Amarillo, TX is located in the center of the Texas Panhandle, right on Interstate 40. Amarillo offers all the conveniences of big city living in a friendly and small town atmosphere. There's something here for everyone, scenic Palo Duro Canyon, fine restaurants, and tons of shopping.
- Population: 184,941 (2007)
- Ranked 11 largest city in the state
- Normal annual rainfall: 20 inches
- Originally named Oneida, renamed Amarillo (spanish for yellow) due to the yellow hue in the local soil
- Home to one of the largest meat packing ares in the United States, Pantex, the only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility in the country, and Bell Helicopter, V-22 Osprey aircraft assembly plant.
Local Attractions
Palo Duro State Park
Located just south of the city, Palo Duro State Park is the second largest canyon system in the country. The Park is open year round, and during the summer is home to the musical production 'Texas.'
Wonderland Park
Amarillo's amusement park, Wonderland has been open since 1951and is the third largest in the state. Wonderland park started as Kiddie Land with only three rides and has grown to 26 rides and 19 hole mini golf area.
Amarillo Zoo
The Amarillo Zoo was founded in 1955 and is located in the heart of Thompson Park. The zoo features over 45 species of animals and 50 varieties of plant life, with more exhibits on the way.
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
The recently built Globe News Center is home to the Amarillo Symphony and the Lonestar Ballet, as well as theatre productions.
There's lots of shopping in Amarillo. Westgate Mall is located just off I-40 on Coulter Rd, and is home to JC Penney, Sears, Dillard's and many other fine stores. 6th Street is the place to be for antiques. Formerly the "Mother Road" 6th Street is a part of historic Route 66 and offers several blocks of locally run antique stores. There's also a new shopping center at I-40 and Western Street which will house PetCo and Burlington Coat Factory.
Other Points of Interest
Thanks to the City of Amarillo and Wikipedia for information about the sites and history listed here.
