Panhandle Day Trips
BORGER
Population 15,545
Altitude 3,116
General
Established following the discovery of rich Panhandle Oil Field
in 1926. In months, a boom town of tents and shacks sprang up,
and the population numbered more than 40,000. Orderly growth soon
replaced the ribald oil-boom days, and now Borger is a center for
oil, chemicals, and cattle. Tanks and towers of oil and
petrochemical plants dominate the skyline. Home of Frank Phillips
College.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
CITY PARKS - 16 parks offer extensive picnic facilities, tennis
courts, sports fields, playground equipment, swimming pools, and
two 18 hole golf courses.
HUTCHINSON COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM - Exhibits depicting
Hutchinson County are from time of Coronado to boom-town days.
Open Mon. to Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to 4:30
p.m.; open Sun during the summer months, memorial Day through
Labor Day, 2 to 4 p.m. Closed major legal holidays. 618 N. Main
Street; 806--273-6121.
SCENIC DRIVE - A 25 mile loop west and north to Stinnett crosses
rough, canyon cut landscapes of the Canadian River brakes; leads
across the dam impounding Lake Meredith, Texas 136 west, F.M.
1319, and F.M. 687 north.
BOYS RANCH
Population 550
Altitude 3,175
General
Cal Farley's Boys Ranch is a nationally known home for boys and
girls who benefit from guidance, affectionate discipline, and
education in a ranch setting. Established in 2939 by the late Cal
Farley, Texas businessman and world welterweight wrestling
champion of the 1920s.
The first boys who came to the ranch lived in the abandoned
courthouse of Old Tascosa that is now that Julian Bivins Museum.
Founded and expanded by private donations, the ranch today covers
10,600 acres. Facilities includes a chapel, clinic, schools, fine
arts and auditorium, visitors center, and 23 homes for children.
More than 400 boys and girls help operate the ranch, attend
school and vocational classes, and enjoy a year-round program of
athletics. A popular annual event is the Boys Ranch Rodeo, Labor
Day weekend, featuring competition among youths of all ages.
Although some 80 percent of the young people were headed for
trouble before coming to the ranch, most remain and graduate from
the fully accredited Boys Ranch High School, entering the adult
world as useful, self-reliant citizens. Visitors are welcome at
the ranch; open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
BOOT HILL CEMETERY - When Tascosa was the wide open, riotous
cowboy capital of the 1880s, gunfights were traditional means for
settling disputes and its cemetery was an essential part of the
town. The boys maintain the cemetery today. U.S. 385.
JULIAN BIVINS MUSEUM - Housed in the former Oldham County
Courthouse, name honors Panhandle rancher whose donation of land
formed the nucleus of Boys Ranch. Artifacts from Indian and
prehistoric Panhandle cultures, cowboy and pioneer items, photos
and documents about Boys Ranch history. Open daily year round,
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OLD TASCOSA - Pioneer settler in the early 1870s built adobe huts
and irrigation ditches along area creeks. After 1875, village
became a supply and shipping point for several huge Texas
ranches, including the famed XIT and LIT. Bustling town was known
as "the Cowboy Capital of the Plains"; became county
sat when Oldham County was organized in 1880. The famous and
infamous - from Kit Carson to Billy the Kid -once strode its
rough plank sidewalks. But as with many Texas cowtowns; the
decline set in when the open range was girded with fences, and
the railroad bypassed the site. It was deserted by the 1930s.
CANADIAN
Population 2,385
Altitude 2,339
General
Canadian became county seat when Hemphill County was organized in
1887. It's located on the Canadian River ant the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe RR in the northwestern part of the county. Early
settlers held one of the first rodeos in Texas. Today a chief
commercial center of county, that derives much of its economy
from ranching and some oil activity.
Northwest of Canadian is the Black Kettle National Grasslands,
administered by National Forest Service. Visitors find campsites,
cottages, picnic grounds at small Lake Marvin. Fishing for bass,
channel catfish, and sunfish. Nature trails popular during fall
foliage season and visitors often see deer, wild turkey, and
waterfowl.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
RIVER VALLEY PIONEER MUSEUM - Quaint museum features memorabilia
on history of Canadian and Hemphill County. Traveling exhibits
from other museums also displayed regularly. Open Tues. - Fri.
from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m.; Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. 118
South 2nd Street. (U.S. 60/83). Donations are accepted.
CANYON
Population 12,179
Altitude 3,566
General
Originated in 1878 as headquarters for huge T Anchor Ranch; seat
of Randall County and gateway to spectacular Palo Duro Canyon
State Park; home of West Texas State A&M University.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
BUFFALO LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - One of the major
waterfowl refuges on the Central Flyway, the 7,t677 acre refuge
is a winter haven for a million ducks and 80,000 geese. Once
known as Tierra Blanca Water Conservation Project, the lake now
holds very little water but refuge about 12 miles west continues
to draw visitors on its interpretive walking trail and 4.5 mile
auto interpretive rail. Activities include picnicking,
sightseeing, birding, nature study, photography, and campsites
with tables, grills - no water or electricity. Open daily from 8
a.m. to 10 p.m. Refuge headquarters; 3 miles south of Umbarger on
F.M. 168.
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK - One of the state's largest state
parks. 15,103 acres amid scenic landscape of Palo Duro Canyon. On
the tabletop expanse of the Texas High Plains, a branch of the
Red River has carved the incredible spires and pinnacles of Palo
Duro. Walls plunge a thousand feet to the canyon floor, exposing
brilliant multicolored strata. Camping, picnicking rest rooms and
showers, horseback riding, hiking trails, Sad Monkey miniature
train ride, souvenir and snack shop, interpretive center, and
amphitheater where shows are staged during the summer season.
About 12 miles east via Texas 217 and Park Road 5. Admission is
charged.
Within park is historical marker citing last great Indian battle
in Texas. On a sweep across the High Plains in 1874, the famous
Col. Ronald S. Mackenzie, leading troops of 4th Cavalry from Fort
Richardson discovered huge camp of Comanches in the canyon. The
Indians had broken from their reservations and were menacing a
wide area. Achieving surprise, troops quickly overran the village
and captured some 1,400 horses. The Indians fled to strong points
in canyon. In a master stroke of tactics Mackenzie did not try to
dislodge the Indians, but burned the village and slaughtered
their horses; the proud plains warriors had no choice but to plod
back to their reservations in Oklahoma.
PANHANDLE PLAINS HISTORICAL MUSEUM - On campus of West Texas
State A&M University honors pioneers of Texas' colorful past.
Entrance doors ornamented with historic brands, fascinating Old
West exhibits include chuck wagon, extensive gun collection,
prehistoric fossils and wildlife. Other collections show
prehistoric Indian cultures, archaeology and Frank Reaugh
Collection of Southwestern Art.
Don Harrington Petroleum Wing, opened in 1986, incorporates
latest in exhibit design and museum interpretation. Geology,
underground tool and oil field displays give viewer feeling of
"being there". Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (6
p.m. June - August). Sunday and holidays (except Thanksgiving,
Christmas and the day before, and New Year's Day) 1 to 6 p.m.
PIONEER AMPHITHEATER - Setting for "TEXAS' spectacular
outdoor drama by Paul Green, presented nightly except Sundays
from late June through late August. Located in Palo Duro Canyon
State Park, backdropped by 600 foot cliff. Cowboys, Indians, and
settlers move over huge stage; riders spotlighted on cliffside
trails, stereo music echoes through the canon. Nationally
acclaimed show. Separate admission for the park and show, but
free; park admission after 5:30 p.m. for those attending the
show. All seats reserved; advance reservations advisable. Canyon
nights are cool even in midsummer, and a wrap is recommended.
Tickets available a theater, also at "TEXAS"
Information Office, 2010 4th Avenue (Texas 217) in Canyon.
806-655-2181.
CHILDRESS
Population 4,984
Altitude 1,877
General
Seat of Childress County named for George Campbell Childress,
author of Texas Declaration of Independence. An agricultural
center for cotton, grains and livestock, town is on the
Burlington Northern Railroad, has small, diversified industries.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
CHILDRESS CITY PARK - In addition to the lake, the park has
historical marker for Goodnight Trail, extension of famed
Goodnight Loving Trail over which herds of cattle trekked to
market.
CHILDRESS COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM - Housed in an old post office,
displays include industry (cattle, cotton, railroad) exhibits,
local Indian artifacts and furnished period rooms. Open Mon. to
Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Third and C
Streets Northwest.
CLARENDON
Population 2,043
Altitude 2,727
General
Established by Methodist minister, L.H. Carhart, in 1878 as a
"sobriety settlement" in contrast to typical boom towns
of that era. It earned the sobriquet "Saints Roost" by
local cowboys. Seat of Donley County, Clarendon is the oldest
thriving town in the Texas Panhandle. Many museums have
fossilized specimens found near here from the Clarendonian Age,
dating back 11 million years to the Early Pilocene Age. Locals
call Clarendon home of "trailblazers, cattle barons,
cowboys, preachers, teachers, sodbusters, merchants, craftsmen,
artists, old bones, and old fossils... and maybe a few
saints!" Today farming and ranching still remain the primary
economy of the county.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
BAR H DUDE RANCH - From a hearty chuckwagon breakfast to mesquite
grilled steaks at dinner, activities are tailored to suit your
interests.
Depending on the season, guests can watch cowboys work cattle,
mend fences and other ranch chores. Ranch is also a game preserve
licensed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. For
information/reservations, call 806-874-2634. U.S. 287 west three
miles to F>M. 3257, north two miles to the ranch.
SAINTS ROOST MUSEUM - Housed in former Adair Hospital founded by
Cornelia Adair in 1910 for local cowboys, the museum features
heirlooms from area ranches, farms, and businesses. Open during
summer Sat., - Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. On Texas 70 south.
CLAUDE
Population 1,199
Altitude 3,397
General
Like many Texas towns, a railroad genesis; established as stop on
Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad in 1887. Today the seat of
Armstrong County. Grain elevators and stockyards indicate major
agricultural production. Shoppers attracted by several antique
shops.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
ARMSTRONG COUNTY MUSEUM - In three adjoining downtown buildings;
museum tells history of Armstrong County. Features display on Boy
Scouts, since Claude has one of oldest Scout Troops west of the
Mississippi. Restored Gem Theater next door used for education
and entertainment programs. Open Tues. - Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. One-half block north of U.S 287.
SCENIC DRIVE - One of the most impressive drives in state is
Texas 207 south toward Silverton. For miles agricultural riches
spread from horizon to horizon; then the highway plunges into
scenic grandeur at Palo Duro Canyon. Descend at a moderate speed,
both for safety and to absorb beauty that unfolds in a riot of
colors. In the nine-mile-wide canyon (which extends a hundred
miles from northwest to southeast) is the Prairie Dog Town Fork
of the Red River, a seemingly insignificant stream to have carved
such an immense gash in the Plains.
Farther south the highway drops into another
beautiful gorge, Tule Canyon. More varieties of rock strata are
visible, and some magnificent sheer-faced, knife-edged buttes.
HEREFORD
Population 14,623
Altitude 3,806
General
Named for early herds of Hereford cattle; seat of Deaf Smith
County. (Deaf Smith commanded Sam Houston's scouts at the Battle
of San Jacinto.) Called "town without a toothache" due
to low incidence of dental decay attributed to natural fluorides
in municipal water supply. Agribusiness economy with immense
production of grain sorghum, wheat, corn, grapes, and sugar
beets. Local plant refines sugar from beets grown in four-county
area. Three million cattle annually move through area feedlots.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
DEAF SMITH COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM - Collections from pioneer
era, farm and ranch implements, guns, Indian artifacts,
photographs, painting. 400 Sampson Street
NATIONAL COWGIRL HALL OF FAME, WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER - Honors
pioneer spirit of Western women and women who have excelled in
rodeos. Cowgirl memorabilia in 6,000 square feet of museum space
- saddles, tack, trophies, historical and modern photos,
paintings, sculpture. Honorees include names such as Texas Rose
and Enid Justin. Center sponsors nation's largest all-girl rodeo
in late summer. 515 Avenue B in north part of city. Admission.
McLEAN
Population 859
Altitude 2,812
General
Established 1901, grew from water well and switch on Choctaw,
Oklahoma, and Texas Railroad. Once known as the "uplift
city" because of a ladies undergarment factory; former site
of World War II German prisoner of war camp. Now trade center for
surrounding farms and ranches. Murals along Main St. depict
history of city.
A restored 1930s Phillips 66 station lies on old westbound U.S.
66 road and is considered one of best re-created sites by Old
Route 66 Association.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
ALANREED-MCLEAN AREA MUSEUM-Mementos of early settlers of Texas
Panhandle; original record book recording births in McLean from
1901 to 1920. Several rooms furnished in pioneer style; community
history; history and records of the German Prisoner of War camp
of World War II. Open Wed. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m.
117 N. Main St. Tel. 806/779-2731.
DEVIL'S ROPE MUSEUM-Large collection of barbed wire artifacts.
Also collection of old U.S. 66 memorabilia including maps, old
"66" cafe, and tourist court re-creations. Handicapped
accessible. Open Apr. - Oct. Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun.
1 - 4 p.m. Corner of Kingsley St. and old U.S. 66. 806/779-2225.
MIAMI
Population 661
Altitude 2,744
General
Seat of Roberts County, name is an Indian word for sweetheart.
Originated as construction camp on Santa Fe Railroad in 1887. Now
commercial, shipping and banking center for county. Hunting and
fishing available in surrounding areas.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
ROBERTS COUNTY MUSEUM-Housed in restored Santa Fe Railroad depot;
extensive collections include kitchen, household antiques,
pioneer documents, frontier firearms, Indian relics, farm and
ranch antiques, including chuck wagon, buggies and implements,
half-dugout, blacksmith, tinsmith, cobbler and print shop
displays, and portion of Meade collection of prehistoric
archaeological artifacts and fossils. Open Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. -
5 p.m. ; Sun. 2- 5 p.m. U.S. 60 midtown.
PAMPA
Population 19,964
Altitude 3,234
General
Seat of Gray County, founded 1888 on the Santa Fe Railroad, named
from Spanish word "pampas" meaning plains. Today a city
of beautiful churches, large parks and fine homes. Fourteen
municipal parks on tree shaded draws give a spacious air to the
plains city. An oil field supply point with allied industries, a
marketing center for agricultural and livestock raising area and
an industrial center provide a diversified economy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
WHITE DEER LAND MUSEUM-Period rooms, chapel, carriage house,
office. records and documents of White Deer Land Company,
established 1882. Exhibits recall early ranching days. Open
Tues.-Sun. 1:30-4 p.m. Closed Holidays. 116 S. Cuyler St.
PANHANDLE
Population 2,357
Altitude 3,451
General
Named for its location in Texas Panhandle, became county seat
upon organization of Carson County in 1888. Wheat, cattle and
petroleum products are among commodities from this marketing
shipping center. Restored Santa Fe depot serves as city hall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
SCENIC DRIVE-F.M. 293 west to Texas 136 north provides views of
modern High Plains agriculture contrasted with traditional ranch
lands unchanged for centuries. precise row crops are left behind
as route enters rolling grasslands of broad Canadian river
Valley. Fascinating historical marker beside Texas 136, some 10
miles north of F.M. 293, marks portion of trail that wound from
Fort Smith, AR, to Santa Fe, NM. Though now covered by grass,
wagon ruts are still visible. Texas 136 leads north to Lake
Meredith and popular federal recreational areas around it.
SQUARE HOUSE MUSEUM-One of the most attractive small museums in
state. Displays and dioramas interpret the history, natural
history, and art of the Texas Panhandle. Thirteen structures
include the historic Square House, oldest building in the city;
Santa Fe caboose; reconstructed pioneer dugout; Eclipse windmill;
community church; two art galleries; wildlife hall; early
ranching barn; general store; bank; blacksmith ship; education
building with Indian Art and Texas flag exhibits. Self-guiding or
tours by arrangement. Open daily. Pioneer Park on Texas 207.
Admission free.
THOMAS CREE'S LITTLE TREE-Set behind protective fence at south
edge of U.S. 60 about five miles southwest of city is first tree
planted throughout entire Texas Panhandle. Immense plains were
once a sea of grass from horizon to horizon. In 1888, pioneer
settler Thomas Cree hauled a sapling of bois d'arc from beyond
the Cap Rock and planted it by his dugout home. Cree is long
gone, but the tree thrived until 1969 when accidentally killed by
an agricultural chemical. Natural seedling from original tree are
growing today. Site is marked by a State Historical Marker and by
medallion from National Men's Garden Clubs of America.
PERRYTON
Population 7,519
Altitude 2,942
General
Founded 1919, seat of Ochiltree County, northernmost county seat
in Texas (545 miles from State Capitol, Austin). Locally known as
"Wheatheart of the Nation," city is shipping point for
one of nation's top wheat producing areas.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
MUSEUM OF THE PLAINS-General history exhibits of the Texas and
Oklahoma Panhandlers; railroad depot, old store, pioneer home
from Ochiltree, covered wagon, barbed wire. Open Mon.-Fri. 10
a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun 1:30-5 p.m. (closed weekends Jan.-Mid
Apr.) U.S. 83 at north city limit.
SHAMROCK
Population 2,159
Altitude 2,310
General
Established as a post office in 1890 at dugout home of George
Nichels, and Irish sheep rancher. Incorporated in 1911: oil
discovered in 1926, highly productive natural gas wells in recent
decades. Cattle, agriculture, tourism, oil and gas are primary
economic factors. During seasons, hunters take quail, mourning
dove, wild turkey and deer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
BLARNEY STONE - appropriate to the town's ethnic orientation, a
fragment of the genuine Blarney Stone from ruins of Blarney
Castle, County Cork, Ireland, is mounted in Elmore Park.
PIONEER WEST MUSEUM - housed in the former Reynolds, Hotel,
typical drummers' hotel (a drummer is an old fashioned term for
salesman) of 1920's and 30', museum fills some 20 rooms with a
fascinating variety of exhibits from Plains Indian culture to
NASA moon mission articles. Emphasis is on regional history,
cowboys, farm and ranch artifacts, pioneer weapons. Room settings
include vintage doctor and dentist offices, general store,
schoolroom and a pioneer kitchen. Located at 206 North Madden
Street the museum is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m to 3
p.m.
SILVERTON
Population 769
Altitude 3,261
General
Established as a county seat when Briscoe County organized in
1892. One of only two towns in the county, a commercial center
for immense farming-ranching area that includes some spectacular
scenery in Palo Duro Canyon, Tule Canyon and at the edge of Cap
Rock.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
OLD JAIL MUSEUM - Built in 1892, this old stone jailhouse is the
oldest building in the county. Features a old jail office with
cells upstairs. Outside is a restored windmill. On the courthouse
square. Open Mon - Fri during business hours. Visitors should
visit the county attorney's office for entry.
SCENIC DRIVES - Vivid illustrations of High Plains topography
along Texas 865 and Texas 207 north. Travelers will see immense
proportions of High Plains agriculture where the land is
typically flat---then in startling contrast, the effect of
erosion where water courses have carved plunging, colorful
canyons. Drive between Silverton and Claude crosses both Tule and
Palo Duro Canyons.
Texas 256 east reaches the edge of the High Plains, or as local
residents say, the edge of the Cap Rock, and spirals down jagged
escarpment amid feast of scenic vistas. This dramatic change in
scenery marks the eastern edge of Great Plains of the United
States.
Texas 86 east offers another scenic route down edge of Cap Rock
through the town of Quitaque.
SPEARMAN
Population 3,203
Altitude 3,105
General
Established in the 1920's when the North Texas and Santa Fe
Railroad built across Hansford County; named for the railroad
executive. Today the country seat; industries include grain
storage, shipping, gas, oil , refineries, irrigated farming, and
cattle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
ROLLING PLAINS MULE TRAIN ASSOCIATION - A group of area residents
who for many years maintained mule teams and covered wagons for
old-fashioned rides across the plains, even up to week long
trips. The present activity is limited largely to parades.
STATIONMASTER'S HOUSE MUSEUM - Two building complex includes
restored depot agent's home; exhibits feature home life, general
history of Hansford County. Outdoor exhibit of farm machinery and
an Indian sculpture. Open intermittently. Located at 30 South
Townsend Street.
STINNETT
Population 2,168
Altitude 3,173
General
Established in 1901, a trade center and livestock shipping point
at the north edge of Canadian River Valley that cuts a broad
swath through High Plains of the Texas Panhandle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
BATTLE of ADOBE WALLS - Site where two famous Indian battles were
fought. Col. Kit Carson (in his last fight ) and his U.S. troops
in 1864 narrowly escaped defeat by Kiowa and Comanche Indians who
had been molesting wagon trains and settlers. Ten years later, in
1874, Indians under Quanah Parker and Lone Wolf attacked buffalo
hunters camp at second battle of Adobe Walls near the first site.
A fierce dawn attack opened the siege, and though the Indians
were repulsed, the party of 28 men and one woman was surrounded,
and it seemed only a matter of time before the superior number of
Indians would prevail. On the second day a group of Cheyenne
appeared on a high mesa overlooking the camp, setting the stage
for William (Billy) Dixon's famous shot. From within the stockade
he shot an Indian from his horse at a distance approaching
seven-eighths of a mile! The Indians were so shocked at the white
man's shooting ability that they mounted only desultory attacks
thereafter and soon withdrew. The site is some 18 miles northeast
of Stinnett on private ranch lands off highways; not readily
accessible. Local directions available. There are historical
markers on the site.
ISAAC McCORMIC PIONEER COTTAGE - A restored home of area's first
settler, built in 1899. Furnished in the pioneer style displaying
artifacts from 1890's. Inquire locally for hours of operation.
Located on the town square.
SCENIC DRIVE - A 25 mile loop south and east to Borger crosses
rough, canyon-cut landscapes of Canadian River breaks and leads
across a dam impounding Lake Meredith. South on F.M. 687, F.M.
1319, and east on Texas 136.
STRATFORD
Population 1,741
Altitude 3,695.
General
The city was established during the middle of the night in May,
1901, when Sherman County records were moved from former county
seat at Coldwater to land owned by Walter Colton along the new
Rock Island Railroad route. Texas Rangers were called to settle
the dispute over the location of the county seat. Coldwater has
disappeared. There is dispute, too, over the origin of the city
name; Colton, an Englishman, named it for Stratford-on-Avon, or
for Virginia plantation, birthplace of Robert E. Lee, whom he
admired. Local economy is based on wheat, corn and feed grains
that re used in large feedlot operations.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
SHERMAN COUNTY DEPOT MUSEUM - Local history museum displays farm
and ranch memorabilia, Indian artifacts, prehistoric fossils, all
designed as a tribute to, and interpretation of the Panhandle
area. open Mon - Fri 2 - 4 p.m. Located at U.S. 54 at Main
Street.
TULIA
Population 4,629
Altitude 3,501
General
Designated county seat when Swisher County was organized in 1890.
today it is a commercial center for abundant agricultural
production of the plains featuring milo, wheat, cotton, and
several large livestock feedlot operations.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
SWISHER COUNTY MUSEUM - Excellent collection of pioneer ranch and
farm artifacts includes home furnishings, tools, firearms, photos
of early life on the plains, Indian artifacts. Also replica of
blacksmith shop, including tools and products made by farmers.
Restored first log cabin of the area, and typical homes from 1890
to 1930 era. Open from Mon to Fri 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Located
at 127 S.W. Second Street.
TURKEY
Population 516
Altitude 2,348.
General
Wild turkeys discovered along a small creek gave this town the
name of Turkey Creek, and the settlement that grew up there was
known as Turkey Roost. But the Post Office shortened it to
Turkey. Several businesses and a $50,000 hotel were built with
the coming of the railroad. The town was a shipping point for
cattle, grain, and cotton. An annual event, on the last Saturday
in April, is the Bob Wills Reunion. The musician is recognized
with a monument at the west end of Main Street. Although the
city's population is small, crowd's range to 10 to 15,000 during
the festival.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
BOB WILLS MUSEUM - Honors the man known as the King of Western
Swing, who was reared on a farm just north of the town.
Memorabilia of Texas Playboys and of Wills' career and its
influence on American music is displayed; fiddles, boots, hats,
recordings, music, and photos. Open Mon thru Tues from 9 - 5 p.m.
Located on Sixth and Lyle streets.
AMARILLO
Population 160,288
Altitude 3,676
General
Commercial, cultural, and recreational center for vast plains of
Texas Panhandle. World's leading helium producer; superb climate
with air rated the cleanest in the nation for a city of its size.
Fifty-six parks cover 2,300 acres and includes tennis courts,
swimming pools, fishing lakes, playgrounds, and a 36 hold
municipal golf course.
First settlement in 1887 was buffalo-hide tent camp of railroad
construction workers. Today, excellent accommodations, spacious
convention/civic center, symphony, ballet, little theater, opera,
and home of Amarillo College and Texas State Technical College.
Inquire locally about Big Texan Steak Ranch and Emporium. Known
nationwide for 72 ounce steak dinner offered free to anyone who
can eat the entire meal in one hour. 7700 I-40 East; open daily
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attractions
AMARILLO LIVESTOCK AUCTION - Amarillo is headquarters for an
immense ranch and cattle feedlot area and Texas'' largest
livestock auction. By scientific feed formulas, livestock are
brought to precise weight and grade requirements of meat packers.
More than 600,000 cattle move through the auction ring at
stockyards each year, bringing over $130 million. Auctions are
held Tues. at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at 100 South manhattan.
806-373-7464.
AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART - Magnificent complex of three buildings
designed by Edward Stone (Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.)
devoted to the fine arts, music and drama, combining both
exhibition space and teaching areas. Excellent permanent
collection of paintings and sculpture, plus regular performing
arts. 2200 Van Buren Street on the campus of Amarillo College.
Open Tues. to Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. from 1
to 5 p.m.; and Thurs. from 7 to 9 p.m. 806-371-5050.
AMARILLO ZOO - Playground and zoo with theme from children's
stories. Zoo's animals are those that appeal to youngsters. Open
daily in Thompson PARK, N.E. 24th Street at U.S. 287.
806-383-6141.
AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE HERITAGE CENTER AND MUSEUM - Headquarters
for the world's largest equine registry, more than 2.6 million
horses registered in 53 countries. Quarter Horse was the first
American horse breed; still is a favorite mount of cowboys.
Showcases history and activities of breed with exhibits, videos,
hands-on displays, and gift store. Open daily May - Aug. 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m.; Sept. April. Mon. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun
noon to 5 p.m. Located at I-40 at Nelson Street exit.
806-376-5181.
CADILLAC RANCH - "Bumper crop" of ten Cadillacs buried
nose down in a field at the same angle as Cheops' pyramids.
Represent the gold Age from 1949 through 1963. Located just west
of city on I-40 Historic Route 66.
COWBOY MORNING/EVENING - From April 15 to October 15 join groups
for Old West-style chuck wagon breakfast on the open range at the
rim of Palo Duro Canyon - scrambled eggs, ranch sausage,
sourdough biscuits, brown gravy, and campfire coffee. Dinner
features steak with all the trimmings; enjoy a wagon ride, watch
real cowboys roping, and receive a souvenir brand. Breakfast at
8:30 a.m.; dinner usually at 6:30 p.m. For reservations call
806-944-5562 or 1-800-658-2613.
CREEKWOOD RANCH OLD WEST SHOW AND CHUCK WAGON SUPPER - Wagons
take visitors to "campsite" where entertainment
features cowboys, Indians, singing, and rope tricks. Authentic
chuck wagon supper served. Dinner and performances Thurs. - Sun.
at 6 p.m. Reservations required. Creekwood Ranch, 8 miles south
on Washington St. F.M. 1541. 1-800-658-6673, or 806-356-9256.
DON HARRINGTON DISCOVERY CENTER - In the center of a 51 acre park
with lake and picnic area, this museum offers a variety of
attractions. All exhibits encourage hands-on activities.
"Aquariums of the World" features fish from exotic
waters. There's the Black Hole, giant kaleidoscope and more. The
planetarium has star shows, a night sky program, and specially
produced 360 degree films with spectacular visual effects. Center
open Memorial Day - Labor Day, Tues., - sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun
1 to 5 p.m. Planetarium shows Sept. May, Sat., 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
Sun 2 and 3 p.m. ; 1200 Streit Drive Planetarium fee.
806-355-9548
GARDEN CENTER - Lavish floral displays edge immaculate lawns,
walkways and picnic areas in 51 acre park adjacent to the
Amarillo Medical Center on west side of the city. Includes touch
and smell garden for the blind. 1400 Streit Street.
This page was last updated August 16, 2000.
