Heritage and Horizons in the Heart of the Panhandle Plains
The Texas Plains Trail Region (TPTR) is a vast and captivating area that stretches across the Panhandle and Southern Plains offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, agriculture, and natural beauty. Encompassing 52 counties, and 50,000 square miles, this region is often described as the true West, showcasing the rich traditions and landmarks that have shaped the state’s identity. From rugged landscapes, captivating sunsets, larger cities and vibrant small towns, the Texas Plains Trail provides an immersive experience for anyone looking to explore Texas’ heritage.
A Rich Tapestry of History and Culture
Although one of the last parts of the continental United States to be permanently settled, the Texas Plains have been occupied for millennia. More than 12,000 years ago, the Clovis people, the earliest known residents of North America, roamed this land hunting the ancient bison and the Columbian mammoth. In time, the Apache and Comanche nations came, followed by Spanish explorers, cowboys on the free range, and finally, homesteaders seeking opportunity in a new place. The history of the region can be seen at the numerous museums, heritage centers, and historical sites that have worked to preserve our shared cultural heritage. We encourage visitors to explore these attractions utilizing our travel planner at TexasPlainsTrail.com.
Another important component of the Texas Plains Trail Region is the Quanah Parker Trail. Over 80 steel arrows 23 feet tall pierce the landscape of the Panhandle Plains. They commemorate Quanah Parker, last chief of the Comanche (Nūmūnūū), and the territory called Comanchería where his people lived. The trail was created to interpret the Indigenous history of the region in the days before and during colonial settlement. Visitors to the region can retrace the footsteps and hoofbeats of the “Lords of the Plains” as they honor their rich culture and history and learn about a past that is written on the land.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures
The Texas Plains Trail Region is equally famous for its stunning natural landscapes, offering a variety of outdoor activities for adventurers and nature lovers. The terrain is diverse, ranging from the expansive prairies and grasslands to dramatic canyons and rugged rock formations. Agriculture is also a huge part of the region with cotton, corn, wheat, and sorghum being some of the main crops. The South Plains is the largest cotton producing area in the world with acreage exceeding 3 million some years. This area comprises 19 counties north of the Caprock Escarpment and is centered at Lubbock. The Plains Trail Region is home to five Texas State Parks that encompass 48,000 acres.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” is one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations. The canyon is also home to the TEXAS Outdoor Musical. A talented cast reaches into the past to reveal the struggles, strengths, celebrations, burials, and politics of the early settlers, cowboys, and Native Americans. The best-attended outdoor musical drama in the U.S., TEXAS is performed Tuesday through Sunday from early June through mid-August.
Caprock Canyons State Park, with its striking red rock cliffs and the Texas State Bison Herd, is another popular attraction for visitors. Towards the end of the great bison slaughter from 1874-1878, a handful of people worried about the fate of the bison and began the difficult task of saving them. These people took care of orphaned calves and started their own herds.
Mary Ann Goodnight urged her husband Charles to capture some orphan calves from the southern herd in 1878. The Goodnights raised the bison calves on the JA Ranch as the nucleus of the Goodnight Herd, which soon grew to over 200 head.
The descendants of these animals now constitute the Texas State Bison Herd. The Goodnight Herd and four other herds provided the foundation stock for virtually all bison in North America today. You can learn more about the legacy of the Goodnight’s at the Texas Historical Commission Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site.
For those interested in bird watching, the area’s wide-open spaces are home to an array of species, including migratory birds that stop at the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge, Texas’ first National Wildlife Refuge.
The vast plains also provide ample opportunities for stargazing, thanks to the region’s clear skies and low light pollution. Copper Breaks State Park is a stargazer’s dream destination—far from big cities and on the Texas plains. The International Dark Sky Association has designated Copper Breaks as an International Dark Sky Park.
Many visitors come to the Texas Plains Trail to camp, hike, or simply take in the serene beauty of the West Texas landscape.
Big Cities and Small-Town Charm
The Texas Plains Trail is home to some of the state’s most charming and welcoming big cities and small towns. Cities like Lubbock, Amarillo, and Big Spring are hubs of activity, offering visitors a blend of modern amenities and classic Southwestern hospitality. Lubbock is known for its live music scene, arts culture, and connection to rock and roll legend Buddy Holly. Amarillo, with its famous Cadillac Ranch, is a quirky stop on the historic Route 66, while Big Spring boasts the beautifully restored luxury Hotel Settles. A gem in the heart of Big Spring, Hotel Settles is a historic 1930s-era hotel that has been beautifully restored to its original elegance, with stylish details that evoke the charm, craftsmanship, and architectural details of an earlier era.
Visitors can explore locations like Canadian, Plainview, and Levelland that offer many enriching experiences in a quaint, small-town setting. Canadian is often referred to as the “Oasis of the Panhandle” boasting the Canadian River, lush scenery, and fall foliage that contrasts with the surrounding plains. It’s also home to the Citadel Art Museum which showcases world-renowned art and artifacts. Plainview is a certified Main Street City and welcomes travelers to explore downtown and places like the beautifully restored Art Deco Fair Theater. Levelland, also a certified Main Street City is known as the “City of Mosaics” and has numerous public art mosaics that adorn buildings and public spaces reflecting its community spirit and creativity.
These are just a small sample of amazing communities to experience in our 52-county region. We invite you to plan your own adventure at TexasPlainsTrail.com.
Local Cuisine
The region also offers a taste of Texas cuisine at its finest. From BBQ joints and local diners to vineyards and craft breweries, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of culinary delights that showcase the flavors of the West. The Texas High Plains and Panhandle region produces more than 80% of the wine grapes grown in Texas, with Brownfield being the Grape Capital of Texas. Located at 3,400 feet above sea level on flat terrain, the Texas High Plains experience long, hot, dry summers. Cool evenings make this region ideal for grape growing. The Plains Trail Region is also home to the “Beef Capital of the World,” Hereford. The Panhandle alone produces 88% of Texas beef. Whether savoring a plate of brisket or sampling local wines, food enthusiasts will find plenty to satisfy their appetites.
The Texas Plains Trail Region is a destination unlike any other, offering a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of the West. From its deep historical roots to its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities, the region is a testament to the enduring legacy of Texas. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just in search of a new adventure, the Texas Plains Trail promises an unforgettable journey through one of the most fascinating areas in the state.
Plains Trail Region Board of Directors
Austin Allison – President
Texas Tech University, Southwest Collections Assistant Librarian
Lubbock
Dolores Mosser – Vice President and Authentic Texas Manager
Lubbock
Tania Moody – Treasurer
Texas Downtown Association Director
Levelland
Vicki Hamblen – Secretary
West Texas A&M College of Nursing and Health Science, Secretary to
the Dean,
Happy
Dr. Holle Humphries
Quanah Parker Trail Lubbock
Karli Fields
Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site
Claude
Kristen Moudy
Wheeler Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Wheeler
Tai Kreidler
Texas Tech University, Southwest Collections Librarian
Lubbock
Tamera Julian
River Valley Pioneer Museum Director
Canadian
Tom Cole
Retired Educator
Amarillo
Counties
Armstrong
Bailey
Borden
Briscoe
Carson
Castro
Childress
Cochran
Collingsworth
Cottle
Crosby
Dallam
Dawson
Deaf Smith
Dickens
Donley
Floyd
Foard
Gaines
Garza
Gray
Hale
Hall
Hansford
Hardeman
Hartley
Hemphill
Hockley
Howard
Hutchinson
Kent
King
Knox
Lamb
Lipscomb
Lubbock
Lynn
Mitchell
Moore
Motley
Ochiltree
Oldham
Parmer
Potter
Randall
Roberts
Scurry
Sherman
Swisher
Terry
Wheeler
Yoakum
Meet the Executive Director
Allison Kendrick
Allison Kendrick is the Executive Director of the Texas Plains Trail Region, an award-winning program of the Texas Historical Commission. Dedicated to preserving the rich culture of Texas, she promotes her 52-county region in the Panhandle and Southern Plains.
A proud alumna of Hardin-Simmons University, Allison earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising, sharpening her communication skills and gaining a deep understanding of how to effectively connect with diverse audiences. She began her tourism career as an intern and then director of communications for the Texas Forts Trail Region. She served on the Forts Trail Board as she moved to the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau as the Marketing Manager.
Certified as a Texas Destination Marketer by the Texas Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (TACVB) and having earned the title of Certified Tourism Executive from the Texas Travel Alliance (TTA), Allison brings extensive expertise and strategic vision to her role. These certifications signify her commitment to excellence in the tourism industry.
At the helm of the Texas Plains Trail Region, Allison orchestrates initiatives to promote the region’s distinctive heritage. Whether highlighting the trailblazing spirit of pioneers, promoting architectural marvels, or showcasing the region’s natural wonders, she approaches her role with enthusiasm and respect for the stories that define the region. Through innovative marketing campaigns, community engagement efforts, and collaborative partnerships, she promotes the region across the state and beyond.
Allison is an avid traveler, often embarking on journeys with her husband Koby, daughter Kinsley, and mini–Australian Shepherd Bella. She is a coffee enthusiast, dabbles in photography and graphic design, and has a constant stack of “need to read next” books on her desk.
