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.
Influenced by the Palo Duro Canyon, the rippled roof and stratified red sandstone facade of the Globe News Center for the Performing Arts is among the prominent landmarks of Downtown Amarillo. Spread across three floors, the center features a 1300-seat theater known as the Carol Bush Emeny Performance Hall. It is named after a renowned Texan philanthropist. Home to the Lone Star Ballet, Amarillo Opera and Amarillo Symphony along with other cultural organizations, it is one of the best places in town for performing arts.
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.
This versatile ranch offers a bevvy of activities with a flourish of real Texas flair. Step into the boots of a cowboy and go for a wagon ride and watch cattle being herded, an activity fun for the whole family. Once you reach the ranch, watch as real working cowboys jump in the saddle for some team roping. You can even bet on horse racing with the ranch's 'Ranch Bucks' money and cheer as colts race by with their colored blinker masks. Take a shot at the sporting clays and make your way through the 10 stations firing a shotgun at clay targets. At the end of the day, you'll be famished and the smell of sizzling steaks over an open fire will whet your appetite. Eat with the cowboys and much on upscale cuisine, all cooked over an open fire as you listen to them tell ranching stories. The 'Barn' is a luxurious venue rental on the property that is perfect for weddings, private and corporate events. Visit the website to learn more about the cowboy lifestyle found at River Breaks Ranch.
The Don Harrington Discover Center is all about inspiring children to take an active interest in science and learning. The center has a number of permanent, hands-on exhibits on subjects from shapes to planets. There's an activity room for the super-young ones as well. Learn about everything from ice age mammals to the planets in our solar system. Hands-on activities let kids explore and discover for themselves.
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is dedicated to the quarter horse, a breed smaller than average that can run short distances faster than any other horse. The AQHA offers memberships for those interested in owning their own quarter horse or entering it in competitions. Equestrian classes, seminars and training courses are available at the AQHA. Popular events such as racing and horse sales are held regularly.
This open-air venue houses the Will Rogers Range Riders Club. Hosting ranch rodeo championships, the place always offers action-packed and thrilling events. Apart from sporting events, the arena also stages concerts and similar entertaining events. That's not it, it is equipped with first-class banquet facilities requisite for hosting private parties or receptions.
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial pays tribute to soldiers who either lost their life or went missing in action since the Spanish American War. Several large red granite stones, each dedicated to a different war, lists the names of veterans who came from the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.
Inaugurated in 1924, Amarillo Symphony started off as a twelve piece ensemble, currently housing almost eighty-five members. Located in Amarillo, TX, the venue organizes various classes and programs for aspiring musicians. It is also a popular concert venue in the area.
Established in the year 2006, Cerulean Gallery is an art space that exhibits various Contemporary-style artworks. Set on South Buchanan Street in Amarillo, this art gallery is run by Caroline Crockett Kneese. They showcase a number of art pieces that are put together by talented artists from all over the country. Artists like Allison Castillo, Captain Casual, Christian Price Frazer and Edward Cavasos have exhibited their work here. This art gallery has is a must-visit for art connoisseurs.
Pioneer Amphitheatre, located in Palo Duro Canyon, is a dedicated address for performing arts. Its weekly program includes concerts, musicals and drama productions that are a big draw among locals and visitors alike. It showcases performances by the Texas Musical Drama, and can also be rented out for private functions like wedding receptions and galas. Get here before the show for a delicious dinner of steak, bread and scrumptious sides.