Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

    4.8 (38 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Photos

    More like Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

    Recommended Reviews - Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Allosaurus! With bonus Triceratops in background. =)
    Elliott B.

    WOW!! Who'dathunk?? What an awesome surprise in a fairly small town. This museum is L.E.G.I.T. Dinos and oil rigs and gems and an unbelievable collection of historical firearms, oh my! This place is BIG. Again, for a small town, it was so unexpectedly large and well done. We didn't even get to see everything because my wife was done - while my 10-year old son was still wanting to see the rest of it! Amazing. To keep my ADD son's attention that long - impressive. I wish we'd gotten to see the north Texas plains area of the music, highlighting the history of the panhandle area. It's supposed to be excellent. The dino section is excellent. The full size, REAL cable-tool drilling rig was a highlight. This thing is OLD and very much real. They had a lot of historical oilfield stuff that was super interesting and just downright neat. (Dork alert - *raises hand*.) They had a classic cars section that was super cool. The historical weapons section was really really respectable and interesting. I can't even remember what else they managed to cram into this place, but I do wish we'd seen it all. I very much hope to go back and see the rest!

    Britt C.

    This is Texas largest history museum with over 26,000 square feet to walk around and learn. Give yourself enough time to see everything. I would say we were there three hours and that was with a little boy and he was not bored. When you walk in it shows you the different time periods. We loved the dinosaur area, probably my sons favorite. You will walk into the Old West in a life-size Pioneer Town, I really enjoyed that. That is a permanent exhibit along with, paleontology, Geology, archeology, weapons, transportation and many more. They also have special exhibits so they change from time to time. If you go to their website it will show you the exhibits they currently have. We would definitely visit this museum again if we were in the area.

    Kaye C.

    What do you do in Canyon when Palo Duro is closed due to flooding?? You go to the local museum! I did not have high hopes for this and figured it would just be a time waster, but this was one of the coolest places we went to! They have a bunch of separate areas from oil, to dinosaurs, to race cars to local Texas history. I loved the different sections and learning something new at each area. The Native American items and local cowboys were super interesting. Great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

    Parking lot
    Kelly R.

    Okay so first off, I want to say, if you haven't been to Canyon, TX, you are missing out. This little town is amazing and their downtown square is beautiful! The Panhandle-Plains Museum is connected to the West Texas A&M campus. Parking for the museum is across the street in designated spots just for visiting museum patrons. The museum is multi storied and packed full! To really devote time to each exhibit would take a couple of hours. We are a military family and during the month of June, this museum participates in the Blue Star Family program. This means that veteran, active and guard/reserve are FREE with an active CAC card. What a great asset this collection of history is for TEXAS!!!!

    She enjoyed the art most of all.
    Tisha B.

    My 3 year old daughter & I had a great time exploring the museum. There were only approximately 4 other guests in the building so were able to go at our own pace. We really enjoyed the art galleries as well. We look forward to returning.

    Mike B.

    Had a few hours to burn and decided to take look here. I really enjoyed this place. I'm not really big into art, but all the other displays were really neat. On the first floor they have old buildings such as hotels, saloons, barber shops......and more that you can view a part of. I mean it's not the whole building, but they show you what it was like back then. You probably need about 3 hours to get a really good tour. I think I was there about 2 hours and there were some exhibits i didn't get too. I would definitely check it out, and I'm glad I stopped in.

    Melodie C.

    First of all, the locals in Amarillo told me not to come here. They told me it would not be worth my time. Boy were they wrong! I only had two hours to spend in here, so I knew I would be in and out quick. Come to find out, there's no way you'll get out that quickly. I was in there for three and easily could've spent twice that long in there. No matter what interests you, there's something you'll enjoy here. There's antique cars, Texas historical items, art galleries, and a massive gun gallery full of firearms from World War I and World War II and beyond. As of August 2018, adult entry is $12.50. They could easily charge twice that and I would've paid it and been just as happy. This is a must see if you're in the area. But definitely plan for half a day. Have a great time!

    Literature display

    See all

    Photo of John M.
    0
    46
    12

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    This wonderful museum must stay open! I spent hours in there and had to bring friends back to experience it.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 36
    Thanks 0
    Love this 40
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wes O.
    1403
    1418
    29

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike B.
    9
    114
    22

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    A hidden gem! Plan on 2-3 hours (at least) to explore all the incredible exhibits. Can't recommend this museum highly enough!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T P.
    20
    76
    80

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    There is a lot to look at here. The kids love it and it isn't real busy, so you can take your time and really dive into some history.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Extensive collection across numerous subjects. Wish we could have spent more than one hour there.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ty O.
    36
    88
    44

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Laura W.
    60
    35
    69

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C B.
    0
    97
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Absolutely one of the best museums!! So many fabulous exhibits that encapsulate West Texas! Friendly staff and very family friendly!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amanda G.
    107
    14
    6

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Stacey H.
    53
    92
    26

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Wonderful museum covering lots of history, lots of hands-on exhibits. We completely lost track of time. Want to come back again soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M L.
    0
    8
    16

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

    Review Highlights - Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

    My favorite had to be the Pioneer Town, that was set up like small businesses in the 1890s and the region.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Window On The Plains Museum - 1890's ranch kitchen

    Window On The Plains Museum

    5.0(4 reviews)
    59.7 mi

    What a cool museum!! I was very surprised at high big it was once I entered inside. The lady…read moreworking there was very friendly and welcoming. She gave us a thorough explanation of the layout and the exhibits. It truly felt like going back in time in the life of the panhandle looking at all the wonderful displays. They have extensive exhibits of farming, ranching, industry, business, family life, military, and wildlife. We learned that all these were donated by local residents! Some include a fully equipped early dentist office, a doctor's office, replica of a 1920's home, and even yearbook pictures of Dumas High School. We also got to meet the painter who creates all the wonderful art on display for sale at the Art Center inside the museum. If you're ever in Dumas, definitely check it out! Surprised that admission is free too.

    We have driven through Dumas many times and usually spend the night at the hotel next door. It was…read morealways closed when we got into town. This year we stayed at an AirBnb near the museum. We took our dog and a walk and noticed the outside area was free and had a walking path. It is various large items on display. Some items have more details than other but a nice area to walk. We didn't go inside the museum as we had our dog and with Covid we are staying outside. I hope someday to go inside but good to know the outside is free. So many years we assumed it was closed as the museum was closed. It appears you could walk around it at any time.

    Photos
    Window On The Plains Museum - Military memorabilia

    Military memorabilia

    Window On The Plains Museum - Old Post Office

    Old Post Office

    Window On The Plains Museum - Dumas Animal Hospital

    See all

    Dumas Animal Hospital

    Amarillo Railroad Museum - Amarillo Railroad Museum

    Amarillo Railroad Museum

    4.5(2 reviews)
    22.9 mi

    Choo choo mofo's! This place has alllll the trains! The little engine that could, the ghost train…read morefrom ghostbusters 2, soul train, and the ho train from WWE wrestle The Godfather! Be prepared to buy your ticket and take the ride!

    Visited on open house day 11/9/2013. Still very much a work in progress, but it is interesting…read morenow, and will be nice to return in the future to see the development. I would say it has three parts; the building housing a detailed model railroad, an outdoor garden railroad, and the historic train engine and cars outdoors - including a Dept of Energy nuclear weapons transport train previously used for the nearby Pantex plant. The indoor train has representative modeling of the cities and rail lines east-west across the TX panhandle. The two level circuit route fills up much of the inside of the building. At this writing, it's pretty bare bones, the track is laid out, but lots of bare plywood and spaces for filling in the cities, buildings and features. Sky and clouds backdrops are looking good. Got a guided tour of the guard cars and engine of the "white train" used for nuclear weapons transport. Very interesting to see the security measures surrounding warhead transport. The garden railroad in front of the building is also still under construction. Currently has the brick foundation and dirt landscaping, and track is laid, but is not fully operational at this time. The staff on site were friendly and knowledgeable. Admission is free. Website amarillorailmuseum.com is spotty, but lists hours as: Our regular meeting nights are Thursday, from 7:00 p.m. until about 10:00. We are also open the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. You are welcome to visit us anytime, but if not at the times mentioned above, please call ahead. (806) 335-3333 Museum is located north of Amarillo airport, on Amarillo Blvd (Bus.40/Hwy 60) between Lakeside Dr. and Masterson Rd.

    Photos
    Amarillo Railroad Museum - Model rail

    Model rail

    Amarillo Railroad Museum - Nuke carrier car

    Nuke carrier car

    Amarillo Railroad Museum - Inside white train guard car

    See all

    Inside white train guard car

    Don Harrington Discovery Center - The West Wing (people edited out)

    Don Harrington Discovery Center

    4.1(25 reviews)
    15.2 mi

    Stepping into the Don Harrington Discovery Center in Amarillo is like entering a wonderland of…read morescience--complete with roaring dinosaurs, swirling galaxies, and lasers that make you say, "Whoa, did that just happen?" The place buzzes with curiosity from the moment you walk in. I kicked things off in the Sun, Earth & Universe gallery, pressing buttons to trigger solar flares and playing with real-time space weather--instant brain tickles that felt both geeky and awesome . Then I zipped over to the Outdoor Science Park, where a life-size T‑Rex and Triceratops loomed over a fossil dig pit. Kids were scooping up "bones" while I dodged tennis balls flying from a launcher--science meets playground shenanigans . Later, I curled up in the cozy Treehouse Reading Nook, surrounded by bird chirps from the aviary above--a peaceful contrast to the chaos of color bombs and bouncing probes . The highlight, though? The Space Theater, a full‑dome planetarium that launched me from Earth to black holes in minutes--complete with dramatic music and enough stars to rival my ex's eyes . It's clear DHDC is more than a kids' museum--it's a playground for inquisitive minds of all ages. Traveling exhibits keep things fresh, and a recent "Beyond: Unity in Community" display even won a national award for celebrating Afghan culture . Educational programs, planetarium shows, story times, and even sci‑fi-style "KABOOM!" demos fill the calendar . By the end of my visit, my cheeks hurt from smiling, my head buzzed with fun facts, and I momentarily considered launching myself into orbit. Instead, I left with a grin, a handful of newfound cosmic trivia, and a plan to bring all my friends next time. Bottom line: Don Harrington Discovery Center is science with soul--equal parts spectacle and insight. Whether you're a kid, a curious adult, or just someone who likes lasers and dinosaurs (who doesn't?), this place throws the perfect brain party.

    This place was great until they put a tribute to Afghanistan complete with minaret and the flag of…read moreAfghanistan in the middle of the center!! We appreciated the free entry for military but after seeing that, we will not be renewing our memberships and glad we didn't pay this time. We will NOT be returning. They spent all that money to honor Afghanistan. HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED!!

    Photos
    Don Harrington Discovery Center - Balance Beam

    Balance Beam

    Don Harrington Discovery Center
    Don Harrington Discovery Center

    See all

    Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...