“Westward Ho” could be your motto if you plan on taking a trip or vacation to Amarillo, Texas. Amarillo is filled with attractions that will give you a BIG taste of the Old West. If you are planning a trip to Texas and only have a little time, this vacation destination will give you a big bang for your buck as there are so many thrilling sights to see. You can take several days, or you can do only one or two activities and still have a great adventure.
One of the most exciting excursions to be sure and think about adding to your trip itinerary is Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It is one of our nation’s greatest scenic experiences. The park is located about 25 miles south of Amarillo but is well worth the drive. The park encompasses over 20,000 acres of some of the world’s most splendid views and provides visitors the chance to hike some of its famous trails. Park admission is $5/person.
If you still want more outdoor experiences, checkout the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. It is a quick and easy drive from downtown Amarillo. Wildcat Bluff is 600 acres of peace, serenity, and West Texas nature at its’ finest. Hiking through the Center, you will be able to experience humble ancient trees and wildflowers and wild animals and birds. Why not see what it feels like to walk in wild grasses that hide you from others view, especially if you are a child. Admission to Wildcat Bluff Nature Center is quite reasonable. It costs $3 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. Children under 3 are free.
Since we are in an Amarillo outdoor attraction mood, let’s stay outside while we visit the Amarillo Livestock Auction that takes place every Tuesday all year round. This is one of Texas’ largest livestock auctions and is a sight to behold. Every Tuesday over 100,000 – yes, 100,000 head of cattle are rustled into Amarillo for auction.
To complete the menu of Amarillo outdoor attractions, it would be a good use of your precious vacation time and money to take in the Amarillo Zoo. The zoo was started in 1955 and has been growing ever since. It is conveniently located on the grounds of Thompson Park. While touring the zoo you could run into, not literally, 45 different species of wildlife including: tigers, African lions, snakes, and wallabies etc, etc. The zoo boasts they have over 50 different types of plants growing on the 15 acres the park encompasses. The Amarillo Zoo is a great deal for the money. Admission is $3/ adults, $2/seniors and children ages 3-12, and FREE for children under the age of 3.There are indoor attractions in Amarillo too, such as the most excellent Don Harris Discovery Center. The Discovery Center is home to over 25,000 square feet of exhibits such as: Amazing Bodies, Planetary Landscapes, Bubbles and more. The admission prices for such an extraordinary attraction are fabulous. Admission is $7/adult, $5/children 3-12 and seniors, and children under 2 FREE. What makes this price an even better deal is that it includes the Space Theatre. The attraction is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Another extraordinary Amarillo, must see indoor attraction, is the Kwahada Museum of the American Indian. While visiting the museum you will learn about the cultures of the Pueblos and Plains Indians. You will see fabulous pieces of art such as; paintings, bronzes, exquisite old beadwork and other items from these Indian cultures. The admission price for this attraction is very, very reasonable at $3/adult and $1.50/ youth. Not a Bad deal!
This article is just a taste of smorgasbord of tourist attraction waiting for you in Amarillo, Texas. If you want a full description of Amarillo vacation activities, check out the web sites listed with this article. Have fun and Happy Trails.
