Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Whether you prefer modern art, playing "Cowboys and Indians," hiking the mountainous terrain, or visiting museums, West Texas has a bit of something for everyone. From the Panhandle to the south, West Texas covers a large area of the state and is sure to be fun no matter what type of attraction you fancy.
In the farthest west city of Elpaso, Texas is Franklin Mountain State Park. The Franklin Mountains overlook the Rio Grande and are the largest sustained mountain range in Texas. Colorful pictographs on boulders decorate these mountains left by Native Americans that once inhabited this terrain. Christopher Columbus and Spanish conquistadors passed beneath the peaks of the Franklin Mountains on their mission to conquer and colonize villages in present day New Mexico. With two hiking trails, a new rock climbing area, mountain biking and park tours, there is something for all ages. Entrance is $4 per day, per person for those 13 and older; a group adult entrance fee is $1 per person.
Franklin Mountains State Park
1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd.
El Paso, TX 79930
915-566-6441
tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/franklin/
Just west of Amarillo, Texas on old route 66 is the Cadillac Ranch. Legend has it that Texas tycoon Stanley Marsh hired the San Francisco art collective known as the Ant Farm to construct something to confuse the locals. Often referred to as a bunch of hippies, the Ant Farm dug 10 holes, and 10 Cadillac cars were driven face down in them. Admission to the Cadillac Ranch is free.
Cadillac Ranch
204 W. Rusk St
Amarillo, TX 75681
libertysoftware.be/cml/cadillacranch/crmain.htm
Stampede with buffalo, play a card game that ends in a shootout, or spend a day being attacked by Indians and wolves in the historic town of Abilene, Texas. Explore the wild west in this 14,000-square-foot facility that enables you to meet people of the frontier through state-of-the-art technology. Admission for adults is $8, military and seniors 60 and over is $6, students and teachers with valid ID are $5, children (3-12) are $4 and children under three are free. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Frontier Texas!
625 N 1st St.
Abilene, TX 79601-6041
325-437-2800
frontiertexas.com
Step back in time through the velvet drapes and lace curtains of the infamous brothel known as Miss Hattie's Bordello. With rooms named after the women who worked there, this bordello attracted soldiers, cowboys and travelers for 50 years until Texas Rangers shut it down in 1946. Tour times are on the top of every hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Admission is $5 per person. Group tours and evening rentals for bachelor parties, corporate events or parties are also available. Tickets are available in Legend Jewelers, located next door to Miss Hattie's.
Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum
18 1/2 East Concho Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76909
misshatties.com