Canyon can be explored through a variety of themes: a distinctive local landmark, historical traces, culture and outdoor activities. When planning your trip, you can start by choosing according to your interests: are you more interested in history and exhibitions, getting active on trails, or enjoying water and nature?
Tex Randall and the Historic Town Square
Tex Randall is an official landmark of Canyon. The cowboy is 47 feet tall and weighs seven tons; in 2017, he was declared an official city landmark. These dimensions give the landmark an unusually concrete scale, while its official designation also connects it to the local heritage.
At the historic town square, you’ll find local boutiques, art, and places to eat and drink. Historical and artistic details there also include the Randall County Courthouse, originally built in 1909, and a mural inspired by Jack Sorenson. The painting draws on the Palo Duro Canyon Lighthouse Trail and the region’s Western heritage. This brings different points of interest together in the square: a historic building, public art, and places to linger.
Museum, University and Events
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum features a life-size Pioneer Town as well as exhibits on paleontology, geology and archaeology. Its stories span 14,000 years. The exhibits bring together natural history and traces of human life, while Pioneer Town offers a different approach from the subject-specific galleries. If you’re especially interested in the region’s history, you’ll find several perspectives here rather than just one subject area.
The West Texas A&M University campus also has a striking feature: a buffalo sculpture stands north of Old Main. For culture enthusiasts, Canyon’s seasonal events offer another way to experience the town. The TEXAS Outdoor Musical takes place in summer, Tuesday through Sunday, at the Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Canyon Main Street hosts the June Jams every summer. Both events are therefore tied to the summer season; for the musical, the schedule from Tuesday through Sunday is also specified.
Trails, Nature and More Activities
The Canyon Trails at Buffalo Hill include more than five miles of narrow, multi-use trails. They are intended for hiking, running and mountain biking. These three activities share the same trail system, so choosing between them mainly depends on what kind of exercise you’re interested in. Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers another way to experience nature: visitors can see wildlife, native plants and scenic rock cliffs. The park’s visitor center is also located on the canyon rim.
Canyon Aqua Park is a family-oriented water park with opportunities for swimming and dining. Its offerings are quite different from the trails and wildlife viewing at the State Park. Stargazing away from the lights of big cities is also one of the activities promoted in Canyon. Depending on whether you’d rather get outdoors, explore cultural topics or plan water activities, your stay can take different directions.
For a broader travel overview: Randall County.
