Panhandle Region
RETURN TO GOSH2022
Chynna Clugston Flores
panhandle-plains historical museum
HISTORY | Panhandle
Travel through time from dinosaurs to conquistadors at the Panhandle-Plains Historial Museum, the largest history museum in Texas. Visit a life-size pioneer town, learn how the discovery of oil transformed Texas or just admire one of the finest collections of Texas and Southwest American Indian art anywhere. Exhibits change constantly, so there’s always something new — or very old! — to see.
Snap a selfie in front of the museum’s front door, featuring cattle brands and a giant longhorn.
Sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Chynna Clugston Flores
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
PARKS | Panhandle
Palo Duro Canyon is home to two iconic landmarks. One is the Lighthouse, the most famous rock formation in the park, and possibly in Texas. The other is the outdoor musical Texas, which has entertained Texans for nearly 60 years. Whether you’re into theater or trails, there’s plenty to love at Palo Duro.
Snap a selfie under the Texas archway at the park’s Pioneer Amphitheater.
Sponsored by Texas Outdoor Musical
Chynna Clugston Flores
Lake Fryer
SPLASH | Panhandle
Wolf Creek, in eastern Ochiltree County, has long been a source of water in the Panhandle — there is abundant evidence of occupation there by Pueblo tribes dating back to prehistoric times. In modern times, Lake Fryer is accessible via Wolf Creek Park, and is a beautifully remote spot for camping, fishing and swimming.
Snap a selfie with the lake in the background.
Chynna Clugston Flores
Wildcat Bluff Nature Center
WILD TEXAS | Panhandle
Once part of the historic Frying Pan Ranch, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center is 640 acres of wide-open Texas. Stroll through 5 miles of primitive trails or the paved and accessible Libb’s Trail, or hike up to the Wildcat Bluff for some striking views of the Panhandle.
Snap a selfie with the park’s windmill in the background — an easy 0.7-mile walk from the trailhead.
Chynna Clugston Flores
Tower station/U-Drop Inn
QUIRKY | Panhandle
This historic Route 66 landmark is the basis for Ramone’s House of Body Art in downtown Radiator Springs in the Pixar movie Cars. Today, the building is owned by the City of Shamrock, which operates the station as a visitors center. While you’re unlikely to encounter Lightning McQueen, you will find a Cars-themed gift shop inside.
Snap a selfie with Tower Station in the background.
Chynna Clugston Flores
This Land is Your Land Sculpture
MUSIC | Panhandle
Woody Guthrie first started writing songs as a teenager in Pampa. Pull into town and you’ll be greeted by a 142-foot-long, note-accurate carbon-steel facsimile of the sheet music to the intro to Woody’s most famous tune, This Land Is Your Land.
Snap a selfie with the sculpture in the background.