CANYON

Population 12,179

Altitude 3,566

General

Originated in 1878 as headquarters for huge T Anchor Ranch; seat of Randall County and gateway to spectacular Palo Duro Canyon State Park; home of West Texas State A&M University.

BUFFALO LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK

PANHANDLE PLAINS HISTORICAL MUSEUM

PIONEER AMPHITHEATER

Attractions

• BUFFALO LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - One of the major waterfowl refuges on the Central Flyway, the 7,t677 acre refuge is a winter haven for a million ducks and 80,000 geese. Once known as Tierra Blanca Water Conservation Project, the lake now holds very little water but refuge about 12 miles west continues to draw visitors on its interpretive walking trail and 4.5 mile auto interpretive rail. Activities include picnicking, sightseeing, birding, nature study, photography, and campsites with tables, grills - no water or electricity. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Refuge headquarters; 3 miles south of Umbarger on F.M. 168.
• PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK - One of the state's largest state parks. 15,103 acres amid scenic landscape of Palo Duro Canyon. On the tabletop expanse of the Texas High Plains, a branch of the Red River has carved the incredible spires and pinnacles of Palo Duro. Walls plunge a thousand feet to the canyon floor, exposing brilliant multicolored strata. Camping, picnicking rest rooms and showers, horseback riding, hiking trails, Sad Monkey miniature train ride, souvenir and snack shop, interpretive center, and amphitheater where shows are staged during the summer season. About 12 miles east via Texas 217 and Park Road 5. Admission is charged.

  Within park is historical marker citing last great Indian battle in Texas. On a sweep across the High Plains in 1874, the famous Col. Ronald S. Mackenzie, leading troops of 4th Cavalry from Fort Richardson discovered huge camp of Comanches in the canyon. The Indians had broken from their reservations and were menacing a wide area. Achieving surprise, troops quickly overran the village and captured some 1,400 horses. The Indians fled to strong points in canyon. In a master stroke of tactics Mackenzie did not try to dislodge the Indians, but burned the village and slaughtered their horses; the proud plains warriors had no choice but to plod back to their reservations in Oklahoma.

• PANHANDLE PLAINS HISTORICAL MUSEUM - On campus of West Texas State A&M University honors pioneers of Texas' colorful past. Entrance doors ornamented with historic brands, fascinating Old West exhibits include chuck wagon, extensive gun collection, prehistoric fossils and wildlife. Other collections show prehistoric Indian cultures, archaeology and Frank Reaugh Collection of Southwestern Art.

  Don Harrington Petroleum Wing, opened in 1986, incorporates latest in exhibit design and museum interpretation. Geology, underground tool and oil field displays give viewer feeling of "being there". Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (6 p.m. June - August). Sunday and holidays (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and the day before, and New Year's Day) 1 to 6 p.m.

• PIONEER AMPHITHEATER - Setting for "TEXAS' spectacular outdoor drama by Paul Green, presented nightly except Sundays from late June through late August. Located in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, backdropped by 600 foot cliff. Cowboys, Indians, and settlers move over huge stage; riders spotlighted on cliffside trails, stereo music echoes through the canon. Nationally acclaimed show. Separate admission for the park and show, but free; park admission after 5:30 p.m. for those attending the show. All seats reserved; advance reservations advisable. Canyon nights are cool even in midsummer, and a wrap is recommended. Tickets available a theater, also at "TEXAS" Information Office, 1514 5th Avenue, Canyon, Texas 79015.Ticket prices from Monday through Friday are $7, $12, and $14 dollars. On Friday and Saturday the prices are $8, $14, and $16. A barbeque dinner starts from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m and the price is $6.50. The play starts at 8:30 p.m. Checks and Cash are accepted. NO credit cards. Call 806-655-2181.

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