The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Groom is far more than a quick roadside photo stop. We…read morearrived around 9:00 a.m. and practically had the entire place to ourselves, making the visit especially peaceful and giving us some wonderful photo opportunities. The enormous cross is impressive from the highway, but the detailed sculptures throughout the grounds are what make this attraction truly remarkable. The scenes surrounding the cross depict the crucifixion of Jesus, and the amount of care, time, and craftsmanship that went into creating them is awe-inspiring. I've passed this landmark countless times while traveling to Las Vegas, always seeing it from the highway but never stopping. I'm very glad we finally took the exit because this became one of the most memorable and meaningful stops of our Route 66 adventure. Allow more than 15 minutes to walk the grounds and appreciate everything properly. Admission is free, although donations are welcomed. Whether you visit for your faith, the artwork, the history, or simple curiosity, this is absolutely worth the stop.

Was so blessed to see this right at the perfect time. Thank You Jesus…read more It's a big lovely cross that's easy to access from the highway and gives glory to our Lord, and reminds us of what He's done

"For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious…read morethan if it were made of gold and silver." -Martin Luther (1483-1546) Even at night, I'm still going to stop for a historical marker. This one was interesting. It is located about 5 miles west of Panhandle towards Amarillo. There is a sign about one mile ahead of it indicating that the marker is ahead and there is a small pullout area so that you can be off the roadway. The main central marker reads, "Thomas Cree Homsite. After serving as a teamster in the Civil War (1861-65), Thadium (Thomas) B. Cree worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1888 he and his wife came to the High Plains. They acquired this land and, with no trees for lumber, they built a dugout home. Cree traveled 35 miles at his wife's request to find a sapling and planted it here. He watered it from a nearby lake that he dug from a buffalo wallow. The tree never grew but lived many years despite blizzard, heat, and drought. Gov. John Connally dedicated an historical marker in 1963 to the first tree in the Panhandle." The second marker reads, "The 33rd Anniversary National Convention, Men's Garden Clubs of America, meeting at Amarillo, June 14-17, 1965, formally recognized and paid tribute to the significance of Thomas Cree's Little Tee and to the memory of this heroic early gardenere of these high plains." The third marker reads, "First Tree Texas High Plains. Set front dugout home by Thomas Cree,, 1888. Good luck symbol of settlers through drought, blizzard and heat." Beneath that, a fourth marker, "Cree's Bois D'Arc tree died in the 1970's. County residents planted a new tree here in 1990 as a memorial to the area's early pioneers." [Review 16197 overall - 373 in Texas - 1703 of 2021.]

Stepping up to MadamQueen felt like meeting a queen in exile--towering, dignified, and still proud…read moredespite a few weathered edges. The steel-and-concrete engine looms large, and you can almost feel the echo of its whistle and the clatter of tracks beneath it. Reading the plaque, you learn this wasn't just any locomotive: she pulled essential cargo across the West, leaving an indelible mark on Amarillo's rail legacy. The best part? It's free, open day and night, and easy to reach. We lingered for about 15 minutes--enough time for photos, a glance at the plaque, and a quiet moment to imagine life in the steam age. That said, the chain‑link fence and lack of shelter made things feel a bit distant, physically and emotionally. A protective canopy and more interpretive signs would elevate the experience from a roadside curiosity to an immersive mini‑museum.

The Amarillo Railway Museum is worthy of a stop because of its unique equipment, some that probably…read morecannot be seen anywhere else. The "White Train" is a relic of the Cold War atomic age. It was used to transport nuclear weapons assembled at the nearby Pantex plant. The trains featured armored locomotives, guard cars and weapons cars. There is another piece of equipment unique to Amarillo- a helium transport car. Amarillo has historically been the "Helium Capital of the Nation." I stopped by on a day when the indoor museum was closed, but the outdoor exhibits are accessible to see. Walking ability required.Check out the Museum website for more fascinating details of the "White Train"

Excellent historical museum and exhibit. If you loved the story of Lonesome Dove, you will love…read morelearning more about the life and contributions of the man who was the inspiration for Woodrow F. Call. Also, learn how Molly, his wife, saved the North American Bison from total extinction. Great staff and friendly, informative tour. Don't forget to stop by the cemetery across the highway to pay your respects at the gravesite of Charlie Goodnight. This is a Pure Texas destination!

This historical spot is so amazingly cool! The level of authenticity they have been able to…read moremaintain is nothing short of incredible. The guide is super friendly and just next door the Buffalo "Herd Wear" shop is chock full of one of a kind buffalo derived clothing, knives, moccasins, blankets, coats, vests etc. You name it and they probably have it. Using every bit of the animal, they really have found a way to meet every mountain man and fur lover's needs. Cecil and his wife make every visit a delight with their friendly service. Both of them go above and beyond for their customers and visitors. I was fitted for a buffalo hide coat and this is the result below! More than satisfied.

This is a beautiful old building built in 1910. The railroad went through Amarillo until 1979…read moreaccording to the guy I talk to at the Railroad Museum east of town. Actually the railroad still goes through because there was a train chugging past the train station as I was taking pictures, but the passenger service ended in 1979. Now all that is available are cargo trains going through. I would have loved to be able to get close to the building and see it, better yet to be able to go inside. I hope they turn this into a museum someday. It would be a shame for it to ever be torn down. How can we preserve our history and our heritage if we destroy it? I'm glad I heard that this building was still here so I could at least park in front and take pictures through the fence. If you like old trains there is a locomotive a couple blocks over called the Madame Queen, near the Civic Center. It is fenced-in also but still interesting to look at. And if you really want the scoop, go visit the Railroad Museum east of town, just off of Amarillo Boulevard. Those guys can tell you anything you want to know about the Amarillo railroad history. Be sure to check their hours before you drive out there. It's all volunteer so they are not open everyday.

This marker is about 6 miles south of Pampa and is not far from where SH 70 crosses the North Fork…read moreof the Red River. There is a sign in each direction warning that there is a historical marker ahead and there is a small pullout area so that you're out of the way of the traffic roaring past. It is very lonely prairie land here. Extremely flat and quite windy, as evidenced by the multiple wind turbines around. The marker reads, "Red River Expedition of 1852. Randolph B. Marcy, U.S. Fifth Infantry Captain, and George B. McClellan led a company into the Texas panhandle in 1852 to determine the locations of the headwaters of the Red River. That summer the team discovered two main branches of the Upper Red River that intersect the 100th Meridan. The North Branch is southeast of Pampa. Earlier treaties used the Red River as a boundary, but it was unclear which fork was meant when first defined. In 1896, the South Branch was determined to be the main stream and the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma. (1984, 1996)" [Review 16184 overall - 360 in Texas - 1690 of 2021.]

Long awaited visit with my son due to COVID 19 Been over a year since I've seen him,he was just…read moretransferred here 3/19/21 from Beeville TX It's a 16 hr trip round-trip but he's worth every minute to me

Great unit and great staff! The administration always helps me out and communicates well. I thank…read morethem for always being courteous and professional!

This is such a neat little museum! The lady up front is the sweetest thing and absolutely knows her…read morestuff. There's a little plane near the front that you're able to climb up into and my son was a big fan of that. They have a wonderful display and I could have spent hours in here. My only recommendation is to go during the fall or spring. It can get pretty hot in the main hangar, I wanted to look around more but ducked into the side room because I was getting sweaty. I thoroughly recommend that travelers and locals alike take a trip out to this hidden gem. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of planes or not, you will enjoy yourself!

Staff was so knowledgeable and they had a great exhibit of models and unique aircraft. Wish weather…read morehad been better but we made the most of it.

Located along US-60 at the city limits of White Deer, Texas, this marker recalls the Last Great…read morePanhandle Cattle Drive of 1892. It sounds like quite the adventure and as a city slicker, I'll take a firm pass. The marker reads, "Each Spring and Summer after 1880, many Texas herds went up the trail to Northern states for fattening. For the cowboys, trail drives meant hard work. They had to turn stampedes, ford rivers and quicksand streams, and fight Indians and cattle thieves. They endured hunger, thirst, and other physical hardships. The Last Great Texas Panhandle Drive was organized here at N Bar N (N-N) Headquarters. Ranch manager was J.L. Harrison; trail boss T.L. (Tom) Coffee. 100 cowboys drove 10 herds, each with 2500 cattle, or a total of 25,000 beeves, to Montana from April to September 1892. The cattle belonged to Niedringhaus Brothers, German tinsmiths of St. Louis, who put into ranching a fortune made in enamel granite household wares. From 1882 to1886, N Bar N leased range in Carson and neighboring counties from the Francklyn Land & Cattle Company, a British syndicate backed by Cunard Steamship Line. Afterward this range belonged to White Deer Land Company. The N Bar N outfit left here because White Deer Land Company wanted the range cleared of large herds. By 1907 the 650,000 acres of its land was offered for sale to small ranchers and farmers. It was fenced and the steam plow introduced to turn the rich, grassy sod." There is a small pull out here to get off the very fast highway. [Review 16235 overall - 385 in Texas - 1741 of 2021.]