Amarillo has a variety of natural attractions that surround the city. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the United State's second largest canyon system, after the Grand Canyon, and is located south of the city. Palo Duro is well known for a particular hoodoo that resembles a lighthouse.
Another attraction near the city is the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, which is located just 30 miles north of Amarillo. It was once known as the site for prehistoric inhabitants to gain flint in order to make tools and weapons.
Approximately 100 miles southeast of Amarillo, in Briscoe County, is the Caprock Canyon State Park and Trailway.
A local millionaire has funded many public art projects in the city, including the Cadillac Ranch, which is located west of Amarillo. It's a monument of painted Cadillac cars that were dug into the ground head first. This millionaire is also assisting in the Dynamite Museum that contains thousands of mock traffic signs. These signs are scattered throughout Amarillo.
The city also hosts events and attractions that honor the cowboy and Texas culture. On the third week of September, the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo brings out participants from Oklahoma, New Mexico, and all over Texas. On the Tri-State Exposition grounds, the Amarillo National Center is used for events such as national equestrian competitions to motor sports and rodeos. Teams in the competitions prepare a large meal of breaded beef cutlets, mashed potatoes, baked beans, and sourdough biscuits in an attempt to recreate the food served on western cattle trails during the 1860s and 1870s.
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