DFW to Amarillo: Route 66 Icons & Palo Duro Views

DFW to Amarillo: Route 66 Icons & Palo Duro Views

Trip Snapshot

• Distance & drive time: ~365 miles one-way from Dallas/Fort Worth to Amarillo (around 5.5–6 hours of driving).
• Best time: April–June or September–October for mild weather and impressive skies (thunderheads or sunsets). Summer is hot; winter can be cold with occasional ice.
• Ideal for: Families, photographers, Route 66 nostalgia buffs, and anyone who loves wide open spaces.
• Quick route summary: Head northwest from DFW on US-287 through Fort Worth and Wichita Falls, straight to Amarillo. In Amarillo, I-40 will take you to western attractions like Cadillac Ranch. A side trip south to Palo Duro Canyon (via I-27 to TX-217) is highly recommended.
• Top 3 highlights: Spray-painting art at Cadillac Ranch • Exploring Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District • Hiking the colorful Palo Duro Canyon.

Route Overview

US-287 takes you on a straight shot through Texas cattle country and into the Panhandle plains. It’s a classic drive with big skies, wind farms, and small towns breaking up the landscape. Wichita Falls makes for a convenient halfway pit stop. As you approach Amarillo, you might catch the scent of stockyards (it’s cattle country, after all!) and see the city’s grain elevators and neon signs. Amarillo itself is a hub on old Route 66, full of mid-century Americana. Be mindful of sudden speed limit drops when you approach towns—speed traps are not uncommon. And once you’re past Wichita Falls, it’s wise to refill your gas tank when it gets half empty; services can be far apart on the Panhandle highways.

Top Stops & Experiences

• Lucy Park (Wichita Falls) — Family-friendly. A green oasis along the Wichita River, perfect for a picnic or a quick walk. There’s a loop trail to a pretty waterfall (man-made, but still scenic) and even a swinging bridge. The kids can burn off energy at the playground. Parking is easy inside the park and it’s not far off your route.
• “World’s Littlest Skyscraper” (Wichita Falls) — Family-friendly. A funny slice of Texas lore: this skinny brick building downtown was the result of a 1919 investment scam. It’s only 4 stories (about 40 feet) tall! It now houses a tiny gift shop. It’s worth a quick photo and chuckle—parking can be found on nearby streets.
• Cadillac Ranch (west of Amarillo) — Family-friendly. Ten classic Cadillacs buried nose-first in a cow pasture, an art installation that’s become an iconic roadside stop. Bring along some spray paint (or buy some from vendors who are often on-site) so you can leave your own temporary graffiti on the cars. Parking is free along the side of the frontage road off I-40; it’s a short walk into the field. Expect windy conditions and wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty or muddy.
• Route 66 Historic District (6th Ave, Amarillo) — Family-friendly. Amarillo’s stretch of the old Mother Road runs along 6th Avenue between Georgia and Western Streets. It’s lined with antique shops, retro diners, art galleries, and neon signs. Stroll the strip to soak up the 1950s vibes. In the evenings, some live music spots come to life (some are more PG-13 when the bar crowd comes in).
• The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo) — Family-friendly. This quirky steakhouse is home to the infamous 72-ounce steak challenge (eat it with all the sides in under an hour and it’s free!). Even if you’re not attempting it, it’s fun to watch someone who is. The restaurant has an on-site motel and a kitschy Western saloon vibe. Kids will like the arcade and giant cowboy boots outside. It’s right off I-40 and has plenty of parking.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Family-friendly. Often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this park is about 30 minutes south of Amarillo near the town of Canyon. Drive the scenic park road down into the multi-colored canyon for stunning views. There are easy hiking trails like the famous Lighthouse Trail (6 miles round-trip) to a rock formation, and even an outdoor musical drama "Texas" performed in summer. Entry costs a small fee per person. Go in the morning during summer to avoid heat, and carry water—temperatures in the canyon are higher than on the rim.
• Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum (Canyon) — Family-friendly. Located on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon (on your way to Palo Duro), this is Texas’s largest history museum. Exhibits range from paleontology (dinosaur fossils) to an excellent display of life in the pioneer days and the oil boom. It’s very interactive for kids with lots of big artifacts. Plan for 1-2 hours. Plenty of free parking on site.
• RV Museum (Jack Sisemore Traveland, Amarillo) — Family-friendly. A free little museum at an RV dealership showcasing vintage campers and motorhomes. You can step inside many of them — including the oldest Airstream. It’s a quick, quirky stop if you have RV fans in the family or just want a dose of road trip nostalgia. Check hours before detouring.

Where to Eat & Stay

Food

• GoldenLight Café & Cantina (Amarillo) — A Route 66 institution for classic burgers, fries, and live music on weekends. It’s a laid-back, no-frills diner that’s been around since 1946. Kids are welcome (try the cheeseburger, it’s one of the best in town).
• The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo) — Mentioned above as a stop, it’s also a solid dining choice beyond the 72oz novelty. They serve all kinds of steaks, BBQ, and country sides. The atmosphere is pure Texas kitsch. Family-friendly (there’s a shooting gallery game for kids and lots to look at).
• Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant (Wichita Falls) — If you stop in Wichita Falls for lunch or dinner, this local Tex-Mex spot is tasty and casual. Fajitas, tacos, and friendly service — it’s near the highway and has its own parking lot.
• Palio’s Pizza (Canyon) — After a day hiking in Palo Duro, nothing hits the spot like pizza. This local joint in nearby Canyon is affordable, quick, and kid-friendly (you can dine in or take back to your hotel).

Lodging

• Downtown Amarillo: There are a few hotels and B&Bs near the Route 66 Historic District and downtown area. Staying here lets you walk to some bars or cafés in the evening and see the neon lights. It’s also convenient to get to attractions like the Cadillac Ranch (just a short drive west).
• Canyon: If Palo Duro Canyon is a priority, consider spending a night in the town of Canyon, which has a couple of chain hotels and motels. You’ll be only 15-20 minutes from the state park, which makes catching a sunrise or an early hike easier.
• Along the Route: If you prefer to break the drive, Wichita Falls has a range of hotels about 2 hours from DFW. It’s a good midway stop if you left in the evening or want to start fresh for the second leg.

Detours & Extensions

• U-Drop Inn Café (Shamrock, TX) — add ~2 hours. East of Amarillo (the opposite direction of DFW) on I-40 is Shamrock, home to a beautifully restored Art Deco gas station and cafe known as the U-Drop Inn. It’s a famous Route 66 landmark (you might recognize it as inspiration for a scene in the movie Cars). It’s a bit out of the way unless you’re continuing east, but a great photo op for serious Route 66 fans.
• Lubbock Loop — add half a day. About 2 hours south of Amarillo is Lubbock, the hometown of rock’n’roll legend Buddy Holly. You could drive down US-87 to visit the Buddy Holly Center and see the famous statue of Buddy’s glasses. Lubbock also has the American Windmill Museum and some great wineries. This is only if you have extra time and curiosity, as it’s quite out of the way from the direct DFW-Amarillo route.

Practical Tips

• Fuel up smart: Once you get past Wichita Falls, gas stations and towns thin out. Make it a habit to refill your tank when it’s half full, especially in the evening. Better safe than sorry on those long stretches.
• Watch the weather: The Panhandle is known for sudden weather changes. In spring, thunderstorms can be severe—keep an ear on the radio for tornado watches if storms are forecast. In winter, occasional ice or snow can make the highways hazardous (they sometimes close parts of I-40 for ice).
• Stay wind-aware: Constant winds are a staple of the high plains. When driving, be ready for gusts, especially if you’re in a high-profile vehicle like an SUV or van. Hold the wheel steady and give extra space when passing trucks (they can sway in strong gusts).
• Canyon timing: If visiting Palo Duro Canyon in summer, aim for morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lower. There’s very little shade in the canyon, and the heat is more intense than in Amarillo. Also, check park hours—gates close at night, and you don’t want to get locked in.

Rentals & Logistics

• Vehicle choice: An SUV is a good pick for this trip, as it handles the Panhandle winds well and you’ll have plenty of cargo space for camping gear if you’re adventurous (Palo Duro has campsites). A minivan works great for families and is very road-trip friendly too.
• Dust control: Palo Duro’s red dirt is beautiful but messy. If you rent an SUV or truck, consider asking for all-weather mats to make cleaning up easier when you return the car.
• One-way option: If you’re not heading back to DFW, check if your rental offers a one-way to Amarillo (and maybe fly out of Amarillo’s small airport). It might save time, and fees for in-state one-ways are sometimes reasonable.

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