boating and picnicking are available. Admission charge. About 16 miles southwest of Abilene, through Buffalo Gap, off of F.M. 89. 325/ 572-3204.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/abilene.
ABILENE ZOO —More than 160 species of animals are displayed in natural habitats. Special features are the Creepy Crawler Center, wetlands, giraffe bridge and black rhinos. Admission charge. 2070 Zoo Lane. In Nelson Park. 325/676-6085.
www.abilenetx.com/zoo.
BUFFALO GAP —See BUFFALO GAP.
THE CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS —This arts center is home to more than 70 artists and 10 working studios. The center’s four galleries present changing exhibits by regional, national and international photographers and artists working in a variety of media. 220 Cypress. 325/677-8389.
www.center-arts.com.
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE —Dyess is home to the 7th Bomb Wing with two B-1B Lancer squadrons and the 317th Airlift Group with two C-130 squadrons. For an overview of base history, visit the Dyess Visitor Center Memorial Park. Free. Arnold Boulevard and Military Drive. 325/793-2199.
FORT PHANTOM HILL —Established in 1851 to protect the frontier, the post was abandoned in 1854 and later burned, leaving only foundations, the stone commis- sary, guardhouse and powder magazine. Interpretive signs offered. 11 miles north of I-20 on F.M. 600.
FRONTIER TEXAS! —The frontier between 1780 and 1880 comes to life in this multimedia facility. The “Blood and Treasure on the Frontier” features a theater and holographic figures that share information about Abilene, the Texas Forts Trail and the 63-county “Texas Frontier” region. Admission charge. 625 N. First St. 325/437-2800.
www.frontiertexas.com. Welcome Theater is a holographic introduction to
“Spirit Guide” historical figures—Native Americans, frontier settlers, buffalo hunters and soldiers. Spirit Gallery offers dramatic media and exhibits for
visitors have a “first-person” experience along with legends such as Doc Holliday and Cynthia Ann Parker. Century of Adventure is a full-surround visual ride
through Texas frontier history features an open-air pavilion and forts-inspired grounds.
THE GRACE MUSEUM —A fine arts, history and children’s museum, as well as an educational center, are housed in the historic Grace Hotel, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Admission charge. 102 Cypress St. 325/673-4587.
www.thegracemuseum.org.
LAKES — Lake Abilene — Adjacent to Abilene State Park, this lake offers fishing, swimming, boating and lakeside camping. About 15 miles southwest of Abilene. 325/572-3204.
FINDS Quick CANYON Pg. 195
CAPROCK CANYONS Pg. 204 DALHART LUBBOCK
MINERAL WELLS
PALO DURO CANYON Pg. 195 POSSUM KINGDOM SAN ANGELO
WICHITA FALLS XIT RANCH
PHOTO: KEVIN STILLMAN/TXDOT
Pg. 194 Pg. 204 Pg. 207 Pg. 197
Pg. 197 Pg. 200 Pg. 202
Abilene’s Frontier Texas! brings history to life with multimedia exhibits. Lake Fort Phantom Hill — This lake south of the
fort offers picnicking, camping and fishing. Ten miles northeast of Abilene via F.M. 600. 325/676-6038.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED LITERATURE —This museum exhibits the best works of today’s premier children’s book illustrators. The NCCIL (pronounced “nickel”) opens three new exhibits a year and offers free children’s art activities and family events. 102 Cedar. 325/673-4586.
www.nccil.org.
PARAMOUNT THEATRE —An Abilene Historic Landmark, this theater is in the National Register of Historic Places. The art-deco interior includes a domed ceiling as well as a bell tower with twin-domed turrets. Features films, concerts, live theater and touring shows throughout the year. 352 Cypress St. 325/676-9620.
www.paramount-abilene.org.
ADRIAN POP. 159
ALT. 3,265 MAP C-8
OLDHAM COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 806/267-2828.
www.oldhamcofc.org.
Adrian is the geo-mathematical midpoint of Route 66, and the town’s motto is: “When you’re here, you’re halfway there.” Travelers take their photo in front of the sign that reads, “1,139 miles to Chicago—1,139 miles to Los Angeles."
ADRIAN LIONS FARM AND RANCH MUSEUM —The museum features a collection of antique farm equipment. Exhibits include a Caterpillar combine used in the 1930s, horse-drawn equipment, early tractors and a vintage windmill. Signs offer a self-guided tour. On East Old Route 66. 806/267-2828.
ALBANY POP. 2,038
ALT. 1,429
ALBANY VISITOR CENTER: 2 Railroad St. 325/762-2525.
www.albanytexas.com.
This was an early supply point on the Western Trail to Dodge City. “Fort Griffin Fandangle” runs the last two weekends in June. This musical re-enacts the settling of Fort Griffin, and is a mix of history and tall tales. Visit
www.fortgriffinfandangle.org.
FORT GRIFFIN STATE HISTORIC SITE —The fort served as the defense on the Southern Plains from 1867-81. Among the ruins are a first sergeant’s quarters and a hand-dug well. The fort is home to the
MAP J-14
Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd. The site offers camping, fishing, hiking, stargazing and living history. Annual living history days event is held on the second weekend in October. Admission charge. 1701 N. U.S. 283. Site is 15 miles north of Albany on U.S. 283. 325/762-3592.
www.visitfortgriffin.com.
GEORGIA MONUMENT —Erected to honor the Georgia Battalion that fought for Texas’ independence in 1836. Most were killed in the Goliad massacre. Dr. John Shackelford, for whom the county is named, was spared. South Main and South First streets.
LEDBETTER PICKET HOUSE —Restored frontier ranch structure features rustic period furnishings. House is a dog-run cabin built of slender upright pickets. 700 Railroad St. 325/762-2525.
THE OLD JAIL ART CENTER —Permanent art exhibits include works of Marin, Umlauf, Nevelson, Moore, Modigliani, and Picasso, as well as Chinese art. Housed in a restored county jail. 201 Second St. (Texas 6). 325/762-2269.
www.oldjailartcenter.org.
AMARILLO POP. 200,526
ALT. 3,676 MAP D-10/FF-17
AMARILLO VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER: The center offers a wide variety of services. 401 S. Buchanan. In the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. Take the downtown exit from I-40. 806/374-8474.
www.visitamarillo.com.
Amarillo, which means “yellow” in Spanish, is the center of the Texas Panhandle. It offers wide, open spaces, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Amarillo is the gateway to Palo Duro Canyon, America’s second largest canyon. With its relatively mild climate, the city has some of the cleanest air in the country. Native Americans, conquistadors, buffalo hunters,
settlers, cowboys, lawmen, gunfighters and the railroad all contributed to the development of the area, and that heritage is still felt. Today, the city features excellent accommodations, a spacious convention/ civic center, symphony, ballet, theater, opera, golf and Amarillo College. The Big Texan Steak Ranch is known nationwide for
a 72-ounce steak dinner offered free to anyone who can eat the entire meal in one hour. More than 50,000 people have taken the challenge and 8,700 have succeeded.
www.bigtexan.com.
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