The north-central plains region of Texas is full of wide-open expanses of land containing canyons, farmland, lakes and rivers. Stretching from the Texas-Oklahoma border and going south to San Angelo, Texas, cities such as San Angelo, Lubbock and Abilene are all found in the region. Attractions are plentiful, ranging from spectacular natural areas to old Western towns, museums and parks. There's sure to be one to suit any interest.
Joyland Amusement Park is located within the Mackenzie Park Recreation Area and has more than 30 rides and attractions. Take a spin on a carousel built in the early 1900s or slam into your friends on a bumper car. For a panoramic view of the whole park, take a gondola ride with your family. For the brave ones in your group, there's Dare Devil Drop, a tower ride where you soar 140 feet in the air before free-falling to the ground. The park is also home to kiddie rides, water rides and classics such as the Tilt-A-Whirl. If you can stomach food after all that moving, the park sells a variety of snacks, sandwiches and pizza.
Joyland Amusement Park
Mackenzie Park
PO Box 226
Lubbock, TX 79408
806-763-2719
joylandpark.com
The Law Enforcement Museum in Eastland is located within the old Eastland County Jail, built in 1897. Once home to the "Santa Claus Bank Robber," his name can still be seen carved upon the wall of his cell. Guided tours of the three-story museum are available by scheduling an appointment. A variety of artifacts and memorabilia are on display, detailing the history of the county and the law enforcement within.
Law Enforcement Museum
210 W. White St.
Eastland, TX
254-629-1774
eastlandfoundation.com/lawEnforcement.html
Palo Duro Canyon State Park encompasses more than 20,000 acres near Amarillo. The park is home to the rare Texas horned lizard and Palo Duro mouse, along with wild turkey, mule deer, coyote and rattlesnakes. The official Texas state longhorn herd also dwells in a park. Known as "the Grand Canyon of Texas," spectacular views of soaring canyon walls, blooming fields of native wildflowers and tall grass are found throughout. Activities in the park include camping, hiking, horseback riding and birdwatching.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX 79015
806-488-2227
tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/palo_duro
