Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo Texas

If there is one stop along Route 66 that most people know about but might have no idea where it is located, its Cadillac Ranch. I have always heard about this art installation for years but in all honesty never actually knew where it was at or when I would ever get a chance to see it.

When I started planning a trip out to Amarillo for a hiking trip I stumbled upon a list of things to do in the area and Cadillac Ranch was at the top of that list!

I personally was not aware of how much history the art installation had but had just seen it in movies and travel blogs as a cool spot to visit while on a road trip.

“Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation and sculpture in Amarillo, Texas, USA. It was created in 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels, who were a part of the art group Ant Farm.

The installation half-buried ten Cadillacs (1949-1963) nose-first in the ground. Installed in 1974, the cars were either older running, used or junk cars — together spanning the successive generations of the car line — and the defining evolution of their tailfins.”- Wikipedia

The history of the installation is pretty unique and something most people don’t know is that it is no longer in its original location from 1974. Due to the growing city of Amarillo it was moved out to a cow pasture off Interstate 40, but the land is still owned by local millionaire Stanley Marsh 3.

The site is definitely a must stop if you are passing anywhere near Amarillo, TX and its just a pretty unique art installation. You are welcomed to bring your own spray paint or buy some at the local Cadillac Ranch tourist stop right down the street.

I was taken back by how just unprotected and open to the public the spot is which makes it even more unique in my opinion. The Ranch is right off the Interstate and you just park on the side of the road and walk in.

We visited the day after some pretty bad thunderstorms in the area and to say the spot was muddy is an understatement. I was told this is pretty common due to the unpredictable weather in the area so get ready to change shoes when you get back in the car.

The worse part is actually getting into the ranch since the entry way gate is just a few inches of water due to the soil just getting walked on so often it is a slush. After that even if it rained it isnt too bad a walk to the actual installation.

We definitely stayed our distance since about 5-8 feet all around the cars was ankle deep water that just wasn’t worth it to cross into.

My biggest recommendation is getting there early in the day since it allows you to get some photos without a crowd and enjoy the site without kids running everywhere. Right after we left parking was starting to fill up fast and crowds where starting to create a line to get into the pasture.

Overall its a great spot to visit if you are in the area and want to see something really unique to Route 66.

Would I recommend to go out of your way to visit? No…

While the art installation is pretty cool, it just isnt worth driving hours out of your way just to go see it. I would recommend driving out here to visit Palo Duro State Park which would allow you time to also visit some other cool sites in Amarillo and Canyon. That would make for a great fun packed weekend and a very low budget one too!

If you are want to visit Palo Duro State Park check out my blog posts HERE!

Have you gone to Cadillac Ranch or Amarillo, TX? Any recommendations or places to see or stay?

Follow along the adventures on:

Instagram @gusontherun or Twitter @gusontherun