The Cadillac Stonehenge, located just west of Amarillo, Texas, consists of ten vintage automobiles all buried into fertile ranch land at approximately an 80-degree angle. When one considers that prior to Interstate 40 passing through the Texas panhandle, the legendary Route 66 crossed these west Texas plains, miles of neon-sign eateries and motels dotted the landscape. Many eye catching gimmicks, natural or otherwise, sprouted up as well--anything to get the traveler and his weary family to stop, rest and spend a couple of dollars. The owner of the ranch land just south of I40 and Route 66 (now a frontage road) planted these Cadillacs, now covered with G-rated graffiti, but decided not to charge admission.
Leave Denver International Airport and travel south on Interstate 25 past Trinidad, Colorado to Raton, New Mexico and exit onto U.S. Highway 87, following it south into Texas to Interstate 40 and the town of Vega. Turn east on 40 to Exit 60 and the south frontage road. The Stonehenge is in plain sight. The trip from Denver is over 400 miles.
Leave Dallas Fort Worth International northwest in U.S. Highway 81 to Wichita Falls and then proceed in the same direction on U.S. 287 to Amarillo. At Amarillo, access Interstate 40 west and just a few miles beyond the city, take the 62 exit and the south frontage road. Stonehenge is easily visible. The trip from Dallas is over 350 miles.
Park in the area off the frontage road and enter the gate at the fence. Don’t be concerned with breaking any private property laws. The area, however, closes at dusk.
Examine all the cars as much as possible. Note that all the dangerous glass, metal, and appendages have been removed, with just the frame remaining; a Cadillac graveyard with ten tombstones, or even an artistically displayed junkyard.
Notice the graffiti reflects either visitors passing through or lovers signing their initials. Since many of these reflections are difficult to read, most dismiss the writings as just a means to make Stonehenge more colorful.
Visit Amarillo nearby and try anyone of the town’s amazing steak houses. This is west Texas cowboy country and there’s a certain pride in the beef and the barbeque. Since Amarillo is positioned as the premiere city in the Texas panhandle and since the town is located on a major east/west corridor, several lodging options are available.
