There are many benefits to traveling in an RV. However, one of the greatest benefits is being able to see many different unique roadside attractions. Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is famous for its roadside attractions. Part of Rt. 66 runs through Amarillo along what is now I-40. Here you will come across two unique Amarillo roadside attractions
These roadside attractions in Amarillo offer two distinct looks at some great American icons. One is a public art installation highlighting Cadillacs, and the other offers a 72oz steak dinner, and a place to camp in your RV.
Cadillac Ranch
Where to Find Cadillac Ranch
You will find Cadillac Ranch quietly sitting along I-40 in Amarillo, Texas. It is found in a dusty field off the I-40 Frontage Road between exits 60 and 62. Here you will find ten Cadillacs that are buried nose-first into the dirt. These Cadillacs are an ever-changing public work of art.
What To Bring With You
- Spray Paint – Cadillac Ranch is located in the middle of an open field so if you wish to paint something on the cars you will need to bring a few cans of spray paint along with you.
- Clothes That Can Get Dirty – As you can see from the pictures on our page there was A LOT of mud on the day we visited. Therefore, you may want to bring some clothes that can get dirty.
- Boots – Cadillac Ranch is located in an open cow pasture. It took us approximately five minutes to walk from our Rv to the Cadillacs. This walk is through a cow pasture full of cow droppings, mud, and dirt. Therefore, we highly recommend some good boots.
Cadillac Ranch Facts
Cadillac Ranch is a public sculpture, and art installation. The public art installation consists of ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, in a line, at an angle. Of course, Cadillac Ranch is one of the more famous unique Amarillo Roadside Attractions
The ten Cadillacs from 1949 to 1963 were installed in order of age to showcase the evolution of the car’s tail fin. When the roadside attraction opened in 1974, the cars remained in their factory floor paint colors. However, over the years the cars were painted various colors, from gray to pink. Of course, each time graffiti quickly appeared. In 1997, Cadillac Ranch was moved from its original location, a wheat field along Route 66, to its current location, a cow pasture along I-40.
Recommendations for Visiting Cadillac Ranch
- Be Respectful: We were saddened to see all the litter, and empty spray paint cans left laying around the site. Be sure to take your trash with you, and maybe grab an empty spray paint or two on the way out.
- Share Your Spray Paint: If you came in with a new can of paint help others out, and share your paint.
- Take Pictures: The Cadillacs are constantly being painted. Therefore, your artwork will be quickly covered. Take some pictures of your time and of your artwork.
The Big Texan Steakhouse and RV Ranch
Where to Find the Big Texan
If you are driving along I-40 through Amarillo you can not miss the Big Texan Steakhouse. However, if you do need directions the steak hose is located on the north side of I-40 at exit 75.
Big Texan Facts
- Home of the famed “Free” 72oz steak meal
- Originally built in 1960 along RT. 66
- Moved to its current location in the early 1970s
- The large gift shop has every Texas-themed souvenir imaginable
- Offers a complimentary limo pickup from most hotels, motels, and RV parks in Amarillo.
How to Get Your Free 72oz Steak Dinner
Who could pass up a free 72oz steak in Texas? Unfortunately, it is not as easy as it sounds.
If you plan on earning the free 72oz steak dinner you will be seated at a table on a large stage in the middle of the restaurant. Above you is a large digital clock counting down the one hour you have to complete the meal.
The steak dinner includes Shrimp Cocktail, Baked Potato, Salad, with Roll, Butter, and of course the 72oz Steak.
Of course, there is a specific list of 11 rules that must be followed in order to win. If you eat the entire meal, while following the 11 rules, the meal is free. However, the 11th rule reads “If you fail to complete the challenge, you must pay the full $72 dollars.”
If you would like to view the challenge first you can watch a live stream from the Big Texan by clicking this link.
Camping at the Big Texan RV Ranch
The park is nice and offers all the amenities you would expect from a private RV resort. There are pull-through sites that are a little tight but about what you should expect from any other private campground. All of the sites offer 20/30 amp electricity, water, sewer, and cable. In addition, there are a number of 50amp sites as well.
The campground offers free cable TV, Wi-Fi, dog runs, an indoor pool, and a nice store inside the office.
RV Ranch Review
This was a one-night stopover for us as we made our way west to the Grand Canyon.
Fortunately, we arrived early in the afternoon and were able to have some time to relax before heading to the Steakhouse for dinner. We were able to spend some time relaxing in the indoor pool before heading out to dinner.
Of course, our favorite part of the park was the free limo service from our RV to the front door of the steakhouse. This was no regular limo either. In true Texas fashion, it was outfitted with large cattle horns on the hood.
Their indoor pool was a great touch to cool off in the Texas afternoon heat. Of course, we met some great people within the park.
This was a nice, well-kept, RV park. The staff was great, and we had no issues with the amenities. With its easy access from I-40, we highly recommend this RV park if visiting the Amarillo area, or just passing through.
Our Experience at These Two Amarillo Roadside Attractions
Our time in Amarillo was a part of our first cross-country RV trip to the Grand Cayon.
The kids had a great time spray painting the Cadillacs, and leaving their marks on them. They thought it was great to leave their names on cars buried in Texas.
The RV Ranch was a great little spot to set up camp and relax before hitting the road again. In addition, what kid doesn’t enjoy a cattle-horned limo ride to dinner?
Although no one tried the 72oz steak dinner we did have a memorial dinner at the Big Texan. The food was great, the staff was wonderful, and the entire atmosphere was entertaining.
The most memorable moment was one of our boys attempting to eat his first jalapeno ever in one bite. The staff was great, and kept his milk full, as his eyes watered and he tried to cool off his mouth.
The best part of RV traveling is the sites you come across along the way. It is often the things you come across between point A and point B that make some of the best memories. The Big Texan, and Cadillac Ranch, did not disappoint.
We love to hear from our followers. Please leave a comment below.
Have you ever visited either of these two Amarillo roadside attractions? Have you camped at the Big Texan RV Ranch, or eaten at the Big Texan Steakhouse? Did you get the free 72oz Steak? Do you have any tips for visiting Amarillo, Texas?
