The Wildcat Bluff Nature Center is a protected, natural piece of the Amarillo landscape. Trails wind through 600 acres (242.8 hectares) of land where Amarillo's unique wildlife can be experienced. Horned-lizards, porcupines and hawks inhabit the area. Taking a hike is the perfect experience for curious youngsters and families. Summer camps, guided tours and other activities are organized regularly by the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center.
Spanning across 20,000 acres (8093.71 hectares), the Palo Duro Canyon State Park covers the area between Randall County to the Texas Panhandle. A rugged landscape accentuated with the conspicuous Lighthouse Rock and the dramatic Palo Duro Canyon, it's rightly dubbed as "The Grand Canyon of Texas". The name of the park means "hard wood" in Spanish, a title recognizing the abundance of juniper and mesquite trees towering over the region. Home to a network of trails, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must for hiking enthusiasts and equestrian activities. The Pioneer Amphitheater here puts up performances narrating stories of tribes that lived here centuries ago. The place is a captivating amalgamation of nature and culture shining brightly as the State's pride.
The Amarillo Museum of Art has one of the largest collections of early American Modernist paintings, photography by Russell Lee, and textiles from the Middle East. Six galleries go along with 16 exhibitions per year in the intricate building designed by hailed architect Edward Durell Stone. For visitors looking for an educational experience, the museum offers tours, gallery lectures, films and publications. The museum has started a summer school for kids focused on developing creative abilities through painting, drawing, sculpting, mixed media and other mediums.
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the largest museum in all of Texas. Owned by Panhandle-Plains Historical Society and managed by West Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M University Board of Regents, this museum is definitely a medium to divulge the local history. With an incredibly diverse range of exhibits showcasing archaeology, paleontology, and geology, Panhandle Plains could be explored for weeks.
The Amarillo Little Theatre (ALT) has been a staple of the city's cultural scene since 1927, making it one of the oldest community theaters in the country. The venue can seat 453 and also houses two dance studios. This non-profit theater company puts on great shows throughout the year showcasing local talent in the form of writers, actors and producers. If you're in town, don't pass up the opportunity to see what ALT has to offer!
Experimental Theatre is nestled in the sprawling campus of the Amarillo College. The college aims to introduce its students to different creative avenues and this theater is a part of its endeavor. The youngsters not only get a hands-on experience of acting but learn about other aspects of theatrical performances like sound, lighting, setting up stage and so forth. Every season, it brings forth fresh acts and classic dramas, thereby, ensuring a great mix of entertainment. For more details, check website.