Top 10 Things Not to Miss in North and West Texas: Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, Midland, El Paso

1. In Amarillo, stand on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro is the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Hike the colorful trails, catch the outdoor musical Texas in the summer, and marvel at the sweeping desert views.

2. Take a selfie at Cadillac Ranch. This quirky roadside art installation just outside Amarillo features 10 vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark, making it an ever-changing canvas of color.

3. Tour the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. Pay tribute to the rock ’n’ roll legend at this museum, which houses memorabilia, guitars, and exhibits about Holly’s life and musical influence. Don’t miss the nearby sculpture of Holly’s iconic, black-framed glasses.

4. Enjoy award-winning vintages along the Lubbock wine trail. The High Plains region produces 90 percent of Texas wine grapes – it’s an unexpected delight in the heart of cotton country.

5. In Abilene, explore Frontier Texas! – an interactive museum. This attraction brings the Old West to life, with holographic guides and immersive exhibits. Experience Texas history and learn about buffalo hunters, cowboys, and Comanche warriors.

6. Admire Abilene’s storybook sculptures. Whimsical bronze statues of beloved children’s book characters adorn Abilene’s downtown, from the Cat in the Hat to the Lorax. It’s a playful, walkable way to experience the city’s National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature.

7. Visit the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland. Dive into the story of Texas oil and gas with exhibits ranging from boomtown history to race cars designed by Jim Hall. The museum provides depth on the region’s global energy impact.

8. Catch a show at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. Located between Midland and Odessa, this state-of-the-art venue hosts everything from Broadway tours and symphony performances to top-name concerts, offering world-class entertainment in West Texas.

9. Walk the El Paso Mission Trail. This nine-mile route connects three Spanish missions dating to the 1600s – the historic churches and surrounding adobe neighborhoods reflect the area’s cultural and architectural heritage.

10. Explore Franklin Mountains State Park. This rugged mountain range, not far from downtown El Paso, offers hiking, biking, and rock climbing, with panoramic views of Mexico and New Mexico.