AMARILLO

Population 160,288

Altitude 3,676

General

Commercial, cultural, and recreational center for vast plains of Texas Panhandle. World's leading helium producer; superb climate with air rated the cleanest in the nation for a city of its size. Fifty-six parks cover 2,300 acres and includes tennis courts, swimming pools, fishing lakes, playgrounds, and a 36 hold municipal golf course.

First settlement in 1887 was buffalo-hide tent camp of railroad construction workers. Today, excellent accommodations, spacious convention/civic center, symphony, ballet, little theater, opera, and home of Amarillo College and Texas State Technical College.

Inquire locally about Big Texan Steak Ranch and Emporium. Known nationwide for 72 ounce steak dinner offered free to anyone who can eat the entire meal in one hour. 7700 I-40 East; open daily

AMARILLO LIVESTOCK AUCTION

AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART

AMARILLO ZOO

AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE HERITAGE CENTER AND MUSEUM

CADILLAC RANCH

COWBOY MORNING/EVENING

CREEKWOOD RANCH OLD WEST SHOW AND CHUCK WAGON SUPPER

DON HARRINGTON DISCOVERY CENTER

GARDEN CENTER

Attractions

• AMARILLO LIVESTOCK AUCTION - Amarillo is headquarters for an immense ranch and cattle feedlot area and Texas'' largest livestock auction. By scientific feed formulas, livestock are brought to precise weight and grade requirements of meat packers. More than 600,000 cattle move through the auction ring at stockyards each year, bringing over $130 million. Auctions are held Tues. at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at 100 South manhattan. 806-373-7464.
• AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART - Magnificent complex of three buildings designed by Edward Stone (Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.) devoted to the fine arts, music and drama, combining both exhibition space and teaching areas. Excellent permanent collection of paintings and sculpture, plus regular performing arts. 2200 Van Buren Street on the campus of Amarillo College. Open Tues. to Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. from 1 to 5 p.m.; and Thurs. from 7 to 9 p.m. 806-371-5050.
• AMARILLO ZOO - Playground and zoo with theme from children's stories. Zoo's animals are those that appeal to youngsters. Open daily in Thompson PARK, N.E. 24th Street at U.S. 287. 806-383-6141.
  
• AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE HERITAGE CENTER AND MUSEUM - Headquarters for the world's largest equine registry, more than 2.6 million horses registered in 53 countries. Quarter Horse was the first American horse breed; still is a favorite mount of cowboys. Showcases history and activities of breed with exhibits, videos, hands-on displays, and gift store. Open daily May - Aug. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sept. April. Mon. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun noon to 5 p.m. Located at I-40 at Nelson Street exit. 806-376-5181.
• CADILLAC RANCH - "Bumper crop" of ten Cadillacs buried nose down in a field at the same angle as Cheops' pyramids. Represent the gold Age from 1949 through 1963. Located just west of city on I-40 Historic Route 66.
  
• COWBOY MORNING/EVENING - From April 15 to October 15 join groups for Old West-style chuck wagon breakfast on the open range at the rim of Palo Duro Canyon - scrambled eggs, ranch sausage, sourdough biscuits, brown gravy, and campfire coffee. Dinner features steak with all the trimmings; enjoy a wagon ride, watch real cowboys roping, and receive a souvenir brand. Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.; dinner usually at 6:30 p.m. For reservations call 806-944-5562 or 1-800-658-2613.
• CREEKWOOD RANCH OLD WEST SHOW AND CHUCK WAGON SUPPER - Wagons take visitors to "campsite" where entertainment features cowboys, Indians, singing, and rope tricks. Authentic chuck wagon supper served. Dinner and performances Thurs. - Sun. at 6 p.m. Reservations required. Creekwood Ranch, 8 miles south on Washington St. F.M. 1541. 1-800-658-6673, or 806-356-9256.
• DON HARRINGTON DISCOVERY CENTER - In the center of a 51 acre park with lake and picnic area, this museum offers a variety of attractions. All exhibits encourage hands-on activities. "Aquariums of the World" features fish from exotic waters. There's the Black Hole, giant kaleidoscope and more. The planetarium has star shows, a night sky program, and specially produced 360 degree films with spectacular visual effects. Center open Memorial Day - Labor Day, Tues., - sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun 1 to 5 p.m. Planetarium shows Sept. May, Sat., 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Sun 2 and 3 p.m. ; 1200 Streit Drive Planetarium fee. 806-355-9548
• GARDEN CENTER - Lavish floral displays edge immaculate lawns, walkways and picnic areas in 51 acre park adjacent to the Amarillo Medical Center on west side of the city. Includes touch and smell garden for the blind. 1400 Streit Street.

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