The Top Places to See When Driving from Amarillo, Texas to Lubbock, Texas
Are you planning to take a road trip through the heart of the Lone Star State? If so, you'll be pleased to know that the journey from Amarillo to Lubbock offers travelers an array of incredible destinations and memorable experiences.
Whether you're interested in exploring the natural landscape, discovering the area's rich history, or indulging in some of the best food and drink Texas has to offer, this road trip has it all. So buckle up, hit the road, and get ready to experience some of the best the Texas Panhandle has to offer.
Natural Wonders
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the most incredible natural wonders in Texas. Located just 25 miles south of Amarillo, this 30,000-acre park is home to the second-largest canyon in the United States. The canyon is 120 miles long and, at its widest point, stretches 20 miles across.
Visitors to Palo Duro Canyon State Park can take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails, camping sites, and guided tours. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the canyon on horseback, making this park a must-see destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
The Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,664-acre protected area in Randall County, just 35 miles south of Amarillo. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and more than 250 species of birds.
Visitors to the refuge can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and fishing in the lake. There's also a visitor center that offers educational exhibits and activities for people of all ages.
National Ranching Heritage Center
The National Ranching Heritage Center is located on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock. The center is a museum that showcases the history of ranching in the West, featuring exhibits on everything from early cattle drives to modern livestock management techniques.
Visitors to the center can take guided tours of the exhibits, attend educational programs and events, and explore the center's expansive outdoor area, which features 48 historic ranch buildings preserved from across the American West.
Caprock Canyons State Park
Located just 100 miles southeast of Amarillo, Caprock Canyons State Park is a stunning natural area that offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged beauty of the Texas Panhandle. The park is home to the official state bison herd, as well as an array of other wildlife, including coyotes, prairie dogs, and more than 175 species of birds.
Visitors to Caprock Canyons State Park can explore the many hiking and biking trails, enjoy fishing and paddle boating in the park's lake, and take a guided tour of the park's many historical sites.
Buddy Holly Center
The Buddy Holly Center is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly. The museum is located in Lubbock and features exhibits on Holly's life and music, as well as the broader history of West Texas music.
Visitors to the center can explore the museum's many exhibits, attend live music performances and events, and enjoy a range of educational programs and workshops.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
Cadillac Ranch
Located just west of Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch is an iconic roadside attraction that has been drawing visitors for decades. The attraction features a series of ten brightly painted Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, making for a colorful and unusual photo op.
Visitors to Cadillac Ranch are welcome to bring their own spray paint and leave their mark on the cars, making this attraction one of the few places in the world where graffiti is not only allowed but encouraged.
Slaton Bakery
Located just 15 miles southeast of Lubbock, the Slaton Bakery is a beloved local institution that has been serving up fresh-baked goods for over 85 years. The bakery is particularly famous for its kolaches, a traditional Czech pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
Visitors to the Slaton Bakery can sample kolaches as well as a range of other baked goods, all made fresh on-site.
Buddy Holly Statue and Walk of Fame
Located in downtown Lubbock, the Buddy Holly Statue and Walk of Fame is a tribute to the legendary musician and his contributions to the world of rock 'n' roll. The statue is a life-sized bronze sculpture of Holly holding his iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar.
The Walk of Fame is a series of plaques that honor other West Texas musicians who have made significant contributions to music over the years.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is a museum and event center located in the Fort Worth Stockyards. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the cowboy way of life, featuring exhibits on everything from rodeo stars to the cattle drives of the 1800s.
Visitors to the museum can explore the many exhibits, attend live events and performances, and learn about the history of Texas cowboy culture.
Mackenzie Park
Mackenzie Park is a 248-acre public park located on the east side of Lubbock. The park features a range of outdoor recreational facilities, including disc golf, tennis courts, and a BMX track.
The park is also home to the Joyland Amusement Park, a family-friendly attraction that has been entertaining visitors for over 70 years.
Food and Drink
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a legendary steakhouse located in Amarillo. The restaurant is famous for its "72-ounce steak challenge," in which diners are challenged to eat a massive 72-ounce steak, along with all the sides, in under an hour.
If you're not up for the challenge, you can still enjoy a range of delicious steak and BBQ dishes, along with a wide selection of beer and cocktails.
Triple J Chophouse and Brew Co.
The Triple J Chophouse and Brew Co. is a family-owned steakhouse and microbrewery located in Lubbock. The restaurant offers a range of steak and seafood dishes, along with a rotating selection of craft beers, brewed on-site.
Visitors to the Triple J can enjoy live music performances, take a brewery tour, or simply relax and enjoy the cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
The Range Cafe
The Range Cafe is a beloved local chain of restaurants with locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Lubbock, Texas. The restaurant serves up a range of tasty New Mexican-inspired dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, and green chile stew.
Visitors to the Range Cafe can enjoy the restaurant's colorful, festive decor as they savor some of the best Southwestern cuisine Texas has to offer.
Conclusion
From stunning natural wonders to historic landmarks and delicious food and drink, the road from Amarillo to Lubbock offers visitors an array of incredible destinations and experiences. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to indulge in some of the best of Texas culture, this road trip has something for everyone. So hit the road, explore the open spaces of the Texas Panhandle, and make memories that will last a lifetime.