AmarilloOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Railroad and Early Settlement

Amarillo began in the spring of 1887, when the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway extended its lines across the Texas Panhandle. J. T. Berry, a townsite developer, selected a well-watered section of school land in Potter County, near a playa lake known as Amarillo, or Wild Horse, Lake. The settlement was first named Oneida, but was soon renamed Amarillo, likely for the yellow color (amarillo in Spanish) of the sub-soil in the nearby Amarillo Creek.

The railroad transformed Amarillo into a cattle-marketing center. By 1890, it was one of the world's busiest cattle-shipping points. Berry secured the townsite as the county seat on August 30, 1887, by promising business and residence lots to LX Ranch employees. The original low-lying site was prone to flooding, leading to a relocation in 1889. Henry B. Sanborn and Joseph F. Glidden bought land a mile to the east on higher ground, offering incentives for businesses to move to the new Polk Street commercial district.

Oil, Gas, and Route 66

The early 20th century brought further development to Amarillo. Natural gas was discovered in 1918, followed by oil in 1921. This led to the creation of zinc smelters, oil refineries, and shipping facilities. In 1928, the discovery of the helium-rich Cliffside gas field led to the establishment of the United States Helium Plant, giving Amarillo the nickname "Helium Capital of the World." The 1920s also saw Amarillo become a stop along U.S. Route 66, reinforcing its role as a transportation hub. The city's population nearly tripled during the 1920s oil boom, reaching over 43,000 residents by 1930. During the 1930s, Amarillo was affected by the Dust Bowl and an economic depression. However, World War II led to the establishment of the Amarillo Army Air Field and the Pantex Army Ordnance Plant, which reopened in 1950 and became a site for nuclear weapons production during the Cold War.

• —Cadillac Ranch — Ten Cadillac models from 1949 to 1963 are buried nose-first in a field, angled like the pyramids of Giza. Visitors can bring spray paint to add their own marks to the installation.
• —6th Street Historic District — This mile-long section of old Route 66 contains historic shops and theaters, now housing cafes, boutiques, and antique markets. The Natatorium, a stucco building, served as both a swimming pool and an Art Deco ballroom.
• —Potter County Courthouse — This eight-story Art Deco structure, built in 1932, features a stepped design of cast stone and terra cotta. Its main and rear entrances have porticos decorated with cactus pads in relief.
• —American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum — This museum covers the history and culture of the American Quarter Horse, a breed used in settling the American West. Exhibits show its role in racing, riding, ranching, and showing.
• —Palo Duro Canyon State Park — About 30 minutes southeast of Amarillo, this is the second-largest canyon in the United States. It offers over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding among red stone and desert brush.
• —The Big Texan Steak Ranch — This restaurant is known for its 72-ounce steak challenge. If a diner eats the entire steak dinner, including sides, in one hour, it is free.

The best times to visit Amarillo are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and clear skies. In spring, the weather is mild, while fall also provides pleasant conditions.

Summers (June to August) have high heat, with daily highs often above 83°F and sometimes reaching 100°F. Winters (November to February) are cold and dry, with average lows in January around 26°F and occasional freezing temperatures. Avoid visiting in winter if you prefer warmer weather, as freezing temperatures are common and can drop to 0°F.

Amarillo is served by Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA), located about 10 miles east of downtown. There is no extensive public transportation system for tourists. Amarillo City Transit provides bus services. A car is recommended for exploring the city and surrounding areas like Palo Duro Canyon.

Downtown Amarillo offers various parking options. City-owned surface lots are generally free, except during Hodgetown events when some may be paid. On-street timed parking is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an hourly fee of $1. Check local signage for specific time limits. The Polk Street Parking Garage and a garage at 600 S. Buchanan offer hourly and daily rates. Private parking bays can be reserved through services like Parksy.