Summers are for adventures, and long road trips are always exciting. But the pursuit of adventure doesn’t always have to require a long journey, so don’t neglect adventures that are possible closer to home. Make 2024 the summer you fully explore the best this area has to offer, starting with the unique canyon and outdoor access provided by MERUS Adventure and Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West, along with the history and storytelling of the TEXAS Outdoor Musical and Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and—a few short miles to the west—the vintage Route 66 vibe of Tucumcari, New Mexico. [
Two hours west of Amarillo on I-40, Tucumcari, New Mexico (pronounced “TWO-come-carry”) is a relaxed, rural community packed with Route 66 nostalgia, Old West history, and wide-open vistas. Originally founded as a railroad camp in 1901, the town was incorporated in 1908, and became part of Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, in 1926.
Route 66 runs through Tucumcari and is lined with historic motels, classic neon, and unique shops and eateries. Most known for the moniker “Tucumcari Tonite!” there is a wide variety of lodging for people traveling the highway to stop for the night and enjoy comfortable accommodations.
Museums and murals draw visitors into Tucumcari. The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory features a 40-foot-long skeleton of Tovosaurus (a carnivore relative of Tyrannosaurus rex), many interactive displays, and the world’s largest collection of bronze skeletons and fossils.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the Tucumcari Historical Museum, which is located in a 1903 schoolhouse. Each room has themed exhibits filled with artifacts and memorabilia. The displays also fill annex buildings on the property, two of which house a 1926 Chevrolet Fire Truck and an original chuck wagon.
The Tucumcari Railroad Museum is located along the tracks in the recently restored, 1926 Spanish-style historic depot. It offers a step back into the history and development of the Union Pacific Railroad in Tucumcari with pictures and artifacts. Visitors can even take a turn at the controls of a GP38 diesel locomotive simulator.
Classic car lovers will not be disappointed with a stop at the Route 66 Museum where there are several on display, including a 1929 Ford Model A Sedan and a 1956 Mercury Montclair, along with historic photos and other memorabilia.
There are nearly 100 murals in Tucumcari. Most of them are easily sighted and accessed along Tucumcari Boulevard, while others can be found on businesses and buildings throughout town. A mural map is available at the Tucumcari Chamber of Commerce to help visitors explore these unique pieces of art, many of which have a hidden object or message.
Come discover our stretch of the historic mother road and experience the small-town charm and hospitality of Tucumcari, New Mexico.
PanhandlePlains Historical Museum
Why should Texas Panhandle residents visit PanhandlePlains Historical Museum? In PPHM’s tremendous holdings, visitors find the heart of Texas art, the free spirit of the Taos and Santa Fe schools of art, and unsurpassed Southwest American Indian art They can unlock the hidden world of the ancient past through the paleontology, geology and archeology areas, while learning about the rich history of the region and seeing some of the finest examples of fashion in the Textiles Gallery. Exhibits change constantly and there is always something new to see. From dinosaurs to modern art, from saddles to automobiles, PPHM has it all at the largest history museum in Texas. How long has PPHM been open? Since 1933.
What do visitors seem to enjoy the most? Visitors love our Pioneer Town because they are immersed in the “Old West” and truly experience it firsthand, from pumping water at the well to sitting in the old school house. We also know people love our paleontology and imagining what life was like when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
What do you consider a “must-see” or “must-do”? Pioneer Town, dinosaurs and of course, our amazing art collections. We have two very special exhibits this summer: “Remembering Adobe Walls,” and “Dali’s Wonderland.” Our special exhibits are always a must-see.
What’s one thing that will surprise visitors? PPHM always surprises people by the sheer size and the amount of things you can learn and engage with. It is truly a place that all generations can enjoy.
TEXAS Outdoor Musical
Why should Texas Panhandle residents visit the TEXAS Outdoor Musical? TEXAS Outdoor Musical is an internationally known outdoor musical drama that has been performed since 1966 against the majestic backdrop of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. A talented cast of more than 60 actors, singers and dancers bring to life the stories, struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800s. Besides learning about the history of this fascinating time and place, you’ll also be treated to singing, dancing and a generous helping of our unique brand of Texas humor. Our 58th season runs every Sunday through Aug. 3. Kids ages 6 to 12 can get show tickets for just $1.00.
When was the TEXAS Outdoor Musical born? Our show began in 1960 when local resident Margaret Harper read an article in Reader’s Digest about a playwright and author named Paul Green. Across the United States, Green had recreated the history of several U.S. regions in tremendous dramas with pageantry and music. Harper wrote to Green and began corresponding with him about the land, people and beauty of Palo Duro Canyon. As interest in the prospect of an outdoor theater began to grow, a small group of Canyon families funded the first trip for Green to come to the Texas Panhandle later that year. Green immediately dedicated himself to the project of bringing the history of the High Plains to the stage. The support organization eventually expanded to include Amarillo and all the surrounding area.
What do visitors seem to enjoy the most? The musical is performed in the Pioneer Amphitheater, which is carved into a natural basin in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. At every performance, audiences are impressed by the dramatic moment that marks the beginning of the play, as a lone horseman carrying the Texas flag appears atop a 600-foot cliff. Along with the dramatic story, visitors also enjoy a variety of special effects during the performance—including lightning, fireworks and a water show—as well as backstage tours and an authentic barbecue dinner before the show.
What do you consider a “must-see” or “must-do”? The show, of course! The mixture of all the elements make TEXAS a unique and awesome experience for all ages, and attract visitors from around the world every season. Also, the drive down into the nation’s second-largest canyon is breathtaking. What’s one thing that will surprise visitors? A new feature to the show this summer is Shakespeare in the Canyon. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will open for four special performances in July: July 9, 16, 23 and 30. Kids under 12 years get in free. Special concession items, such as turkey legs, will be available for purchase.
TRAVEL
Why should Texas Panhandle residents visit Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West? Our experiences are regularly rated as the top local attraction on TripAdvisor. We host visitors to the Texas Panhandle from all over the world, but we also love serving local residents and giving them the experience of a lifetime on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. If you are a horse lover, a history buff, or someone looking for an experience you’ll remember forever—this is your place! Our business—which is entirely female-owned and -operated—offers a true and authentic Western experience. You’ll ride horses with authentic cowgirls across our thousands of acres of Texas land near Palo Duro Canyon, making unforgettable memories for all who visit us.
How long has Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West been in business? Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West just celebrated its 13th year in operation. During that time, we have been featured on many television shows, travel segments, and in digital and print media. Our recent segment on the popular The Texas Bucket List delighted us, because it highlighted our unique cowgirl operation.
What do visitors seem to enjoy the most? Our horses, our land, our history and our cowgirls—visitors often call this “the girl ranch,” and it’s accurate! We offer a variety of authentic western experiences for guests, including open-range horseback riding at our beautiful Los Cedros Ranch for novice and experienced riders; private chuckwagon meals on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon; and speaking, training and team-building sessions that focus on our western history. We teach teamwork, organizational skills, endurance and survival skills that translate to the workplace and the personal lives of participants. These are just some of the reasons Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West earned the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award this past year!
What do you consider a “must-see” or “must-do”? Among our most popular activities are our phenomenal two-hour sunset riding experiences. Guests love them! And because our chuckwagon events and flavors are so well-reviewed, we’ve introduced products for sale on our website, including our delicious new Hank’s Cowboy Rub and Sassy Cowgirl Rub. These are perfect for gifts or preparing your own barbecue at home.
What’s one thing that will surprise visitors? Our horses are all wellmannered and healthy American Quarter Horses and working cattle horses. Guests are amazed at how well our horses take care of them on our horseback rides. By the time our rides are finished, even first-time horse riders feel like they are real cowgirls and cowboys. They are also amazed with the thrilling history of our ranch, Palo Duro Canyon and West Texas itself.
INTRODUCING COWBOY AND COWGIRL BBQ RUBS MADE IN AMARILLO!
Merus Adventure Park
Why should Texas Panhandle residents visit Merus Adventure Park? Merus Adventure is quickly becoming a “go to destination” for family-friendly outdoor adventure in the United States. We have overlanding enthusiasts driving across the country to explore our trails in a part of Palo Duro Canyon that has, until now, been inaccessible to the public. We offer peaceful off-roading and overlanding on purposefully designed and built trails—no loud exhaust vehicles, motorcycles, UTVs or ATVs—and also offer unique adventures like caving, mountain biking, cabins, glamping, tent camping, and RV hookups. Despite our growing national reputation, Merus and our incredible piece of the canyon are still relatively “undiscovered” by locals.
What’s the Merus origin story? Our founder, Dirk van Reenen, used to love visiting Palo Duro Canyon when he was building his business and real estate career in Amarillo after attending WTAMU. He then spent several years elsewhere in Texas and as far away as Maryland before a series of events during the pandemic got him thinking again about the canyon—and the possibility of opening an adventure park in the Texas Panhandle. Dirk and his family owned a Jeep and loved the outdoors and overlanding scene. He envisioned exploring the canyon in vehicles, but in a quieter, more private environment. Three years ago, when a property that had once been part of Col. Goodnight’s historic JA Ranch went on the market, Dirk jumped at the opportunity to turn this dream into reality.
What do visitors seem to enjoy the most? We are located on 7,500 acres of explorable canyon terrain 13 miles west of the state park, so our main draw is definitely Palo Duro Canyon itself. Regardless of your activity, it’s a place to connect with nature and connect with others. The daily admissions at Merus are limited to 200 people, so we offer access to the canyon without crowds. The off-roading at Merus is always low-noise and slow speed, including guided tours and group packages.
What do you consider a “must-see” or “must-do”? Even if you feel like you know Palo Duro Canyon, the views and terrain at Merus are rugged, beautiful and truly epic. Experiencing it in a full-size, street-legal 4x4 vehicle is always so much fun. We have trails for every skill and vehicle build, and even offer rental vehicles. And if you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking, guided cave tours, and incredible moments in wild, untouched nature.
What’s one thing that will surprise visitors? We’re an outdoor destination, but some of our best features are indoors! We offer a variety of cabin and tent-camping options, including glamping— glamorous camping—which combines some of the comforts of home with the beauty of nature. Located on the Canyon rim, these tents are furnished with a queen bed, linens, tables, chairs, lights, water and a toilet, built up on platforms that get you out of the dirt. It’s a perfect place to unwind and watch a sunset after a day at Merus. You haven’t experienced the true beauty of a Texas sunset until you’ve stayed at one of our incredible glamping locations.
