Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting to Canyon (and the actual canyon) is easiest by car.
Canyon
POP 13,600
Small yet cultured, Canyon is in many ways more interesting than Amarillo to the north.
Georgia O'Keeffe once taught art at what is now west Texas A&M University, and
today's campus is home to what many people figure is the best history museum in Texas -
the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Moreover, this is an ideal starting spot for Palo
Duro Canyon State Park, one of the state's natural showpieces.
Sights
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
( 806-651-2244;
www.panhandleplains.org
;
2401 4th Ave; adult/child $10/5; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat Jun-Aug, to
5pm Sep-May)
The many ways to skin a buffalo is but one of the myriad highlights of this
magnificent museum, a Texas plains must-see. You can hit the highlights in an hour or
easily lose a day.
Collections and displays include the Panhandle's oil heyday as seen through the prism
of the boomtown of Borger and an old-time filling station; life-size casts of dinosaurs; the
oldest assembly-line auto in the world (a 1903 Ford); world-class art from Texas painters
and photographers; and the role of the buffalo in the rich cultures of Native Americans.
MUSEUM
Sleeping
The drive south from Amarillo can be a chore at busy times, so it's better to stay in
Canyon for a visit to the park. Campers should head straight to the park.
MOTEL
$
Buffalo Inn
( 806-655-2124, 800-526-9968;
www.buffaloinncanyontx.com
; 300 23rd St/US 87; r $40-75; )
This
classic 1950s single-story motor court is centrally located by the west Texas A&M cam-
pus. It's snappily maintained and has the charm lacking in new chains.
Best Western Palo Duro Canyon
MOTEL
$$
