several old cameras from different brands, furnishings and appliances, and even the very first Itasca motorhome.

Check out a collection that even dates as far back as 1930, motorcycles and retro gas stations.

Car lovers cannot let a session of a tour around this automobile museum go.

Obviously, if you love old cranky cars, prepare yourself for magic!

Address: #14501 I-27, Amarillo, TX 79119, United States

4. The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery

Traveling through Amarillo can be quite exhausting since you get to stop at almost every attraction spot.

To make sure you can find something to fill your belly with as well as check out some of their special cuisine, try The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery.

This outstanding restaurant is one of the few places in the city where you can grab a bite and mellow a voracious appetite.

It has long won over the hearts of many of its locals and residents with its famous steak challenge.

In this challenge, visitors and registrants are charged with the task of consuming 72 oz steak with salad, an appetizer, and potatoes in one hour.

If you manage to complete this task and successfully finish everything on your plate, you get your meal free of charge.

However, if you fail to or have some remnants at the end of the game, you’ll have to pay 72 dollars for the meal.

To make it completely fair, you can decline if you aren’t cut out for this kind of challenge and you can order from their specials.

If you love Texan foods and want a try of their cuisine, tastefully cooked and garnished, then you should look through their menu.

There are pickles, fried pickles precisely, onion rings, fried mushrooms, and even oysters.

For something a little meaty, you can try their tomahawk bone-in ribeye, sauteed beef tips, fried chicken, and even Texan strips.

There’s even a handful of dessert to go with it, chocolate cakes with whipped creams and candies.

Literally, you can’t visit Amarillo and not try their tasty courses.

Give your stomach a filling. A healthy stomach will make the tour more fun!

Address: #7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, United States

5. Amarillo Little Theatre

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Amarillo Little Theatre

If you are an art lover and want to learn a bit about the culture and art of Amarillo, then the Amarillo Little Theatre is an ideal place to visit.

It is one of the oldest art centers in the city and is always open.

Being the oldest theatre in Amarillo doesn’t limit it from dishing out only the best content, it is famous for hosting very impressive plays and shows.

This reputation it has built over years has made it home and a haven for several local artists who come here to interact, perform, grow and make duos.

Visitors who come to this theatre have the opportunity of mingling with the artists after their performances and get to know them more.

Moreover, what to eat isn’t even an issue.

At the concession stands at the corner, there are tasty dishes, cocktails, and even smoothies for a post-show refreshment.

So, if you have been thinking of a good location to go goofing around with your partner, make a reservation to see a play here.

A night with just the theater lights and a performance on stage is worth it.

Address: #2019 Civic Cir, Amarillo, TX 79109, United States

6. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

Things to do in Amarillo

Image: American quarter horse hall museum

For equestrian fans, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is the best spot to visit in Amarillo.

You may find it amusing to know that there is a museum specially talking about horses, nevertheless, it is true.

This museum tells the tale of the quarter horse and its significance in the history of the region.

Also, it commemorates and honors the popular breed and its local tradition.

Visitors who explore this museum will learn about the role of horses that helped to settle and define the American West.

There’s even the tale and information relating to one of the most popular horses among cowboys in the Southwest. 

The Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is upstairs and is laden with some of the breed’s most famous horses. 

Medals, images, memorabilia, and the stories of these legendary horses are in every exhibit.

On its basement floor, visitors will find a range of exhibits covering themes ranging from Quarter Horse biology to horse occupations.

Without haste, saddle your mind and get ready for what may seem to be one of the most interesting tours in Amarillo.

Address: 2601 E Interstate Dr, Amarillo, TX 79104, United States

7. Don Harrington Discovery Center

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Don Harrington Discovery Center

Visiting the Don Harrington Discovery Center can turn out to be one of the most thrilling things to do in Amarillo, especially if you’re a science lover.

However, you don’t necessarily have to be a science lover to enjoy all the fun packages that this center will throw at you.

Don Harrington Discovery Center is a center spanning across a wide range of space, showing science-themed exhibits and interactive exhibits.

To make learning fun and easier, most of its exhibits are hands-on and sit in really well with people who enjoy hands-on activities.

Visitors can explore the Space Gallery and have a closer look and knowledge of different weather conditions, whether in space or on each of the planets.

The planetarium in the Space Theater holds Critter Row, Little Builders, and access to creative opportunities in the KinderStudio.

Certainly, these are but a few of its limitless row of bountiful scientific exhibits and artifacts.

Just outside Don Harrington Discovery Center, you’ll find a beautiful six-storey structure, the Helium Time Column Monument.

This structure stands to tell the story of the important helium plant in Amarillo and its role in American gas production.

You may not know that such a building still stands here until you’ve taken the time to explore.

Wander around and grasp the hand of the clock.

Learn while doing fun things.

Take pictures while studying artifacts, and overall satisfy your scientific curiosity.

There are a ton of fun activities you can do in this place and there’s no limit to what you’ll discover.

Address: #1200 Streit Dr, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States

8. Hike through the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

For something a little different and nature-related, take a hike through the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center.

Spanning over 600 acres, the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center is one of the greatest places in Texas to take in the state’s beautiful nature.

Its large expanse of grasslands in the city area is full of hiking routes and beautiful wildflowers that shoot up on all sides.

Literally, for anyone who doesn’t like vast grasslands, this is a major turnoff to tackle, but there are tour guides available to direct you.

The main structure of the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center has historical information on the environment, its flora and wildlife, and its history.

Also, The Gregg-Marc Wagon Trail, which connects Fort Smith and Santa Fe, links through this location.

While exploring the grasslands, you may come upon a few sections of the wagon tracks that have survived to this day. 

You may even find sites where you can try picnicking or a quiet session of meditating.

It all depends on what you want to do, however, regardless of what it is, it’ll fit in to do in this place.

Address: #2301 N Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, United States

Planning a road trip outside of Amarillo? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in New Braunfels, Abilene, Killeen, Tyler, Temple, and Denton!

9.  Route 66 Historic District

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Route 66 Historic District

Attractions aren’t new or rare finds if you are checking out Amarillo or Texas as a whole.

There’s no way you would see all the attraction sites in Texas and not be tempted to see the Route 66 Historic District.

The Route 66 Historic District is a 13-block commercial area in the city offering highly scenic views of the city and a little of all the best things in the city.

Regardless of what you want to do, you will find something that’ll suit you in this place.

While there are tons of things to see and do, you’ll find shopping, antiques, eateries, and even sure attractions in good shape around this area.

Primarily, a lot of buildings in this area of the city are evenly and modernly designed, with some having the early 20s architecture.

You’ll find buildings and it’s like with art déco, Art Moderne, and even Spanish Revival.

If you explore deeper into this area, you’ll find the Taylor’s Texaco Station structures and the Adkinson-Baker Tire Company.

Other historic structures, like the natatorium, tastefully furnished stores, malls, galleries, and even restaurants, stand gallantly.

There are signposts at almost every building explaining and telling its stories, so you could never get puzzled.

Address: #3511 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States

10. Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West

Touring a city can be stressful and relatively hard if you don’t know anyone, how or where to tour.

If what you’re bothered about is a good company with a reputable degree of hospitality, catering and even exciting expositions while in Amarillo, then Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West is ideal.

In the entire Amarillo city, Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West is one of the best tourism companies.

They not only help you tour the entire city with so much fun, but they also let you explore the entire city while pointing out the deep sides of the attraction.

Visitors get a chance to take a tour of the Route 66 Historic District down to the Palo Duro Canyon and horseback rides.

Literally, they offer the best and most unique horseback riding in the city and an exclusive experience.

Whether you’re just a beginner or you are a pro on horseback riding, you’ll be able to have as much fun as you want.

Riding through Texas and Amarillo on horseback instills a different kind of feeling and you can grab this chance.

Get on horseback and ride through the city.

Go on photography tours and capture scenic areas.

Try camping at strategic spots around its route.

All those ridings can be quite tiring, so if you get hungry at any point you can try the chuck wagon meal events.

Address: 19100 FM1258, Amarillo, TX 79118, United States

11. Wonderland Amusement Park

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Wonderland Amusement Park

The Wonderland Amusement Park is a fun-filled amusement park in Amarillo, showcasing a variety of attractions.

This quaint, old-fashioned setting will appeal to families looking for a fun spot to visit.

It has a long history, dating back to 1951.

During the days of its creation, the park was just known as Kiddie Land and it only featured three rides.

Presently, there are about 30 rides already, and the park is still expanding!

Visitors who explore this park will find traditional rides like bumper cars, as well as more modern water rides and even a miniature golf course.

A merry-go-round, a train for the kids, and several fascinating boats to ride are all major sightings and equipment for use.

Get ready for a ride through the Hornet, Mouse Trap, and the Texas Tornado.

If you’ve got more courage, you can try a session at the Cyclone and even ride the roller coasters.

Then, try the Rattlesnake Raft Ride, the Big Splash Log Plume, and the Pipeline Plunge, all summertime water rides.

Even if you aren’t interested in the amusement park, you may come here to unwind.

You’ll find it thrilling and may even become your best spot in Amarillo.

Address: 2601 Dumas Dr, Amarillo, TX 79107, United States

12. Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Amarillo Botanical Gardens

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is one of the city’s top attraction sites.

Its gorgeous silver and glass diamond-shaped conservatory make it unique and one of a kind.

Spanning over four acres of land, this garden offers a wide range of local Flora, a fragrant garden, and also tropical plants in its conservatory.

A Japanese garden, a butterfly garden, and even a xeric garden are highlights of this garden.

You’ll even find exotic flowers and special, rare kinds of plants around.

Flowers on its grounds shine brightly and contribute to the highly perfumed environment, giving off nice scents.

Also, with the way its flowers are arranged and spread, it is highly scenic and offers a good spot for photography and events.

Florists and botanists who want to feed their eyes on diverse species of plants can take this chance to tour the gardens.

In the Christmas season, the gardens are lit up in a kaleidoscope of colors and radiate different colors brightly.

If you come during the Christmas season, you’ll get a chance to see all these flowers in their glory and even take pictures.

Wait till the sunset and get a good view of this garden.

Address: 1400 Streit Dr, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States

13. Amarillo Historical Museum

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Amarillo Historical Museum

History lovers and enthusiasts who would want a greater knowledge of Texas and Amarillo will find this particular place outstanding.

The Amarillo Historical Museum is one of Amarillo’s widest side attractions.

Even though this museum was just opened in 2013, its growth has been really proven to be tremendous.

Not only does it house a great deal of Amarillo’s history, but it also holds details and stages of development the city had undergone.

Visitors who visit this museum have the opportunity to explore and unravel the history behind Amarillo.

Moving around this museum, you’ll find photographs and antiques all relating to the past and telling stories.

Also, you’ll find a wide variety of primitive tools and a collection of stunning items.

You’ll find firearms dating from the civil war, photographs of sports clubs and teams in the city, and a wide range of exhibits telling the story of the Amarillo High School fire.

There are even details and information on the first railroad rail in the city.

Even if you aren’t a nerd or are rarely interested in history, you’ll find looking through the photographs and antiques fascinating.

Literally, it’s a minor way to have a little fun without doing anything or moving around.

Just so you know, you can only see and explore this museum only after an appointment or reservation.

So, check your schedule and make an appointment, head down and sit amongst history.

Address: #1612 S Johnson St, Amarillo, TX 79102, United States

14. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Things to do in Amarillo

Image Palo Duro Canyon state park

It’s longer news that there are tons of things to do in Amarillo. However, if you’re in for a little adventure outside the city, there are some top attractions you can check out.

The magnificent Palo Duro Canyon State Park, for example, is about 30 minutes south of Amarillo.

This site, situated on a ridge overlooking the canyon, offers some of the park’s greatest vistas.

It may surprise you to learn that this canyon is the United States’ second greatest canyon, behind the Grand Canyon, and is only 30 minutes south of Amarillo. 

Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles broad in certain places, and about 800 feet deep.

A 16-mile round-trip drive takes you from the brink of the canyon to the canyon floor and back.

Visitors can explore its 150 campsites and various hiking paths off its route.

To make it more fun, these camping sites are in scenic areas and are safe, perfect for an outdoor relaxation activity or even camping.

Hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and geocaching are all popular activities at Palo Duro State Park. 

Also, you’ll find The Lighthouse Trail, a vast spectacular cliff in this area, it is one of the most popular walks. 

If you climb to the base of the Lighthouse just six miles round way, you’ll stumble across the finest view of the towering granite pinnacle 1.5 miles in.

Check out the visitors’ center at the park’s entrance and learn more about the area’s history and geology. 

Bring a camera or binoculars with you on any trail because you’re likely to see some distinct birds and native fauna species.

Address: 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, United States

15. Amarillo Opera

Things to do in Amarillo

Image: Amarillo opera

The Amarillo Opera should not be missed if you’re looking for activities to do in Amarillo that involve performing art.

It was set up in 1988 and now has over 75 members, with over 500,000 people attending its events each year, one of the top tourist sections.

It’s also a terrific romantic and exciting date choice for couples who wish to spend a quiet moment watching performances.

Due to its reputable display and performance, it has received several honors and performs a varied repertoire that includes both innovative contemporary compositions and classics.

Because many operas in this city are not performed in English, there are projected subtitles to assist you in following along.

Plan to visit this opera and watch musical performances when you have time.

Address: #2223 S Van Buren St, Amarillo, TX 79109, United States

16. Amarillo Museum of Art

Things To Do In Amarillo

Image: Amarillo Museum of Art

The Amarillo Museum of Art is a great place to visit if you’re searching for something to do.

This museum was open to the public in 1972 and houses a diverse collection of artwork from many periods and genres.

It is on a strategic part of the Amarillo College campus, free and accessible to the public. 

The majority of the artwork in this museum comes from the Far East, despite the fact that it has an extraordinary collection of art from all around the world.

Sculptures from South and Southeast Asia, as well as Buddhist and Hindu works from the 2nd century BC, are also on display.

You’ll even find photos by F.S.A. photographer Russell Lee and his colleagues.

In the far corner, there are artworks from the 17th to 19th centuries and paintings by early and mid-century American Modernists shown throughout the 32,000-square-foot structure.

Address: #2200 S Van Buren St, Amarillo, TX 79109, United States

17. Bill’s Backyard Classics

Bill's Backyard Classics

Image: Bill’s Backyard Classics

If you’re a car enthusiast looking for something to do in Amarillo, you’re in for a treat.

The Bill’s Backyard Classics is a fantastic vehicle museum with an excellent collection of close to a hundred distinct old cars from 1928 to 2012.

For a car museum, it is undoubtedly one of the finest sites there is in Amarillo for this venture.

Not only does it display a vast collection of cars, but car shows and other events are also frequently held here.

Bill and Linda Pratt created Bill’s Backyard Classics on their public collection to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for autos.

You’ll find smart Cars, military Jeeps, and even Corvettes vehicles all on exhibit.

Even the popular, Bob Seder’s 1961 Pontiac Catalina and Judge Roy Hofheinz’s 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Limo are all major highlights.

Head down to Bill’s Backyard Classics and see if you can beat their taste in cars.

Address: #5309 S Washington St, Amarillo, TX 79110, United States

18. Harrington House

Harrington House

Image: Harrington House

One of the greatest things to do in Amarillo for history aficionados is to visit the museum.

The Harrington House, built-in 1914, is a historic residence.

Cattlemen John and Pat Landergin built the house, which was later acquired by Don and Sybil Harrington, who works in the oil and gas business.

Its neoclassical architecture is one of the major highlights and brings visitors all year round to admire its beauty.

Many of its original furnishings, 18th-century parquet flooring, and a beautiful tapestry in the Reception Hall are still intact, and visitors can look through them while touring the house.

An 1820 Regency-style cabinet, handcrafted finials styled like urns, and giltwood mirrors in the George III style are among the famous furniture items.

There’s so much more — much too much to put here!

Literally, the art collection of the Harringtons is on exhibit and is one of the must-see places on a visit to Amarillo.

Address: #1600 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79102, United States

19. Texas Air & Space Museum

Texas Air & Space Museum

Image: Texas Air & Space Museum

The Texas Air & Space Museum is a major highlight at the Amarillo International Airport Rick Husband.

A modest but intriguing collection of aircraft makes this a terrific stop for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

Visitors can head into the planes for a completely hands-on experience, which is one of the finest attractions in this museum.

Moreover, the museum is near the airport and is set out in both indoor and outdoor areas.

In the main hanger is a major highlight, the 1945 DC-3. 

For a closer look at the instruments, visitors can walk right up to the cockpit.

Also, in the hangar, you’ll find a home-built crop duster from the late 1960s, a B-52 bomber ejection seat, and a hot-air balloon basket.

Outside, visitors can go onboard a 1958 C-7 Caribou and an aircraft, a former training vehicle for astronauts landing NASA space shuttles.

Rick Husband, an Amarillo native, was killed when the Columbia space shuttle was destroyed on re-entry from orbit. 

A tiny section of the museum features model planes and information on Rick’s career.

It is the greatest in the area and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of space and air travel.

Address: 10001 American Dr, Amarillo, TX 79111, United States

See also the list of things to do in Odessa, Wichita Falls, College Station, Lubbock, Round Rock, and Corpus Christi!

20. Watch Plays at The TEXAS Outdoor Musical

The TEXAS Outdoor Musical

Image: The TEXAS Outdoor Musical

The TEXAS Outdoor Musical performs at Palo Duro Canyon, just outside of Amarillo yet nearby.

This is a delightful entertainment event in the form of a musical play that takes place in the canyon’s Pioneer Amphitheater.

It is also one of the top attractions in Amarillo worth seeing in the vicinity!

The TEXAS Outdoor Musical is basically a dramatized version of the state’s history.

For the past five decades, it has been performing throughout the summer.

There are pioneers, Native Americans, cowboys, and other individuals, all of whom are shown in intriguing plotlines.

To see this show, you’ll need to purchase tickets ahead of time.

You can also pay an extra charge to have a BBQ supper in an authentic setting before the play.

If you don’t have any plans for the day, check out what is playing and go watch plays.

Address: #11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, United States

21. See a Movie at the Tascosa Drive-In

Tascosa Drive-In

Image: Tascosa Drive-In

Do you want to see a movie?

One of the greatest venues to go for this type of entertainment is the Tascosa Drive-In!

The Tascosa Drive-In is a great venue for a vintage film-viewing adventure, displaying two movies every night from Friday through Sunday.

It has a combination of recent box office hits as well as oldies.

Presently, movies at the Tascosa Drive-In start only when it’s dark, with gates opening at 8:00 p.m.

Picnicking at the drive-in is one of the top things to do while waiting for a show.

However, if you didn’t pack a basket, there’s a concession shop serving delicious snacks!

The tickets are affordable, and the experience is enjoyable for the entire family.

Check out what’s on this weekend and stop by if you want!

Address: #1999 Dumas Dr, Amarillo, TX 79107, United States

22. Amarillo Railroad Museum

Amarillo Railroad Museum

Image: Amarillo Railroad Museum

The Amarillo Railroad Museum is a museum in Amarillo with the history of the Texas Panhandle, westward growth, and the region’s cultural legacy.

This museum has two levels and a chronological exhibition system that spans the years 1952 to 1970.

There’s also a scale layout of HO model trains that correctly depict the whole Santa Fe railroad’s 200 miles!

Visitors can explore its indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a railroad garden and vintage railway carriages and locomotives.

You’ll even have the opportunity to see a nuclear weapons delivery train, a tool of the Department of Energy!

It’s a great way to learn about the history of the area, and it’s one of the most interesting Amarillo attractions for that reason.

Address: #3160 I Ave, Amarillo, TX 79111, United States

23. Ozymandias on the Plains

Ozymandias on the Plains

Image: Ozymandias on the Plains

Ozymandias on the Plains is a must-see in Amarillo if you’re seeking strange things to do.

This structure is one of the scariest things you will find in the city.

On the I-27, you can see them from afar, two massive legs in athletic socks, disembodied and put into the earth on a pedestal.

These are allegedly depictions of the famous Egyptian monarch Ozymandias, or Ramesses II’s legs.

Percy Bysshe Shelley, a romantic poet and the spouse of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley was the inspiration for this monument.

Ozymandias, Shelley’s famous poem, depicts a pair of trunkless stone legs on a stand in the desert, with imprints lettering on a pedestal announcing Ozymandias’ name and statement.

The poem primarily depicts the devastation of a region previously under the influence of the titular monarch, which is now wrecked with his statue strewn about.

Lightnin’ McDuff, a local artist who specializes in transforming useless objects into artworks, is the brain behind this sculpture.

Did you know that the sculpture has been frequently destroyed but is still set up again?

Even the king of kings’ socks is spray-painted over and over again, regardless of how many times they are removed.

Stanley Marsh 3, the man who sponsored the Cadillac Ranch, is the driving force behind it.

Address: #I-27, W Sundown Ln, Amarillo, TX 79119, United States

24. Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian

Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian

Image: Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian

One of Amarillo’s latest museums is the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian.

Its structure is built to seem like a Pueblo and is home to a variety of attractions.

The interior is decorated with a variety of exhibits, all of which are loaded with Native American art and culture.

A bronze casting by Tom Knapp works by Thomas Mails, and The Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian’s collection of Navajo rugs are among the museum’s most notable attractions.

You’ll learn numerous details about the lives and legacies of the region’s Native Americans.

However, the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian has restricted hours, so if you’re planning on visiting, double-check the schedule ahead of time!

Check the performance calendar as well and see if you can come for a dance session.

Address: #9151 I-40, Amarillo, TX 79118, United States

25. Amarillo Symphony

Amarillo Symphony

Image: Amarillo Symphony

The Amarillo Symphony is a local symphony that performs a variety of concerts for audiences of all ages.

This is a totally fine alternative for art lovers looking for something to do in Amarillo.

While touring the city, you can take the time out to listen to the symphony and watch some performances.

Many seasonal performances are put on by the Amarillo Symphony.

You can spend a moment with your partner just digesting its magic.

Literally, it’s one of the top free things to do in the city that is extremely exciting.

If there’s a show happening this weekend, don’t miss it!

Take a relaxed seat at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts and be charmed by skillful and talented performers.

Address: #301 S Polk St #700, Amarillo, TX 79101, United States

26. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

Image: Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is Texas’ largest history museum, offering a fascinating look into the state’s past.

This museum, which opened in 1912, is a delightful way to learn about the region.

Besides, not only is it the biggest history museum, but it also provides an insight into Texas’ past, from the time of the dinosaurs to the present.

Locals refer to this museum as “the Smithsonian with an accent,” and it houses one of the best art collections in the Southwest. 

Visitors can learn about the local American Indians, pioneers, oil, geology, and water as a resource.

There’s also exclusive information on technologies that affected the region’s growth, such as windmills and transportation, and much more.

In addition to its remarkable permanent collection, the museum offers special exhibits on a regular basis. 

It is just a 15-minute drive from Amarillo.

You’ll even learn about a variety of themes at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum through engaging educational exhibits.

If you’re up for a lot of learning, then this will settle well with you.

However, if you don’t want so much information, there are a lot of other side attractions you can explore.

Address: #2503 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79015, United States

27. Combine City

Combine City

Image: Combine City

Combine City began as a joke.

Orville Ladehoff didn’t know what to do when it came to what to do with an old, broken combine.

When he turned to his wife for advice, she jokingly said that he should bury it, which he did.

At that moment, Orville began “planting” old combines nose-down in the ground on two acres of land, in the style of Cadillac Ranch.

The 14 combines in Combine City are in a style with their blades in the air.

Because the area isn’t really accessible, it is not as graffiti-friendly as the Cadillac Ranch.

However, even though you can’t go near it, it offers one of the most entertaining views in Amarillo!

Address: #Amarillo, TX 79118, United States

28. Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

Image: Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

If you’re done exploring most of the side attractions in the city and still want to step a foot further, then you may visit the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.

Its beautiful attraction site is about 40 minutes north of Amarillo.

This site, which is located on the edge of Lake Meredith, was once a critical location for early people’s survival.

At the national monument, there are several locations to see.

Visitors can start with the sleek, and move forward to the interactive Visitor Center, which has a bookstore, displays, and a theater where you can learn about the region.

The latter has an award-winning 11-minute film!

There are also guided tours, numerous events for all ages, and a variety of hands-on demonstrations.

Then, for a taste of native flora, visit the Native American display gardens and the Alibates Interpretive Garden.

However, if you’d rather explore but don’t have much time, you can take a 10-minute hike on the Mesquite Trail.

A hike on the Mesquite Trail will take you around a mesa on a looping path that is full of thrill.

Other Texas attractions worth noting at the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument are McBride Canyon, Mullinaw Trails, and even Bates Canyon.

Go rock art hunting.

Try camping while trying boating, fishing, and even off-roading.

Hunting and birding are also activities you can try while at it.

Address: #Cas Johnson Road, Fritch, TX 79036, United States

29. Pantex Plant

Pantex Plant

Image: Pantex Plant

The Pantex Plant, about 17 miles outside of Amarillo, is one of the most interesting tourist sites in the area.

It’s the only plant in the country that’s exactly like it.

This plant is mostly a weapons disassembly facility and a plutonium storage facility, although it has also been used to build nuclear bombs.

It is controlled and owned by the United States Department of Energy, although it is operated by the BMX firm.

Across its 16,000-acre span, the factory features a number of zones, including a military force and a Zone 11 test site for experimental explosives.

This plant has a long and illustrious history.

It was erected in 1942 as a bomb factory for the Second World War, but it was deactivated soon after.

Later, it was utilized as a staging area for 70,000 nuclear warheads during the Cold War.

However, the Pantex Plant has since undergone several upgrades and modernizations and presently holds a staggering 9,000 Plutonium pits.

Also, the business has had to deal with a number of other issues, including worker strikes as a result of overworked employees.

The Pantex Plant is known for being difficult to visit.

It’s a pain, but it’s worth it for admirers of strange, one-of-a-kind places to get a glance into the extraordinary property and its goings-on.

Address: #US Highway 60 & FM2373, Panhandle, TX 79068, United States

30. Amarillo Civic Center Complex

Amarillo Civic Center Complex

Amarillo Civic Center Complex

Because of the various entertaining and intriguing events and conferences that it organizes throughout the year, the Amarillo Civic Center Complex is a must-see place.

This Civic center houses a 2,848-seat theatre, two exhibit halls, and the Cal Farley Coliseum’s sports arena.

There’s also a Grand Plaza that stands beautifully to honor and reflect Texas!

Visitors can see football games, ice skating shows, hockey games, wrestling contests, musical performances, and Broadway productions.

Besides, only a few places in the city have all of this.

It doesn’t matter what it is you want to see, you’ll find almost everything on display.

If you’re in town this weekend, check the Amarillo Civic Center’s calendar to see if there’s anything you’d like to see.!

Address: #401 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101, United States

31. Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center

Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center

Image: Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center

The Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center is an area in Amarillo memorializing the region’s veterans who labored and fought to protect American lives.

With names from 26 different nations on its memorial, it’s one of the most somber sights to view in Amarillo.

On Veterans Day in 1999, the memorial’s majestic archway was dedicated to all living veterans.

It’s also a component of a number of initiatives geared at bettering the community and the lives of veterans.

Moreover, the memorial’s education center, which spans 15,000 square feet and is full of modern technology, is now a magnificent historic attraction.

There’s a tiny military museum, an education center, and other unique rooms in the center showcasing different items.

Take a look and pay homage to some of Amarillo’s best soldiers.

Address: 4111 S Georgia St, Amarillo, TX 79110, United States

32. Floating Mesa of Amarillo

Floating Mesa of Amarillo

Image: Floating Mesa of Amarillo

Though it is just outside of the main city region in Texas, the Floating Mesa of Amarillo is one of the most fascinating Amarillo attractions.

It’s another amusing construct financed by the famous oddball Stanley Marsh 3 of Cadillac Ranch fame.

The Floating Mesa of Amarillo is exactly what it sounds like, a roadside attraction.

Its purpose is to give the impression of a floating mesa.

When the sky is a perfect shade of white, the illusion is most convincing.

You’ll even find the white plywood that supports the mesa’s summit blending in nicely.

Finally, if you feel like you want to float in illusions for a moment, then take the time to visit this place.

Address: #Tascosa Rd, Bushland, TX 79012, United States

33. Downtown Amarillo

Downtown Amarillo

Image: Downtown Amarillo

You may want to explore Downtown Amarillo for a sack of fun activities.

Downtown Amarillo holds some of the top relaxation spots, shopping centers, eateries, and even bigshots in the city.

Literally, it is one of the bustling and trendy places in the city to explore on a visit.

Visitors can hang around and watch fireworks while checking out some of their hotels.

If you get hungry, there are countless restaurants in the area where you can stop, take a bite or two, and then proceed on your journey.

It’s one of the classical places you can see in the city, so plan it.

Address: Amarillo, Texas, United States

Final Remarks

Exclusively, Amarillo has a lot of side attractions and some of them are within reach.

Take your time to tour the city and Mark out spots that interest you.

Safe Travels.