5 Tourist Spots in Amarillo – A Roadside Town Developed by Cars and Aircraft

Located in northern Texas, the town of Amarillo gets its name from the Spanish word amarillo, meaning “yellow.” The origin is said to be either the yellow wildflowers that bloom in spring or the yellowish desert soil in the region. When visiting Amarillo, it might be hard to imagine what kind of attractions await, right?
This time, let’s introduce some tourist spots in Amarillo, also known as “The Yellow Rose of Texas.”

1. Amarillo Zoo

If you're visiting Amarillo with your family, the Amarillo Zoo is a recommended spot. It’s not a large-scale zoo, but it's an easily enjoyable attraction with a reasonable admission fee. Despite being affordable, the well-maintained facility and variety of programs attract many visitors.
At Amarillo Zoo, you'll find rare animals such as lions, Bengal tigers, American bison, bobcats, and kangaroos. There are also reptiles, birds, amphibians, and insects. Some animals can even be interacted with, making this a great spot not just for kids, but for animal lovers too.

2. Wonderland Amusement Park

How about visiting a theme park long loved by the citizens of Amarillo? Wonderland Amusement Park is a fun-filled amusement park with a variety of attractions. Inside the park, you'll find roller coasters, free fall rides, water slides, and kids’ attractions. There are also game zones and mini-games that make you lose track of time from having so much fun. If you're in the mood for a fun-filled day in Amarillo, definitely give this place a try.
In fact, this amusement park was created over 60 years ago by Paul and Alecia. They started by planting trees in what was once a bare field and gradually built up the park by hand, beginning with just three rides. Today, the park attracts over 200,000 visitors annually and has become a well-known tourist destination. Though Paul and Alecia have passed away, their children and grandchildren continue to run the theme park.

3. Texas Air & Space Museum

The Texas Air & Space Museum is a tourist spot where you can learn about the history and technology of aviation. As Amarillo is known for manufacturing helicopters and military aircraft, this is a popular destination.
The museum's mission is to share science, technology, and aviation history at the local, state, national, and global levels. The exhibits range from futuristic aircraft to propeller planes, military jets to civilian aircraft. Some planes allow you to step inside, making for a fascinating visit.

4. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts

Opened in 2006, this tourist attraction is a concert hall that hosts opera, orchestra, and ballet performances. It is an essential cultural hub for the people of Amarillo and surrounding areas to enjoy art and culture.
A highlight is the beautiful architecture of the hall. The finely crafted wooden ceiling alone is worth seeing. The sunlit lobby and overall design are the work of American architect Malcolm Holzman. Be sure to stop by during your visit to Amarillo.

5. Amarillo Little Theatre

Located in Amarillo’s Civic Circle, the Amarillo Little Theatre is one of the oldest community theaters in the U.S., operated by a nonprofit organization. Though small, it’s a beloved attraction for locals.
Throughout the year, many musicals and plays are performed here. Despite its size, the performers and staff are top-tier professionals. A visit here during your Amarillo trip will surely offer an impressive show.

◎ Summary

This time, we introduced tourist spots mainly in the city of Amarillo, Texas. However, there are still many must-see destinations in the surrounding area.
To the south of Amarillo is Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Head north and you'll find Alibates Flint Quarries, and further on is the Caprock Canyons State Park, a bison preserve where you can experience the vast American wilderness.
Additionally, the historic Route 66, a famous U.S. highway, runs through Amarillo and serves as a major tourist attraction. One particularly unique spot along Route 66 is the Cadillac Ranch, where several Cadillacs are buried nose-first in the ground.
As you can see, Amarillo is full of hidden gems. If you have the chance to visit Texas, why not take a detour to explore this fascinating town?

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