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

Amarillo is a lively metropolis where the rustic charm of old-timey cowboys meets the modern sensibilities of a busy city.

It is the biggest settlement in the Panhandle and is known by many nicknames, including Bomb City and Rotor City.

Plus, the word “amarillo” is Spanish for “yellow”, which is why it has also earned itself the nickname of The Yellow Rose of Texas.

The city’s original name was Oneida, and it grew thanks to its use as a cattle-marketing center during the late years of the 19th century.

This city is a vibrant place, filled with a mix of nature, history, art, and culture.

With a storied past, a long legacy, and a great music scene, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time on a vacation to this unique location.

To help you plan your trip to the Yellow City, here are the 32 best and fun things to do in Amarillo, Texas.

1. Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is one of the most unique Amarillo attractions, and it’s also one of the few free things to do in this city!

Despite its name, this is actually neither a ranch nor an attraction made by the Cadillac company.

Instead, it is simply a public art installation funded by Stanley Marsh 3, an eccentric millionaire, collaborating with the San Franciscan art collective The Ant Farm.

Artists Chip Lord, Doug Michels, and Hudson Marquez are the artists of this impressive creation.

Completed in 1974 and moved further away from the city’s expansion in 1997, Cadillac Ranch features a total of ten Cadillacs.

These Cadillacs are positioned to appear like they are half-buried with their noses in the ground.

They face to the west, designed to mimic the angle of the pyramids of the Cheops.

The Cadillacs are also completely covered in graffiti, and that paint is regularly changed and updated for tributes and events.

Visitors are also allowed to bring their own paint cans and add their own graffiti to the cars, and they can do so 24 hours a day!

Some pretty cool road signs around the area make for great photo opportunities.

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

2. The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery

The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery is one of the most fun places to grab a bite and challenge yourself and your enormous appetite!

This establishment is famous across the city for its steak challenge, where you’re challenged to consume a whopping 72 oz steak and a salad, appetizer, and potato, all within an hour.

Those who complete the challenge get their meal for free – and those who fail, pay $72 for their large meal!

But it’s totally okay if you aren’t interested in the challenge.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery also has a standard menu filled with standard Texas fare cooked to perfection.

Start your meal with some mountain oysters, onion rings, fried pickles, or fried mushrooms.

Then, move on to fill your belly with giant chicken fried chicken, baby back ribs, tomahawk bone-in ribeye, steak quesadillas, sauteed beef tips, Texan strips, and more.

Finish off with a delicious 4-layered chocolate cake, topped with whipped cream!

Even if you’re not that hungry, The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery is still one of the city’s things to see!

Situated along Route 66, this eatery opened in 1960 and is decorated with tons of billboards and a big statue of a white cow that’s great for photos.

Those seeking a place to stay can rest up at their motel or RV camp.

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

3. Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

The Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is one of the best, most unique places to visit around here, and one of the city’s free things to do!

The site is completely dedicated to the showcase and collection of unusual and vintage RVs.

The Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum was founded by a son and father, named Trent and Jack Sisemore, respectively.

Its exhibits are built on father Jack’s budding collection. Jack also owns and runs the attached business, which is the oldest RV dealership in the whole state of Texas.

Among the fascinating vehicles on display at the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum are the Flexible Bus seen in RV, the movie, and the world’s oldest existing Fleetwood.

There’s also the very first Itasca motorhome, several original furnishings and appliances, genuine camping chairs, old pedal bikes, and cameras.

At Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, you’ll see RVs dating back to the 1930s and some from as recently as the 1970s!

There are even some motorcycles on display, a few vintage cars, and a retro gas station and drive-through.

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

4. Amarillo Zoo

The Amarillo Zoo is one of the best places to visit for families with kids and animal lovers of all ages.

There are 88 species of animals and 150 individual animals situated throughout the 15-acre space.

There are amphibians, arachnids, reptiles, and other types of animals situated inside comfortable zoological spaces.

There are some native Texas species here, like gray foxes, bison, longhorns, and tarantulas on display, but many are exotic and can’t be found in the area.

There are exotic birds, some tigers and lions, salamanders, turtles, Burmese pythons, and many more!

Whether you like prairie dogs or monkeys, you’ll find them here.

Think bears, green iguanas, skunks, ring-tailed lemurs, emperor scorpions, miniature donkeys and horses, bobcats, cockatoos, kangaroos, and beyond!

Founded in 1955, the Amarillo Zoo hosts numerous fun events during holidays and seasonal festivals.

Halloween, International Cat Day, and Zoo Lights are all notable times to visit.

You won’t be left wondering what to see with so many great options.

There are live animal shows, cool animal encounters, keeper chats, and other activities to enjoy!

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

5. Don Harrington Discovery Center

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is one of the top things to do in Amarillo.

The center is devoted to a wide range of space and science-themed exhibits, with interactive exhibits that are perfect for children and those who enjoy hands-on learning experiences.

There are many activities to enjoy at the Don Harrington Discovery Center.

There’s the Space Gallery, where you can learn about weather conditions both in space and on the planet.

There’s the planetarium in the Space Theater, animal-themed excitement in Critter Row, a construction space for kids in Little Builders, and creative opportunities in KinderStudio.

There are also tons of events and programs hosted throughout the year!

Outside of the Don Harrington Discovery Center, you’ll also find the stunning Helium Time Column Monument.

The six-story structure was made in 1968 as a means of celebrating the 100th anniversary of helium’s discovery.

Amarillo has a major helium plant and was a very important player in the world of American gas production and reserve.

As such, it’s no surprise that the monument has been erected here.

The Helium Time Column Monument comprises four columns, each one built from stainless steel.

These are time capsules that contain artifacts, documents, and books that are designed to exemplify life and science in 1968.

The columns are filled with helium and are designed to remind future generations of the importance of the mindful use of natural resources.

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

6. Route 66 Historic District

You can’t talk about attractions in Texas without mentioning the Route 66 Historic District, a 13-block commercial expanse that is perfect for exploration.

You’ll get your fill of sightseeing, shopping, and local aesthetics, with the most intact buildings that remain from the famous Route 66 highway.

Many of the buildings in the Route 66 Historic District boast early 20th-century architectural styles.

Spanish Revival, Art Moderne, art déco, and more create some stunning vistas.

You’ll find historic structures like Taylor’s Texaco Station, the Natatorium, and the Adkinson-Baker Tire Company, among other quirky stores, dining establishments, and charming galleries.

You can find the Route 66 Historic District stretching from the city center to the west to San Jacinto Heights.

Blocks are situated between Georgia Avenue and Forrest Avenue.

Signposts provide you with plenty of information on each historic building.

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

7. Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West

What do to in Texas when you’re seeking a hospitality company that has you covered for tours, event information, catering, and even adventures?

Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West is one of the very best in the area.

They really know how to immerse you in the atmosphere of Texas, bringing you deep into the cowboy lifestyle, to Route 66, and out to the Palo Duro Canyon, among other enjoyable offerings.

Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West is most known for their very fun horseback riding experiences, which are available throughout the year.

Regardless of your skill level, you’ll be safely accommodated and welcomed to try it out!

Horseriding trips are a great way to hone your abilities.

For tours, Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West offers many types of tours.

There are various information and educational tours to areas of interest, but there are also photography tours, chuckwagon meal events, and camping trips.

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

8. Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Texas is well-known for its desert and dry, arid environment, but there’s a beautiful, verdant location that serves as one of its most beautiful tourist attractions.

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens are one such lush landscape.

Tours will drop your jaw as you view the beautiful fauna and flora that linger in the greenery and color.

With 4 acres of land to their name, these gardens are themed with different areas for different plants.

Seasonal themes add to the diversity!

You’ll see a xeric garden, Japanese garden, fragrance garden, and butterfly garden onsite.

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens are also home to the Mary E. Bivins Tropical Conservatory.

Here, you’ll find all sorts of exotic and tropical plants.

There are also lots of educational programs available related to gardening, plant knowledge, and much more.

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

9. Amarillo Little Theatre

The Amarillo Little Theatre is the top spot in the city for arts and culture-related fun.

This is one of the nation’s longest continuously open theatres, as well as one of the very oldest.

This is why performances here are extra special, putting you in a historic gem of Texas.

The Amarillo Little Theatre is renowned throughout the country for its impressive plays and shows, each one put on by a community-based troupe.

Local artists also come to perform here and many even mingle with audience members after each show.

A concession stand provides cocktails, food, and other drinks for post-show refreshments.

So why not check out the theatre to see if there’s anything you’d like to watch tonight?

There are family-friendly offerings, musicals, comedies, and classical plays.

Reservations are highly recommended, though, as seats fill up very quickly!

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

10. Amarillo Historical Museum

The Amarillo Historical Museum is one of the most interesting Amarillo attractions for those interested in the city’s history and the wider history of Texas.

The museum opened in 2013 and has grown fast and gained a lot of popularity in recent years.

The Amarillo Historical Museum focuses on showcasing various exhibits related to the development of the city, taking it from a little town up to the metropolis of today.

It’s a simple but fun way to glimpse the past through photographs and antiques.

You’ll see fascinating items, like a collection of firearms from the Civil War, exhibits on the Amarillo High School fire, sports in the city, and the town’s first railroad rail.

Do note that viewing the museum is by appointment!

You’ll need to call ahead, email ahead, or otherwise make a reservation.

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

11. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Though there are many things to do in Amarillo, there are also some of the very best attractions in the state near the city.

About 30 minutes to Amarillo’s south, for example, you’ll find the stunning Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

A visitor’s center here gives you amazing insight into the area’s geology and history while offering tons of awesome panoramic views.

The titular canyon of Palo Duro Canyon State Park spans 120 miles in length, with 800 feet of depth and a width that reaches 20 miles in some areas.

This is the nation’s second-biggest canyon, making it well worth a trip.

You can even stay here for a while, with 150 different campsites to stop at and a few cabins to rent.

There are many ways to explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Common activities include horseback riding, hiking, camping, geocaching, mountain biking, and driving through the 16-mile round-trip to do some sightseeing.

The aforementioned round-trip involves traveling down to the canyon floor from its ring, then along it the whole way through.

There are many hiking trails at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

The Lighthouse Trail is probably the most loved, bringing you up to a dramatic rock across a 6-mile round-trip.

Regardless of the trail, you’re likely to see some unique birds and native fauna species, so bring a camera or some binoculars!

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

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12. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is the top place to be in this part of Texas for equine enthusiasts.

This institute focuses on the quarter horse and its role in the development of the region, commemorating and honoring the popular breed and its local legacy.

The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is filled with various artifacts related to its subject.

There are many things to see, like gorgeous paintings by renowned artist Orren Mixer, photographs of famous horses, and interactive displays that educate you on riding, anatomy, and more.

There are also displays of ribbons, riding clothing, equipment, and more.

You can find out the names of the most famous quarter horses at the Hall Of Fame on the museum’s upper floor.

There are trophies and tales of each one.

You can also learn about the bloodlines of the breed in the Grand Hall, the info of which is carved into the stonework-and-wood building.

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

13. Wonderland Amusement Park

Wonderland Amusement Park is an amusement park jam-packed with all sorts of activities.

Families seeking places to visit will love this old-fashioned, charming location.

It’s quite storied, dating back to 1951.

Back then, the park was simply named Kiddie Land and only had three rides.

Today, there are almost 30 rides and the park only continues to grow!

At Wonderland Amusement park, you’ll find all sorts of traditional rides, like bumper cars, alongside more modern water rides and even a miniature golf course.

There’s a merry-go-round, a train for the little ones, and some cool boats to ride.

Roller coasters get the blood pumping with names like Hornet, Texas Tornado, Mouse Trap, and Cyclone.

Water rides, open in the summer, include the Rattlesnake Raft Ride, the Big Splash Log Plume, and the Pipeline Plunge.

Wonderland Amusement park is situated inside Thompson Memorial Park, a great 610-acre recreational area.

You can come here to relax even if you’re not interested in the amusement park.

There’s a zoo, some bike trails, a disc golf course, a dog park, two little lakes, and a nice playground.

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

14. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

The Wildcat Bluff Nature Center is one of the best sites in Texas to take in the state’s delightful scenery, with 600 acres to its name.

Located near the downtown area, this is a wide expanse of grasslands filled with hiking trails and decorated naturally with wildflowers that sprout up on all corners.

Tour guides are available, too!

The Wildcat Bluff Nature Center’s main building offers historic information on the environment, its flora and fauna, and its history.

This area was once important in the Gregg-Marc Wagon Trail, crucial in linking Fort Smith and Santa Fe.

As you explore the grasslands, you may see a few parts of the wagon trail that remain till now.

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

15. Amarillo Opera

If you’re a performance art enthusiast seeking things to do in Amarillo, you shouldn’t miss the delights of the Amarillo Opera.

Founded in 1988, it boasts more than 75 members, and its shows are attended by more than 500,000 audience members annually.

For couples, it’s a great romantic and fun date option, too.

Dedicated to the preservation of culture and art in Texas, the Amarillo Opera works closely with a local college.

It’s won several awards and has a diverse repertoire, with a mix of inventive modern works and renowned classics performed.

Many operas here aren’t performed in the English language, so there are projected subtitles that can help you to follow along.

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

16. Bill’s Backyard Classics

If you’re an automobile aficionado wondering what to do in Amarillo, well, you’re spoiled for choice.

But one of the top spots for this endeavor is Bill’s Backyard Classics, a cool automobile museum that boasts an impressive collection of close to a hundred different classic cars, with dates spanning from 1928 to 2012.

Car shows and other events are often held here, too.

Bill’s Backyard Classics was built by Bill and Linda Pratt on their public collection to share information and passion about automobiles.

You’ll spot Smart Cars, military Jeeps, and Corvettes all on display.

Noteworthy additions are Judge Roy Hofheinz’s 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Limo and the 1961 Pontiac Catalina owned by Bob Seder.

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

17. Texas Air & Space Museum

The Texas Air & Space Museum is situated at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.

The aviation museum is the best of its kind in the area and offers a great way to look into the history of space and air travel.

It also has information on Rick Husband, who the airport is named after.

He was an astronaut who passed away when the Columbia space shuttle didn’t survive re-entry.

Inside the museum, you’ll see many great iconic aircraft alongside model aircraft and artifacts related to airports, aviators, and more.

There’s the Bell OH-13S helicopter used in MASH, a North American P-51D Mustang, and even a 1945 Douglas DC-3 N34.

In terms of individual artifacts, there’s a basket from a hot-air balloon, a 1960s homemade crop duster, and a B-52 bomber’s ejected seat.

One of the biggest highlights of the Texas Air & Space Museum is its outdoor park, which is filled with rare aircraft.

It’s a lot of fun to explore and view all sorts of stunning vessels in all their glory.

For example, there’s a Grumman G-1159 Gulfstream II from 1974 and a C-7A Caribou.

The latter, dating back to 1958, was an important training craft for astronauts, and you can climb into it to explore more!

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

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18. Amarillo Museum of Art

Art-lovers looking for stuff to do will enjoy the Amarillo Museum of Art.

Founded in 1972, this museum has many works from different periods and genres.

It also frequently shows all sorts of exhibits – about 15 a year – dedicated to local artists from around Texas.

This makes it a great way to tap into the local cultural scene!

There are more than 2,000 different works in the permanent collection of the Amarillo Museum of Art.

They’re displayed on a rotational basis to keep things fresh.

A mix of Western and Asian art is showcased, with a focus on Far East art.

There are even pieces of Hindu and Buddhist influence from the 2nd century BC.

Western art leans towards American Modernists, including works by photographer Russell Lee and paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries.

This museum of art is housed in a building measuring 32,000 square feet, spread across three floors inside the city’s main college.

Also, there’s no admission fee, making this one of the city’s free things to do.

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

19. TEXAS Outdoor Musical

The TEXAS Outdoor Musical shows in Palo Duro Canyon, outside of but very close to Amarillo.

This is a fun entertainment experience in the form of a musical drama, set at the Pioneer Amphitheater of the canyon.

Visitors to the city consider this one of the top attractions worth traveling to in the area!

The TEXAS Outdoor Musical is essentially a fictionalized telling of the story of the state’s history.

It has been playing throughout the summer for the past five decades.

There are characters of pioneers, Native Americans, cowboys, and more, each told in enthralling plotlines.

You’ll need to buy tickets in advance to catch this musical.

You can also pay an additional fee to eat a BBQ dinner before the show, in authentic Texan fashion!

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

20. Harrington House

The historic Harrington House is a home dating back to 1914.

History buffs will find a visit to be one of the best things to do in Amarillo.

The home was built by John and Pat Landergin, a pair of cattlemen, and then purchased by oil and gas industry leaders Don and Sybil Harrington.

The Harrington House has a stunning neoclassical style that has been perfectly preserved.

People exploring the home today will find that it has much of its original furnishings, 18th-century parquet flooring, and a gorgeous tapestry in the Reception Hall.

Some of the notable furniture pieces are an 1820 Regency-style cabinet, custom finials shaped like urns, and mirrors made from giltwood in the George III style.

Really, there’s a lot more – too much to list here!

The Harringtons’ art collection is also largely on display for all to see.

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

21. Amarillo Railroad Museum

The Amarillo Railroad Museum takes a close look at the history of the Texas Panhandle, westward expansion, and all its surrounding heritage.

Boasting two floors, the museum covers the time from 1952 to the 1970s in a chronological display system.

There’s also a scale layout of HO model trains meant to reflect all 200 miles of the Santa Fe railroad accurately!

The Amarillo Railroad Museum boasts a mix of indoor models and an outdoor exhibit with a railroad garden and historic train cars and engines.

You’ll even get to enter a nuclear weapons transport train used by the Department of Energy and tour it!

It’s a fun way to experience the region’s history, and it’s one of the most fascinating Amarillo attractions for that purpose.

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

22. Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian

The Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian is one of the newer museums in Amarillo.

Its building is designed to resemble a Pueblo and is home to many things to see.

Exhibits of all sorts color the inside, filled with Native American art and culture.

Among the most significant features of the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian are its collection of Navajo rugs, works by Thomas Mails, and Tom Knapp’s bronze castings.

You’ll get to learn various bits and pieces of information on the lives and legacy of the Native American people of the region.

The Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian has limited hours, so if you plan to go, make sure you check the schedule of opening times beforehand!

You should also check the performance schedule, as the museum hosts some renowned dance performances seasonally on the premises.

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

23. Tascosa Drive-In

Want to watch a movie?

The Tascosa Drive-In is one of the best places to visit for this entertainment!

Showing two movies a night from Friday to Sunday, this is a classic spot for a vintage film-viewing experience.

It shows a mix of modern Box Office smashes and classics.

The Tascosa Drive-In’s movies begin only when it’s dark, with gates opening at eight at night.

Picnics are welcome and a concession stand sells great snack food!

Tickets are inexpensive and all in all, this is a good experience for the whole family.

Check out what’s showing this weekend and drop in if you like!

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

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24. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is Texas’ biggest history museum, boasting a unique glimpse into the state’s past.

This goes all the way back to the era of the dinosaurs, all leading up to the modern day.

Locals often describe the museum like the Smithsonian, but with an accent!

It’s not in the city but is just a short journey away of about 20 to 30 minutes.

Opened in 1912, this is a fun way to learn about the region.

At the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, you’ll learn about numerous topics through fascinating educational exhibits.

There’s information on geology, the pioneers, innovations of the state, the American Indians who lived here, water, oil, transportation, windmills, and much more.

There’s a mix of archeology, art, history, and geology exhibits, with special rotating features throughout the year.

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

25. Ozymandias on the Plains

If you’re looking for bizarre things to do in Amarillo, feast your eyes on Ozymandias on the Plains.

You can see them from a distance on the I-27 – two huge legs dressed in athletic socks, disembodied and set into the ground on a pedestal.

These are supposedly a depiction of the legs of Ozymandias, or Ramesses II, the renowned Egyptian king.

The statue was created because of Percy Bysshe Shelley, a romantic poet and the husband of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley.

Shelley’s iconic poem, Ozymandias, describes a pair of trunkless stone legs in the desert on the stand, with stamped words on a pedestal proclaiming the name and declaration of Ozymandias.

The poem essentially describes the wreck of a land once ruled by the titular king, now ruined with his statue in pieces.

The sculpture was made by Lightnin’ McDuff, a local artist specializing in converting found items into artworks.

The sculpture is often vandalized and cleaned only to be vandalized again.

The socks that the king of kings often wears are spray-painted on time and time again, no matter how many times they are removed.

It was funded by Stanley Marsh 3, the man behind the funding of the Cadillac Ranch.

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

26. Amarillo Symphony

The Amarillo Symphony, founded in 1924, is a local orchestra that puts on a series of different performances suited for all ages.

If you’re an art appreciator wondering what to do in this part of Texas, this is a perfectly respectable option.

The Amarillo Symphony puts on many seasonal performances.

If there’s a show this weekend, you absolutely shouldn’t miss it!

Head to the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts and take a relaxing seat as you’re serenaded by skilled and talented musicians.

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

27. Combine City

Combine City was born from a joke.

Orville Ladehoff wasn’t sure what to do with an old, damaged combine.

When he turned to his wife for suggestions, she jokingly suggested that he bury it – and that he did.

With two acres of land, Orville began to “plant” outdated combines nose-down in the ground, similarly to the style of Cadillac Ranch.

Combine City contains 14 combines arranged with their blades in the air.

The area is closed off, so it’s not open to graffiti-like Cadillac Ranch is.

Still, you can see it pretty easily, and though you can’t get up close, it’s one of the most fun sights in all of Amarillo!

Address: Amarillo, TX 79118, United States

28. Pantex Plant

The Pantex Plant is one of the most unique tourist attractions near Amarillo, just 17 miles out of the city.

It’s the only plant of its exact kind in the whole country.

The plant primarily functions as a disassembly plant for weapons and a plutonium storage site, but it’s also been used for the construction of nuclear weapons.

The Pantex Plant is run by the BMX corporation, though it is managed and officially owned by the Department of Energy of the United States.

The plant has numerous zones across its 16,000-acre expanse, boasting its own military force and even a test site for experimental explosives, simply dubbed Zone 11.

This plant has a long history.

It was built in 1942 for the Second World War, intended as a bomb factory, but it was decommissioned soon after.

The Texas Tech University purchased it in 1949 for just one dollar and used it for cattle feeding before the US Army reclaimed it.

It was then used in the Cold War as an assembly point for a whopping 70,000 nuclear warheads.

Now, the Pantex Plant has had a lot of updates and modernizations and now houses a shocking 9,000 Plutonium pits, with further pits on the way.

The plant has faced numerous other challenges, such as worker strikes due to overworked staff.

Next door, you’ll find The Peace Farm, a 1-acre site dedicated to sharing witness information regarding the plant and its activities.

The farm was originally created in 1986 and used to boast 20 acres of land before shrinking.

Visitation to the Pantex Plant is notoriously difficult.

The official plant’s website provides you with information on the paperwork you’ll need to read and what you need to do to gain entrance.

It can be a bit of a hassle, but for fans of unusual, one-of-a-kind spots, it’s worth the trouble for a glimpse into the incredible property and its goings-on.

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

29. Amarillo Civic Center Complex

The Amarillo Civic Center Complex is a hotspot for guests and locals alike thanks to the numerous fun and interesting events and conventions that it hosts throughout the year.

It’s home to a 2,848-seat auditorium, two exhibit halls, and the sports arena of the Cal Farley Coliseum.

There’s also a Grand Plaza that is decorated to represent and celebrate Texas!

If you’re in the city this weekend, you should check the schedule of the Amarillo Civic Center to see if anything that you’d like to attend is happening!

Ice skating shows, wrestling matches, football games, concerts, musical performances, hockey matches, and Broadway shows are all held here.

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

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30. Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

When you’ve explored most of the things to do in Amarillo, you can travel about 40 minutes north out of the city to the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.

Situated on Lake Meredith’s shore, this was once a crucial site for the survival of early people.

For over 13,000 years, human beings relied on the flint that could be mined here.

There are plenty of places to visit at the national monument.

Start at the modern, interactive Visitor Center to get information about the area via the bookstore, exhibits, or theater.

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

There are also guided tours offered, various programs for all ages, and hands-on demonstrations of all sorts.

Then, head outdoors to the Alibates Interpretive Garden and the Native American demonstration gardens to see all sorts of native flora.

If you’d rather explore and want a quick way to do so, head onto the 10-minute hike of the Mesquite Trail, bringing you through a looping path surrounding a mesa.

Other areas of note at the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument are other Texas attractions like Mullinaw Trails, McBride Canyon, Bates Canyon, and much more.

Regardless, the monument offers petroglyph hunting, camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding, off-roading, hunting, birding, and others.

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

31. Floating Mesa of Amarillo

The Floating Mesa of Amarillo is one of the most unusual and fascinating Amarillo attractions, though it is slightly outside of the main city’s area in Texas.

It is yet another fun creation funded by the aforementioned eccentric Stanley Marsh 3, who created Cadillac Ranch.

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

This artwork is designed to create the appearance of a mesa that is floating.

The illusion is at its most believable when the sky is the perfect shade of white, so the white plywood that supports the mesa’s peak blends in well.

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

32. Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center

The Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center was built in 1992 as a means of honoring veterans from the region who worked and sacrificed to preserve American life.

It’s one of the more sobering things to see in Amarillo, with names from a total of 26 different countries commemorated.

The beautiful archway of the memorial was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1999 to all living veterans.

It is also a part of several projects dedicated to improving the area and the lives of veterans.

The war memorial would continue to be updated with new names for different passing wars until its final completion in 2002.

Now, the education center for the memorial, spanning 15,000 square feet, is a fantastic historic attraction packed with modern technology and information.

You’ll see various artifacts in a small military museum, the Panhandle’s only military chapel, an education center, and more special rooms.

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

Looking for more thrills around Texas? Why not check out some of the things to do in Tyler, TX & some of the things to do in San Marcos, TX?

Start Planning Your Trip To Amarillo

Amarillo is a city where fun can be found on every corner.

From music to unusual art and from magnificent displays of nature to sobering tellings of history, there’s tons to enjoy in Amarillo!

Happy travels.