From Wild West shootouts and cattle drives to the golden age of Route 66, Amarillo, Texas is steeped in frontier history and iconic Americana. Taking a road trip to Amarillo’s historic landmarks is like flipping through the pages of a living history book—except the chapters are grand courthouses, rugged ranches, vintage neon, and time-worn train depots.
If you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or curious road-tripper craving culture, this West Texas city delivers. Let Amarillo’s storied past come alive as you explore the historic gems that helped shape the Panhandle into the proud, independent place it is today.
Overview of Amarillo’s Historic Legacy
Founded in the late 1800s as a railroad town, Amarillo quickly grew into a booming cattle hub, later becoming a Route 66 icon and regional powerhouse. Its legacy includes cowboy culture, railroad expansion, oil booms, and mid-century Americana—all reflected in the landmarks that still stand today.
Many of Amarillo’s most significant sites are accessible by car and ideal for self-guided road trips. Whether you’re walking through a 1930s train depot, touring a cowboy’s mansion, or exploring a museum inside a former jailhouse, Amarillo offers hands-on history and authentic Texas grit at every turn.
Top Historic Landmarks to Visit on an Amarillo Road Trip
1. Harrington House Historic Home
Built in 1914 by oil tycoon Don Harrington, this grand mansion is one of the best-preserved examples of early 20th-century architecture in Amarillo. Inside, you’ll find period furnishings, fine art, and rich woodwork that reflect the city’s oil-boom elegance.
Address: 1600 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79102
Hours: Tours by appointment only
Approx Cost: Free (with advance reservation)
Famous For: Historic mansion showcasing Amarillo’s wealthy past
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book well in advance—tours fill quickly and offer a rare look inside Amarillo’s elite history.
2. Route 66 Historic District
A living landmark, this stretch of Sixth Avenue preserves Amarillo’s place on the “Mother Road.” Classic diners, neon signs, antique shops, and restored gas stations line the route, offering a nostalgic walk through mid-century Americana.
Address: SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
Hours: Open 24/7 (shops vary)
Approx Cost: Free to explore
Famous For: Historic Route 66 architecture, signs, and street life
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit in late afternoon for soft lighting and glowing neon as the sun sets.
3. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Located just south of Amarillo in Canyon, this is the largest history museum in Texas. It covers everything from dinosaurs and Native American heritage to oil exploration and 20th-century fashion. Their Old West town exhibit is a highlight.
Address: 2503 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79015
Hours: Tue–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $12 adults, $6 kids
Famous For: Immersive exhibits on Texas Panhandle history
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Give yourself 2–3 hours—you’ll want time to explore every wing.
4. Historic Santa Fe Building
Originally constructed in 1930 as a railway headquarters, this stunning Beaux-Arts building now houses government offices and remains one of the most impressive structures in downtown Amarillo. The exterior is rich with detail and historic charm.
Address: 900 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79101
Hours: Weekdays during business hours
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Grand railway-era architecture
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit early in the morning to capture photos of the golden sunlight bouncing off the facade.
5. Charles Goodnight Historical Center
This preserved ranch and museum honors legendary cattleman Charles Goodnight, a pioneer of the cattle drive era and co-creator of the Goodnight-Loving Trail. His restored Victorian home tells the story of the Panhandle’s ranching roots.
Address: 4989 Co Rd 25, Goodnight, TX 79019
Hours: Thu–Sat, 10 AM – 4 PM
Approx Cost: $7 adults, $5 seniors/kids
Famous For: Legacy of the “father of the Texas Panhandle”
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine this visit with a scenic drive along US-287 through ranch country.
6. Amarillo Railroad Museum
A hidden gem for train enthusiasts, this museum features large-scale model railroads, vintage rail cars, and exhibits about Amarillo’s railway past. The real draw is the historic Santa Fe caboose and indoor model train setup.
Address: 3160 I Ave, Amarillo, TX 79111
Hours: Sat, 10 AM – 3 PM
Approx Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Famous For: Historic railcars and massive model train layout
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Check Facebook for special event nights when extra trains are running.
7. Old Potter County Jail & Amarillo Historical Museum
Built in 1930, this Art Deco-style jail now houses Amarillo’s local history museum. It includes exhibits on early settlers, law enforcement, and regional growth. The building itself—with its barred windows and vintage design—is a standout.
Address: 412 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101
Hours: Thu–Sat, 12 PM – 4 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Historic jail converted into local museum
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask to tour the old cells—they’re intact and make for cool photos.
Great Local Eats Near Historic Sites
1. Youngblood’s Café
This local institution serves classic Texas breakfast and lunch with a vintage diner feel. It’s steps from the Route 66 District and perfect before a museum tour.
Address: 620 SW 16th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101
Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 2 PM
Approx Cost: $8–$15
Famous For: Chicken fried steak, biscuits & gravy
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Go early—it fills fast with locals and history buffs alike.
2. The GoldenLight Café & Cantina
An Amarillo classic dating back to 1946, GoldenLight is near Route 66 and perfect for snapping retro photos while grabbing a burger and beer.
Address: 2908 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106
Hours: Mon–Sat, 11 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Historic roadhouse charm and live music
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pair your visit with a walk through the 6th Street Historic District.
3. Calico County Restaurant
Decorated like a vintage general store, this down-home eatery serves Southern comfort food near many historic downtown landmarks.
Address: 2410 Paramount Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79109
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$18
Famous For: Cinnamon rolls, chicken pot pie, and Texas charm
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Save room for dessert—the pies are house-made and excellent.
Packing Tips for Historic Road Trips
- Notebook for recording stories and site facts
- Smartphone with camera or DSLR for photos
- Reusable water bottle for long days
- Printed itinerary with addresses (some spots have weak signal)
- Audio tour app for self-guided Route 66 history
- Sunscreen and hat for walking tours
- Lightweight jacket—museums can be chilly
- Tote bag for museum gift shop finds
- Snacks and a cooler for longer drives
- Old-school map or travel guide for context
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
Spring and fall offer the best temperatures for walking tours
Early mornings are ideal for photos and fewer crowds
Weekdays tend to be quieter at smaller museums
Some sites require reservations—always check ahead
Talk to docents—many have lived in Amarillo for decades and offer personal insights
Stay in the Route 66 district for walkable access to several historic stops
Conclusion
Amarillo isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s a time machine. From frontier ranches to railroad grandeur and neon-lit nostalgia, the city’s historic landmarks tell a bigger story of Texas resilience, pride, and progress. A road trip through these sites offers far more than photo ops—it delivers a deep connection to the people and moments that built the Panhandle.
So pack your curiosity and your camera. Whether you’re tracing the hoofprints of cattlemen or the footsteps of Route 66 travelers, Amarillo’s history is ready to be explored—one landmark at a time.
