Location: Canyon
Top Things to do in Canyon
Top 10 Things to do in Canyon, Texas (TX)
Canyon is a city in, and the county seat of, Randall County, Texas, United States. The population was 13,303 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Amarillo, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area. Canyon is the home of West Texas A&M University and Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, and the world-famous outdoor musical drama Texas.
Restaurants in Canyon
1. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 559 reviews
PPHM WILL BE CLOSED 4/30 and 5/1 for a SPECIAL EVENT. We’re a museum dedicated to one thing: the history of the Panhandle-Plains region. But that singular focus expresses itself in a multitude of ways. Inside PPHM, themed exhibitions include those that showcase paleontology, archaeology, textiles, classic cars, petroleum, the Old West and a renowned art collection. PPHM offers visitors a chance to step into history with a life-size Pioneer Town, interactive Don D. Harrington Petroleum Wing, guided group tours and special events. With over two million artifacts, of which only a small percentage are on display, visitors marvel at the vast array of objects we showcase. Visitors must wear a mask and follow all COVID safety protocols to visit.
Reviewed By RJLDK
This museum would be amazing even for a large city. It covers the history, geography and society of the Texas Panhandle from prehistory to the wind farms. It includes a real size replica of a pioneer village, several galleries with art depicting life in the West, and a large educational exhibition on oil and the oil industry (with an actual oil rig). We spent two hours, but would have wanted to stay much longer.
2. Goodnight Memorial Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
A scenic road within Palo Duro Canyon State Scenic Park.
3. Palo Duro Riding Stables
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 260 reviews
The finest and the friendliest since 1962, Palo Duro Riding Stables is the longest running riding stable established in and around Palo Duro Canyon. One of the canyon's best kept secrets, come ride under some of the oldest and largest cottonwoods in the panhandle, water your horse from spring water coming right out of the canyon wall. Family owned and operated for over 50 years, our wranglers are knowledgeable and friendly, upholding true southern hospitality. The perfect opportunity to get together in the great outdoors, enhance your family vacation with a trail ride. No age limit! (Smaller children can ride with a parent. Some restrictions apply.) Don't forget to bring your camera!
Reviewed By jonathansU3731NM
Jesse and his entire team are fantastic! If you’re in Palo Duro and looking for a great horseback ride this is the place to go. Our family of 5 enjoyed every minute of it. Amazing canyon views along with a great staff make this a memorable family experience.
4. Cow Girls and Cowboys in the West
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By 396rosalyne - San Antonio, United States
We had a great horseback ride with Grace and Danielle. Danielle was a great guide, we loved getting to learn more about the area. Grace did a great job making our 9 year old comfortable on her first horseback ride on her own.
5. Burrowing Owl Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Kancira - Las Cruces, United States
This adorable little bookstore was everything we imagined a store in diagon alley to be! (Harry Potter for those who don’t know) from welcoming outside to the comfortable old creeky inside. There was so much to look at my 10 year old could have stayed all day! From their selection of trinkets, to novels, to vintage kids books it was perfection! Highly recommend by my family!
6. Lighthouse Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Walking trail in the Texas Panhandle.
Reviewed By 860SusanB860 - Rockwall, United States
My husband and I only made a short distance on this trail due to the heat. The scenery is incredible! The Lighthouse Rock is the park's most symbolic peak so we at least wanted a glance of it. The trail is hard-packed dirt and easy to tranverse whether on foot or on a bike. Take plenty of water and start early! This is the most popular trail in the park.
7. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,239 reviews
A dramatic 60-mile long and 800-foot deep canyon noted for its excellent hiking, birding, fishing and mountain biking.
Reviewed By Safariholic - Horsham, United Kingdom
Plan ahead. Book ahead and overnight IN the Canyon, if you possibly can. For the 2nd time - I goofed and I'm still kicking myself, since it was fully Booked on this particular day, so we had to head for Amarillo - well down I.40 a bit, actually. Weather on (both) days was great - this year the best. I would only defer a visit, if threatened by a serious Storm (thunder / lightning AND heavy rain, due to the risk of a Flash Flood). Otherwise dress sensible and enjoy. It can get cool at night, even in high Summer. Water, Drinks, Hats, Shades, Binnos & Cameras commended. Shoes or Hiking footwear - not sandals or flipflops. I think I am right in saying - there are places to Camp (tent), TrailerTent, Caravan, RV Park, Condos/Appts, & Cabins. Where is it ? Texas. At the very end of Hwy 217 heading East, off Hwy 1541 Sth from Amarillo. and/or off I.27 (also Nth/Sth from Amarillo) - approx. 40 mins from Amarillo beltway, subject to traffic. Lot of work on Hwy 335 West side of Amarillo in March 2019 & its going to take a while. NB. 'State' not 'National' Park, so certain Passes do not qualify. Cannot recall the Fees, but do, that they were not excessive. Both the Visitor Centre (El Coronado Lodge - Maps, Guidance, Trails Info, Accommodation queries, fascinating History, Geology, Wildlife, Birdlife, Curios & clean Restrooms) and Palo Duro Canyon Observation Point are worth stopping at - great views too. Just round the back & to Sth side of Palo Duro Trading Post (popular b/fast, lunch stop it appears) is a Bird Watching Spot with water baths and (stocked) bird feeders etc and good signage to help with ID'ing. The road down into the Canyon, after the Observation Point is quite steep & narrow, and because of the Vista, prone to cars stopping to take the shot - chill for them and they will for you. It's not a race. Suitable for all ages, and In My Humble Opinion, for a wide variety of 'Mobility Issue' folks. Walks or Hikes - choice is yours - just ask. Pls stay on the Trails though. Straying causes considerable &, almost always, irreparable damage. My Photos to add are ALL over 10 mbs, so too large for TA - SORRY.
8. Pioneer Amphitheatre
9. TEXAS Outdoor Musical
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOW, where fictional characters bring to life the stories, struggles and triumphs of the Texas Panhandle's early 1800 settlers on stage of the Pioneer Amphitheater; located deep in the heart of the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Song and dance abound mixed in with some good ol’ Texas humor, spellbinding lighting, special fire and water effects, and the world famous Dancing Waters of TEXAS and firework finale' make TEXAS a must see!
Reviewed By cubgirl65 - Copperas Cove, United States
I've seen this musical twice, a few years apart. If you have only seen it once, don't worry, it will be slighly different each year so it's worth going back! We went in 2019 and the finale was AMAZING! They did a wonderful, inspiring and emotional tribute to our soldiers and military! The play is great fun and the actors are great! The venue is beautiful and every seat is pretty good. We went the day they had the local indian tribes doing special events which was even more fun and interesting! My whole family loved this! Drawbacks are the stairs for handicap folks is very difficult if they want to sit close to the stage. The venue offered handicap seating at the top of the seating area with open bays for wheelchairs. But there are still stairs up to that seating and from the seats back to the restrooms.
10. Old West Stables
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By jeffwA5854TR
Went on the 1 hour beginner trail ride. Really enjoyed the trip - but 1 hour in the saddle was enough for me. The Old West Stable is actually located inside the State Park, so you ride on the Canyon floor. There were both adults and children on the trail ride, and all seemed to enjoy themselves. Cost was $282 for 4 adults. The guides - Megan and Blain were both helpful and friendly, and the horses were all calm trail horses. Great fun for the entire family - but 1 hour is probably long enough - unless you are a hard core rocky trail riding kind of person. Highly recommend.
