Amarillo Tourism: Museums and Ranches in the Texas Panhandle

An outpost of 175,000 people in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo serves as the region’s cultural center with a remarkable variety of destinations for visitors. Although it holds the unwanted title as the largest city in Texas without a four-year university in its borders, Amarillo has museums, ranches, and other sites that educate visitors and celebrate Texas Panhandle heritage. Whether Amarillo is your final stop or just a diversion from a long drive on Interstate 40, there is plenty of Texas Panhande culture to enjoy. Many of the following museums and ranches charge little or no admission.

Museums

The Amarillo Museum of Art (www.amarilloart.org) is Amarillo’s most formal repository for visual art. Even some big names are surprisingly present. Four Georgia O’Keeffe watercolors are part of the permanent collection, reflecting her personal connection to the Panhandle. The museum attempts to give samples of European, Asian, and American art, so it does not specialize exclusively in Panhandle culture. However, there are a variety of photographs, prints, sculptures, and special exhibits that pay homage to Amarillo’s past. Admission is free. 2200 S. Van Buren, Amarillo, TX, 806-371-5050.

For a stronger dose of local flavor, visit the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center and Museum (www.aqha.com). This Amarillo speciality museum celebrates the history of quarter horses and addresses topics such as the breeding of these animals, their racing exploits, and their role on Panhandle ranches. This heritage center’s exhibits are more hands-on and engaging, even for adults. One permanent exhibit involves talking horses named Missy and Fella who share quarter horse history with a hay bale of humor! Adult admission is only $4. 2601 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX, 806-376-5181.

Looking for a kid-friendly celebration of science and nature? The Don Harrington Discovery Center (www.dhdc.org) is a park and recreation area that features interactive museum-quality exhibits ranging from a tornado machine to an involved display celebrating the rare element Helium. If you enjoy offbeat tourist sites, then be sure to check out the Helium Centennial Time Columns Monument (part of the Discovery Center), a strange-looking collection of steel time capsules that recognize the Amarillo area for its helium-rich crust. Adult admission is under $6. 1200 Streit Drive, Amarillo, TX, 806-355-9547.

Ranches

What would Texas Panhandle culture be without ranching and cattle? Just a 20-mile drive south of Amarillo, the Elkins Ranch (www.theelkinsranch.com) is a well-maintained tourist spot. Everything from horseback riding to old west saloon-style shows is available to visitors. The Elkins Ranch is adjacent to Palo Duro Canyon and offers Jeep tours of the remarkable views. If you thought the Texas Panhandle was totally flat, think again! Prices vary depending on food and entertainment. Off Texas Route 217 near the entrance to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 806-488-2100.

As we all know, cattle are raised on ranches for a reason: they grow up in places like the Texas Panhandle before becoming part of the national food chain. If you’re in Amarillo on a Tuesday, you can see cattle go to market at the weekly Amarillo Livestock Auction (www.amarillolivestockauction.com) and hear the auctioneer chant for yourself. This event can be loud and busy because it’s the real deal – not just a museum simulation. Visitors can see the cattle being bought and sold in a wood-paneled auditorium with a traditional cattle ring. Call for more information. 100 S. Manhattan, Amarillo, TX, 806-373-7646.

For a different kind of ranching experience, visit the Cadillac Ranch west of Amarillo on historic old Route 66. In addition to seeing some steer, you’ll certainly see some steering wheels! That’s because this tourist spot features classic Cadillac automobiles planted in a row, rear end up. This popular photo backdrop was orchestrated by helium mogul Stanley Marsh. Use Armot Exit from I-40.