Hidden Gems to Discover in the Texas Panhandle

By Lauren Simpson

From Big Bend to the Alamo to the Texas State Capitol, there are awe-inspiring landmarks dotted across every part of the great state of Texas. While the big cities may hold some of the most popular points of interest, many people do not know that the panhandle of Texas is home to several hidden gems worth exploring. Between its sprawling landscape, the area’s rich history, and its quirky roadside attractions, there are many off-the-beaten-path landmarks waiting to be discovered in the Texas Panhandle.

Palo Duro Canyon

Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. Full of incredible views, multi-colored layers of rock, and plenty of trails for hiking and mountain biking, the PDC (as it is affectionately called by locals) is one of the best parks in the state. The main attraction, and most recognizable symbol of the park, is a rock formation called the Lighthouse located along a 5.7-mile round trip hiking trail. Other activities to partake in include horseback riding, zip-lining, glamping and camping areas, jeep rides, and a musical called TEXAS that takes place in the park's beautiful amphitheater during the summer months.

Cadillac Ranch

A must-see for visitors of any age, the Cadillac Ranch is an iconic roadside attraction of ten half-buried Cadillacs, nose-down in the ground. The landmark was thought up in the 1970s by a group of San Francisco artists, as a tribute to the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin. Located west of Amarillo, off old Route 66, Cadillac Ranch is a family-friendly landmark that is open 24/7 and free of charge. Don’t forget to stop and buy a can of spray paint, as visitors are encouraged to graffiti the cars and add to the ever-changing layers of color from years past.

Historic Route 66

Nicknamed the Mother Road of America, Route 66 was established in 1926 and is known as one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. Serving as a primary route for those traveling west, Route 66 cuts right through the heart of Amarillo, Texas. As the largest city on the 178-mile portion that connects Oklahoma to New Mexico, it’s not hard to imagine that the mile-long stretch of road through Amarillo’s historic Sixth Street District was once a major travelers’ destination. A few spots worth noting are the Goldenlight Cafe, which is the oldest restaurant in Amarillo and is thought to be one of the oldest restaurants still operating in the same location anywhere on Old Route 66, and Whispering Pines Antiques, an antique store housed in a building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Full of vibrant antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars, Amarillo’s Historic Route 66 is the perfect place to buy a souvenir, do some thrift shopping, or grab a midday meal.

Tex Randall

Standing tall and proud overlooking US Highway 60, Tex Randall is a seven-ton, 47-foot-tall slouching cowboy located in the town of Canyon, Texas. Constructed in 1959, Tex Randall originally was built to lure customers into Wheeler’s Western Store. Decades passed, and the store eventually closed, but local leaders have now rallied twice to “save the cowboy” by rebuilding weathered steel and concrete parts and repainting Tex’s clothes. Now sporting a yellow striped shirt, maroon cowboy boots, and a Skoal ring on his back pocket, Tex Randall is a roadside landmark you won’t want to miss.

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

Also located in Canyon, Texas, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum sits on the campus of West Texas A&M University. Touted as the largest history museum in Texas, the PPHM includes exhibits that showcase paleontology, geology, people of the plains, windmills, automobiles, petroleum, art, and firearms. Two main highlights of the museum include a life-size Pioneer Town and a log cabin that is the oldest Anglo-built structure in the Panhandle. The museum is a gateway into historic stories spanning the past 14,000 years.

Full of friendly faces and historical attractions, there is plenty to see and do in the High Plains area. While making the drive to the Texas Panhandle may seem like a bit of a trek, there is no denying that these lesser-known landmarks are worth exploring.