Things To Do In Amarillo, TX
Amarillo is a vibrant city where the contemporary sensibilities of a bustling metropolis blend with the rustic charm of vintage cowboys.
Bomb City and Rotor City are just two of its many nicknames. It is the largest settlement in the Panhandle.
Additionally, “amarillo” means “yellow” in Spanish, which is another reason it has been dubbed “The Yellow Rose of Texas.”
Originally called Oneida, the city expanded as a result of its use as a hub for cattle marketing in the late 1800s.
1. Combine City
There was a joke that led to Con City.
Orville Ladehoff didn’t know what to do with a broken-down old combine.
Whenever he asked his wife for advice, she joked that he should bury it, which he did.
Orville began to “plant” old combines nose-down in the ground on two acres of land, in the style of Cadillac Ranch.
There are 14 combines in Combine City, and their blades are all pointing up.
The area is blocked off, so people can’t write on it like they can in Cadillac Ranch.
Still, it’s not hard to see, and even though you can’t get close, it’s one of the coolest things to see in Alamo City!
Address: Amarillo, TX 79118, United States
2. Pantex Plant
TheĀ Pantex Plant is one of the most interesting places to visit near Amarillo. It’s only 17 miles away.
There is only one plant in the whole country that looks just like it.
Some of the plant’s main jobs are to disassemble weapons and store plutonium, but it has also been used to build nuclear weapons.
The BMX company runs the Pantex Plant, but the US Department of Energy owns and manages it.
Over its 16,000-acre size, the plant is divided into many zones. It has its own military and even a test site for experimental weapons, which is just called Zone 11.
This plant has been around for a long time.
During the Second World War, it was built in 1942 as a bomb workshop, but it was taken out of use soon after.
In 1949, Texas Tech University bought it for only one dollar and used it to feed cattle until the US Army took it back.
During the Cold War, it was used to put together a huge 70,000 nuclear weapons.
Now, the Pantex Plant has been updated and modernized a lot. It now has a shocking 9,000 Plutonium holes, and more are on the way.
The company has also had many other problems, such as worker strikes because of too much work.
Next door is The Peace Farm, a 1-acre spot where people can share information they have learned about the plant and what it does.
The farm was founded in 1986 and used to cover 20 acres of land before it was cut down.
It is famously hard to get to the Pantex Plant.
There is information on the main plant’s website about the forms you need to fill out and what you need to do to get inside.
Some people find it annoying, but for people who like unique places, it’s worth it to get a look at the amazing land and what’s going on there.
Address: US Highway 60 & FM2373, Panhandle, TX 79068, United States
3. Amarillo Civic Center Complex
People from all over the world come to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex to enjoy the many fun and interesting events and conventions that it holds all year long.
At the Cal Farley Coliseum, there is a theater with 2,848 seats, two exhibit halls, and a sports field.
There is also a Grand Plaza that is dressed to honor and show support for Texas!
If you’re in town this weekend, check the Amarillo Civic Center’s calendar to see if there are any events you’d like to go to!
Shows on the ice, wrestling fights, football games, concerts, musicals, hockey games, and Broadway shows are all held here.
Address: 401 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101, United States
4. Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
The Abiates Flint Quarries National Monument is about 40 minutes north of Amarillo. You can get there after you’ve done most of the things you can do in the city.
This spot on the shore of Lake Meredith was once very important for early people to stay alive.
People have used the flint that can be found here for more than 13,000 years.
At the national park, there are many places to see.
Start your trip at the modern, hands-on Visitor Center. The bookstore, displays, and theater there can help you learn about the area.
The second one shows an 11-minute short that won an award!
There are also guided tours, shows for people of all ages, and different kinds of hands-on activities.
Then, go outside to see a wide range of native plants in the Alibates Interpretive Garden and the Native American display gardens.
The Mesquite Trail is a 10-minute walk that goes around a mesa in a loop. If you’d rather explore and want to do it quickly, follow this trail.
In the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, there are also interesting places to visit in Texas, such as the Mullinaw Trails, McBride Canyon, Bates Canyon, and many more.
No matter what, the site has many things to do, such as camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding, off-roading, hunting, birding, and more.
Address: Cas Johnson Road, Fritch, TX 79036, United States
5. Floating Mesa of Amarillo
TheĀ Floating Mesa of Amarillo is one of the strangest and most interesting things to see in Amarillo, Texas, even though it’s a little outside of the main city’s area.
Another fun thing that was made possible by the strange Stanley Marsh 3, who also made Cadillac Ranch.
The Floating Mesa of Amarillo is exactly what it sounds like: a show on the side of the road.
The goal of this piece of art is to make it look like a mesa is flying.
The sky should be the right shade of white for the illusion to work best, so the white plywood that holds the mesa’s peak should also be that color.
Address: Tascosa Rd, Bushland, TX 79012, United States
6. Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center was built in 1992 to remember the men and women from the area who served and died for the freedom of the United States.
It’s one of the more somber things to see in Amarillo, with names from 26 different countries written on it.
On Veterans Day in 1999, the memorial’s beautiful archway was shown off to all live veterans.
It is also a part of a number of projects that aim to make the area and the lives of soldiers better.
Until it was finished in 2002, the war monument would keep getting new names for different wars that had ended.
These days, the memorial’s 15,000-square-foot education center is a great historical site full of modern technology and knowledge.
There is a small military museum with different items, the only military chapel in the Panhandle, an education center, and other unique rooms.
Address: 4111 S Georgia St, Amarillo, TX 79110, United States
7. Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West
What should you do in Texas if you want to find a hospitality company that can help you with trips, event planning, catering, and even adventures?
One of the best shows in the area is Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West.
They really know how to make you feel like you’re in Texas by taking you to fascinating places like the Palo Duro Canyon, Route 66, and the cowboy way of life.
The most popular thing to do at Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West is horseback riding, which you can do all year long.
There is no need to worry about your level of skill; you will be able to safely try it out!
Going on horseback riding trips is a great way to get better.
Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West has a lot of different kinds of trips.
There are many types of tours that give you knowledge and teach you about interesting places. 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 known for its deserts and dry, arid landscapes, but there is a beautiful, green spot that is one of the state’s best tourist sites.
One such beautiful area is the Amarillo Botanical Gardens.
You’ll be amazed by the tours’ views of the lovely plants and animals that live among the trees and flowers.
They are on 4 acres of land and are themed, with different places for different plants.
Seasonal themes make things more interesting!
On-site, there is a Japanese garden, a xeric garden, a flower garden, and a butterfly garden.
The Mary E. Bivins Tropical Conservatory is also in the Amarillo Botanical Gardens.
All sorts of strange and tropical plants can be found here.
Besides that, there are a lot of educational shows about gardening, plants, and other topics.
Address: 1400 Streit Dr, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States
9. Amarillo Little Theatre
The Amarillo Little Theatre is the best place in the city to have fun with arts and culture.
This theater has been open for a very long time and is one of the oldest in the country.
This is why the shows here are so special; you’ll be in a unique Texas gem.
People all over the country know the Amarillo Little Theatre for its great plays and shows, which are put on by a group of people from the community.
Local artists also come to perform here, and after each show, many of them hang out with the crowd.
There is a snack stand with food, drinks, and cocktails for you to buy after the show.
Why not check out the theater tonight to see what you might like to see?
There are musicals, comedies, and traditional plays that are all good for the whole family.
However, you should definitely make reservations because seats are going to be taken up very fast!
Address: 2019 Civic Cir, Amarillo, TX 79109, United States
10. Amarillo Historical Museum
The Amarillo Historical Museum’s main goal is to show different displays that show how the city has changed over time, from a small town to the big city it is today.
Through pictures and old things, it’s an easy but fun way to get a glimpse of the past.
You’ll see interesting things like a group of Civil War guns, displays about the Amarillo High School fire, city sports, and the first train rail in the town.
Note that you can only visit the museum if you make an appointment!
You will need to make an appointment by phone, email, or some other means.
Address: 1612 S Johnson St, Amarillo, TX 79102, United States
11. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
There are lots of things to do in Amarillo, but some of the best places to visit in the state are close by.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a beautiful place that is about 30 minutes south of Amarillo.
There is a tourist center here that tells you a lot about the geology and history of the area and also gives you a lot of great views.
Palo Duro gorge State Park’s name-giving gorge is 120 miles long, 800 feet deep, and can be as wide as 20 miles in some places.
It’s worth the trip because this is the second-biggest tunnel in the country.
There are 150 campsites and a few houses for rent, so you can stay here for a while.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park can be seen in a lot of different ways.
Horseback riding, hiking, camping, geocaching, mountain biking, and taking the 16-mile loop to see the sights are all common things to do.
For the above round-trip, you have to go from the ring of the canyon down to the canyon floor and then follow it all the way through.
Pala Duro Canyon State Park has a lot of climbing trails.
Most people love the Lighthouse Trail, which goes up to a beautiful rock over the course of 6 miles.
You might see some rare birds and local animals no matter which trail you choose, so don’t forget to bring a camera or binoculars!
Address: 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, United States
12. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
TheĀ American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, the best place in this part of Texas for horse lovers to be.
This institute is all about the quarter horse and how it helped the area grow and develop. It does this to remember and honor the famous breed and its history in the area.
There are many things in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum that are connected to its topic.
There are many things to see, such as beautiful paintings by the famous artist Orren Mixer, pictures of famous horses, and hands-on exhibits that teach you about anatomy, riding, and other topics.
Ribbons, riding clothes, gear, and other things are also on show.
Here are the names of the most well-known quarter horses: the Hall of Fame is on the upper floor of the museum.
There are medals and stories for each one.
The breed’s bloodlines are also written into the brickwork and wood of the Grand Hall, where you can learn about them.
Address: 2601 E Interstate Dr, Amarillo, TX 79104, United States
13. Wonderland Amusement Park
Wonderland Amusement Park is a theme park with lots of different things to do.
This old-fashioned, beautiful place is great for families looking for places to visit.
It has a long history, going back to 1951.
The park had only three rides back then and was called Kiddie Land.
The park is getting bigger all the time. Now there are almost 30 rides.
Many classic rides, like bumper cars, can be found at Wonderland Amusement Park. There are also more modern water rides and even a small golf course.
You can ride a merry-go-round, a train for kids, and some cool boats.
With names like Hornet, Texas Tornado, Mouse Trap, and Cyclone, roller coasters get your heart rate up.
The Rattlesnake Raft Ride, the Big Splash Log Plume, and the Pipeline Plunge are all water rides that are open in the summer.
Wonderland Amusement Park is in Thompson Memorial Park, which is a great 610-acre place to relax.
It’s okay to just chill out here if you’re not interested in the entertainment park.
There are bike paths, a disc golf course, a dog park, two small lakes, and a nice playground.
Address: 2601 Dumas Dr, Amarillo, TX 79107, United States
14. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center
TheĀ Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, with 600 acres, is one of the best places in Texas to enjoy the state’s beautiful scenery.
In close proximity to downtown, this is a large area of grasslands with hiking tracks and wildflowers growing naturally in every corner.
You can also hire tour guides!
The main building of the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center has historical information about the area’s plants and animals, as well as its past.
The Gregg-Marc Wagon Trail used to go through this area and was a key link between Fort Smith and Santa Fe.
You might see some parts of the wagon trail that are still there as you walk through the fields.
Address: 2301 N Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, United States
15. Amarillo Opera
If you’re looking for things to do in Amarillo and you like performance art, you shouldn’t miss the Amarillo Opera.
It has more than 75 members and has been around since 1988. Each year, more than 500,000 people watch its shows.
It’s also a great and fun way for couples to spend a date.
The Amarillo Opera works closely with a nearby college to help keep Texas’s arts and culture alive.
It has won a lot of awards and plays a wide range of pieces, from new, creative pieces to well-known oldies.
It’s possible to follow along with the operas even if they’re not sung in English because of the displayed subtitles.
Address: 2223 S Van Buren St, Amarillo, TX 79109, United States
16. Billās Backyard Classics
People who love cars and aren’t sure what to do in Amarillo are in for a treat.
However, Bill’s Backyard Classics is one of the best places to do this. It’s a cool car museum with an amazing collection of almost one hundred different classic cars from 1928 to 2012.
This is also a common place for car shows and other events.
Bill and Linda Pratt made Bill’s Backyard Classics from their public collection so that people could share knowledge and their love of cars.
At the show, you can see Smart Cars, military Jeeps, and Corvettes.
Judge Roy Hofheinz’s 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Limo and Bob Seder’s 1961 Pontiac Catalina are two new cars that stand out.
Address: 5309 S Washington St, Amarillo, TX 79110, United States
17. Texas Air & Space Museum
TheĀ Texas Air & Space Museum is at the Amarillo Rick Husband International Airport.
What a great way to learn about the past of space and air travel! The aviation museum is the best of its kind in the area.
It also talks about Rick Husband, after whom the airport is called.
He was an astronaut who died when the Columbia space shuttle crashed during re-entry.
Many famous planes are on display inside the museum, along with model planes and other items related to airports, aviators, and other topics.
A North American P-51D Mustang, a Bell OH-13S chopper used in MASH, and even a 1945 Douglas DC-3 N34 are there.
As separate items, there is a hot air balloon basket, a homemade crop duster from the 1960s, and a thrown seat from a B-52 bomber.
The park outside the Texas Air & Space Museum, which is full of rare planes, is one of its best features.
It’s fun to look around and see all the different kinds of beautiful ships.
There is a Grumman G-1159 Gulfstream II from 1974 and a C-7A Caribou, among other things.
The second one is from 1958 and was an important training ship for pilots. You can climb inside to learn more!
Address: 10001 American Dr, Amarillo, TX 79111, United States
18. Amarillo Museum of Art
People who like art and need something to do will enjoy the Amarillo Museum of Art.
This museum has a lot of art from many different time periods and styles. It opened in 1972.
It also has a lot of different kinds of exhibitsāabout 15 a yearāthat are all about Texas artists.
This makes it a great way to get involved in the arts scene in the area!
The Amarillo Museum of Arthas more than 2,000 different pieces that are always there.
To keep things interesting, they are changed out every so often.
Some Western and some Asian art is shown, but the Far East art gets the most attention.
Even Hindu and Buddhist ideas from the 2nd century BC can be seen in small ways.
There are a lot of American Modernists in Western art, like the photographs Russell Lee and paintings from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
There is a 32,000-square-foot art museum inside the city’s main college. The museum is spread out over three floors.
No fee to enter, making this one of the free things to do in the city.
Address: 2200 S Van Buren St, Amarillo, TX 79109, United States
19. TEXAS Outdoor Musical
The TEXAS Outdoor Musical shows happen in Palo Duro Canyon, which is not in Amarillo but is close to it.
This is a fun show that takes place at the Pioneer Amphitheater in the canyon and is a musical play.
People who visit the city think this is one of the best places to visit in the area.
A lot of the story in The TEXAS Outdoor Musical is made up, but it’s still based on real events.
For the past fifty years, it has been played all summer long.
There are fascinating stories about pioneers, Native Americans, cowboys, and other types of people.
To see this show, you’ll need to buy tickets ahead of time.
There is also an option to eat a BBQ dinner before the show for an extra fee. This is a real Texas tradition!
Address: 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, United States
20. Harrington House
The historicĀ Harrington House is an old house from 1914.
One of the best things to do in Amarillo for history buffs is to go there.
A pair of cattlemen named John and Pat Landergin built the house. It was later bought by Don and Sybil Harrington, who are leaders in the oil and gas business.
The Harrington House has a beautiful neoclassical style that has been kept in great shape.
There is a beautiful carpet in the Reception Hall and a lot of the original furniture still in the house. The floors are parquet from the 18th century.
A cabinet from 1820 in the Regency style, handmade finials shaped like urns, and mirrors made from giltwood in the George III style are some of the most interesting pieces of furniture.
Really, there’s too much more to list here!
The Harringtons also have a big art collection that everyone can see.
Address: 1600 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79102, United States
21. Amarillo Railroad Museum
There is a lot of history in the Texas Panhandle, westward growth, and the area around Amarillo that can be seen at the Amarillo Railroad Museum.
The museum has two floors and displays things from 1952 to the 1970s in order of when they happened.
There is also a layout with HO model trains that is meant to correctly show all 200 miles of the Santa Fe railroad!
There are models inside the Amarillo Railroad Museum as well as an outdoor display with a railroad park and old train cars and engines.
You’ll even be able to tour a locomotive used by the Department of Energy to move nuclear bombs!
The museum is one of the most interesting places in Amarillo to learn about the area’s past in a fun way.
Address: 3160 I Ave, Amarillo, TX 79111, United States
22. Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian
Another new museum in Amarillo is the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian.
Its building is made to look like a Pueblo, and there are lots of interesting things inside.
Inside, there are many different kinds of displays with Native American art and culture.
The Navajo rugs, Thomas Mails’s art, and Tom Knapp’s copper castings are some of the most important things in the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian.
You will learn different things about the lives and traditions of the Native Americans who lived in the area.
If you want to visit the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian, you should check the list of opening times ahead of time!
You should also look at the performance schedule, because the museum sometimes has well-known dance shows.
Address: 9151 I-40, Amarillo, TX 79118, United States
23. Tascosa Drive-In
Want to see a movie?
One of the best places to go for this kind of fun is the Tascosa Drive-In!
This is a famous place to watch old movies because it shows two movies every night from Friday to Sunday.
The movies shown are a mix of new hits and old favorites.
At the Tascosa Drive-In, shows don’t start until it gets dark. The gates open at eight at night.
You can bring your own picnic, and there is a concession stand with tasty snacks.
The cost of the tickets is low, and the event is fun for the whole family.
See what’s playing this weekend, and if you feel like it, stop by!
Address: 1999 Dumas Dr, Amarillo, TX 79107, United States
24. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
TheĀ Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in Texas and offers a unique look into the state’s past.
This goes all the way back to the time of the dinosaurs and up to the present day.
A lot of people in the area say the museum sounds like the Smithsonian, but with an accent!
While it’s not in the city, it’s only a 20ā30 minute drive away.
This is a fun way to learn about the area. It opened in 1912.
You can learn a lot of different things at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum thanks to its interesting and educational displays.
It talks about geography, the first people who came to the state, the American Indians who lived here, water, oil, transportation, windmills, and a lot more.
Archeology, art, history, and science are all shown, and there are special features that change all year.
Address: 2503 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79015, United States
25. Ozymandias on the Plains
You should check out Ozymandias on the Plains if you want to do something strange in Amarillo.
The I-27 lets you see them from far away: two huge legs in sports socks, bare and pushed into the ground on a pedestal.
The legs of Ozymandias, also known as Ramesses II, the famous Egyptian king are said to be shown here.
The figure was made in honor of Percy Bysshe Shelley, a romantic poet who was married to Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein.
Shelleyās 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.
Basically, the poem is about a land that was destroyed by the titular king and used to be ruled by him. His figure is now lying in pieces all over the place.
A local artist named Lightnin’ McDuff made the sculpture. He is known for turning found objects into works of art.
People often damage the art, clean it up, and then damage it again.
No matter how many times they are taken off, the king of kings’ socks are spray-painted on over and over again.
Stanley Marsh 3, who also gave money to the Cadillac Ranch, paid for it.
Address: and I-27, W Sundown Ln, Amarillo, TX 79119, United States
26. Amarillo Symphony
The Amarillo Symphony is a local group that has been around since 1924 and puts on a variety of shows for people of all ages.
Should you be an art lover in this part of Texas and aren’t sure what to do, this is a fine choice.
The Amarillo Symphony puts on a lot of shows throughout the year.
There should be no way for you to miss a show this weekend!
You can take a place and relax at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts while skilled musicians play for you.
Address: 301 S Polk St #700, Amarillo, TX 79101, United States
27. Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch is among the few free activities in Amarillo and one of the city’s most distinctive attractions!
As misleading as its name suggests, this is not a Cadillac corporate attraction nor a ranch.
Rather, it is merely a piece of public art that was made possible by the San Franciscan art collective The Ant Farm and Stanley Marsh 3, an eccentric millionaire.
This amazing sculpture was created by artists Hudson Marquez, Doug Michels, and Chip Lord.
There are ten Cadillacs at Cadillac Ranch, which was finished in 1974 and relocated farther from the city’s growth in 1997.
The noses of these Cadillacs are buried in the earth, giving the impression that they are partially buried.
Designed to resemble the angle of the Cheops pyramids, they face west.
In addition, the Cadillacs are entirely covered in graffiti, which is updated and changed frequently for events and tributes.
Additionally, visitors are free to use their own paint cans and smear their own graffiti on the cars whenever they want!
There are some really interesting road signs in the area that make for interesting pictures.
Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, United States
28. The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery
The Big Texan Steak Ranch & BreweryĀ is one of the most fun places to grab a bite and challenge yourself and your enormous appetite!
The steak challenge at this restaurant is popular all over the city. The challenge is to eat a huge 72-ounce steak, a salad, an appetizer, and a potato all in one hour.
Those who make it through the task get their meal for free. Those who fail have to pay $72 for a large meal.
It’s fine if you don’t want to take on the task, though.
On top of that, The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery serves classic Texas food that is cooked just right.
Fries like onion rings, mountain oysters, fried pickles, or fried mushrooms are great ways to start your meal.
Next, get some giant chicken fried chicken, baby back ribs, tomahawk bone-in ribeye, steak quesadillas, sautƩed beef tips, Texan strips, and other tasty foods to fill you up.
Finish with a tasty chocolate cake with four layers and whipped cream on top.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery is a cool place to see in the city, even if you’re not hungry.
There are a lot of signs and a big statue of a white cow that make this restaurant along Route 66 look great. It opened in 1960.
People who need a place to stay can go to their hotel or RV camp.
Address: 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, United States
29. Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
TheĀ Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is one of the coolest and most interesting places in the area, and it’s free!
Everything on the site is about showing off and collecting strange and old RVs.
One son, Trent Sisemore, and his father, Jack Sisemore, opened the Jack Sisemore Travel and RV Museum.
As father Jack’s collection grows, so do its displays. The business next door is owned and run by Jack. It is the oldest RV store in the whole state of Texas.
At the Jack Sisemore Travel and RV Museum, you can see some interesting cars, like the Flexible Bus from the movie RV and the world’s oldest Fleetwood.
There is also the first Itasca motorhome, a lot of original furniture and tools, real camping chairs, old pedal bikes, cameras, and more.
You can see RVs from as early as the 1930s and as late as the 1970s at the Jack Sisemore Travel and RV Museum.
Besides old cars and motorbikes, there is also a gas station with a drive-through from the 1970s.
Address: 14501 I-27, Amarillo, TX 79119, United States
30. Amarillo Zoo
One of the best places to go with kids or animal fans of any age is the Amarillo Zoo.
There are 150 different animals from 88 different types spread out over the 15-acre area.
Inside zoos, you can find amphibians, spiders, snakes, and other kinds of animals in comfortable areas.
There are some native Texas species on show, like bison, longhorns, tarantulas, and gray foxes. But many of the animals are from other places and can’t be found in this area.
Not only are there strange birds, but also salamanders, turtles, Burmese pythons, and many more!
You can find prairie dogs or monkeys here.
Bears, skunks, ring-tailed lemurs, emperor scorpions, tiny donkeys and horses, cockatoos, kangaroos, and more come to mind.
The Amarillo Zoo has been around since 1955 and has a lot of fun events during holidays and festivals.
You should go on Halloween, International Cat Day, or during Zoo Lights.
There are so many great things to see that you won’t be stuck for what to do.
You can watch live animal shows, meet cool animals, talk to the keepers, and do other fun things!
Address: 700 Comanchero Trail, Amarillo, TX 79107, United States
31. Don Harrington Discovery Center
One of the best things to do in Amarillo is visit the Don Harrington Discovery Center.
The center has many exhibits with space and science themes. Some of the exhibits are interactive, which makes them great for kids and people who like to learn by doing.
The Don Harrington Discovery Center has a lot of fun things to do.
There’s the Space Gallery, where you can find out about the weather on Earth and in space.
There is a planetarium in the Space Theater, fun things to do with animals in Critter Row, a place for kids to build things in Little Builders, and a place to be artistic in KinderStudio.
Throughout the year, there are also a lot of events and programs.
On the ground outside of the Don Harrington Discovery Center is the beautiful Helium Time Column Monument.
The six-story building was built in 1968 to mark the 100th anniversary of the finding of helium.
It has a big helium plant and was a major player in the production and store of gas in the United States.
That’s why it’s not a surprise that the statue was put up here.
There are four columns in the Helium Time Column Monument. All of them are made of stainless steel.
These are time boxes that hold objects, papers, and books that are meant to show how people lived and worked in 1968.
The helium-filled columns are meant to remember people in the future how important it is to use natural resources wisely.
Address: 1200 Streit Dr, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States
32. Route 66 Historic District
When people in Texas talk about sites, they can’t leave out the Route 66 Historic District, a 13-block business area that is great for exploring.
Youāll get your fill of sightseeing, shopping, and local aesthetics, with the most complete buildings that remain from the famous Route 66 highway.
A lot of the buildings in the Route 66 Historic District were built in the early 1900s.
Views are beautiful thanks to styles like Spanish Revival, Art Moderne, Art Deco, and more.
There are many interesting shops, restaurants, and art galleries in this area, as well as old buildings like Taylor’s Texaco Station, the Natatorium, and the Adkinson-Baker Tire Company.
To the west of the city center, the Route 66 Historic District goes all the way to San Jacinto Heights.
Between Georgia Avenue and Forrest Avenue, there are blocks.
There is a lot of information about each famous building on signs.
Address: 3511 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106, United States