Visiting Canyon, TX

Many of our online students never have the chance to visit our beautiful campus before graduation day. Because of this, we've created this page to help students and their families plan their trip to the Texas Panhandle for graduation. 

About Canyon

Canyon, with a population of 15,138 at the last census, is home to West Texas A&M University and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the oldest and largest history museum in Texas (on our campus). It's also home to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the 2nd largest canyon in the U.S.

Canyon is located about 30 miles (30-40 minute drive) south of the Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas, on US HWY 287.

Where to stay in Canyon and Amarillo

Canyon

Amarillo                       

Choose your own hotel from Amarillo Chamber of Commerce members           

How to get to Canyon

Flying

Rick Husband International Airport (AMA) in Amarillo, Texas.

Rental Cars (Amarillo):

Avis              806.335.2313 

National        806.335.2311

Enterprise     806.335.9443

Lubbock’s Preston Smith International (LBB) airport is 101 miles (1 ½ hour drive) south of Canyon.

Driving from  . . .  the Amarillo airport

There are basically two ways to drive to Canyon. Please note there is construction on both routes so allow for extra travel time.

Recommended Route: Travelling 335 Loop South towards Palo Duro Canyon to Hwy 287 South to Canyon and taking the right fork in the road at the I-27 split.

Driving from . . . your location to Canyon

Canyon is approximately 19 miles south of Amarillo on US HWY 87 (or I-27), in the Texas Panhandle (I-40 transects Amarillo east and west). I-40 connects with both I-27 (north and south) and US 287 (north and south).

You’re in Canyon. Now what?

Explore Shop & Dine Canyon (provided by the Canyon Economic Development Corporation)

How to get to Buffalo Stadium

Turn East onto Russell Long Blvd. The stadium will be on the North side of the road. There is limited parking at the stadium. We’ll be sharing plans for commencement parking in April or early May.

Visit the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business

Our offices are on the 2^nd floor of the Classroom Center (on the right side of the Russell Long Boulevard behind Mary Moody Northern Hall, if you are travelling towards the Buffalo Stadium). You may also enter the parking lot for the Classroom Center from 23^rd Street or from the University Drive entrance across from McDonald's.

Navigation Tip (Avenues and Streets, Canyon)

Numbered avenues (4th Avenue) run east and west and (23rd Street) numbered streets run north and south. Yes, we know it’s confusing. Hope this tip helps guide your way.

Things to Do

Walk around campus and view the Hayward Spirit Tower, Spirit Rock, the Buffalo sculpture and fountains on the north side of Old Main, the University Bookstore, and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. You’ll see the White Buffalo sculpture at Buffalo Stadium.

Stroll the Canyon square around the historic restored (outside only) 1909 Courthouse. Visit a variety of shops (clothing, jewelry, gifts, hardware, soda shop, books) around the square. Most Canyon shops on the square and in town close at 4 PM on Saturday and are closed on Sundays

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Hiking on over 15 trails (popular trail, The Lighthouse (2.8 miles (one way) 2 hours, moderate difficulty), mountain biking, kid friendly. Be sure to bring plenty of water for each member of your family when you are in the canyon.

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (2503 4^th Avenue) (Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Visit Pioneer Town in the museum to Step In/Step Back to the new Old West. Kid friendly.

Creek House Honey Farm (5005 4^th Avenue). Local honey and skin care products, and home to Honey Buzz Winery with mead drinks and daily specials. Check the schedule for bee tours.

West Texas Western Store (1206 23^rd Street). WT collegiate branded boots, cowboy hats, caps, and accessories. Stop by and say howdy!

Enjoy some local history by visiting some (or all) Historical Sites - Canyon Chamber of Commerce

Photo shoot opportunity with Tex Randall, a 47-foot-tall seven-ton-dressed cowboy statue. This is one you don't want to miss!

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo) – Don’t forget your spray paint. Show your WT spirit (maroon and white)). Go Buffs!

Route 66 (Amarillo) (home to shops, galleries, and other antiques to visit along the historic road).

See what the Texas Plains Trail Region has to offer from Perryton and Dalhart due north of Amarillo to Big Spring, south of Lubbock.

Fun facts:

The Canyon Chamber of Commerce hosts a Fourth of July celebration with an old-fashioned parade, booths on the square, and fireworks.  The event draws more than 40,000 guests to the downtown square. 

Canyon is also home to the outdoor musical, TEXAS, held each summer in the Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Canyon State Park.

Restaurant Guide (as of Nov 2022)

On the Square in Canyon

Around Canyon  

See Canyon Main Street’s Shop & Dine website for more options to shop and dine local.

Sweets and Treats (Closed Sundays) 

Local Coffee Hangouts (Canyon)

Amarillo (Selected Choices)

Local Brewing Companies/Winery (Amarillo)