Childress TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Childress, Texas.
1. Fair Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Fair Park is one of the top attractions in Childress, offering visitors a variety of recreational activities and open green spaces. The park provides local residents and tourists with facilities for outdoor enjoyment and community gatherings. Visitors to Fair Park can experience the charm of small-town Texas while enjoying its well-maintained grounds and amenities.
2. Childress County Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Childress County Heritage Museum preserves and displays the rich history of Childress County through various exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections that tell the story of the region from its early days to the present time. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage and historical development of this part of Texas.
3. The 501 Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
The 501 Winery is a popular destination in Childress offering visitors a taste of locally produced wines. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere where guests can enjoy wine tastings and learn about the winemaking process. Visitors appreciate the unique flavors and the opportunity to purchase bottles of their favorite selections.
4. Childress Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
TOURISM INFORMATION HUB
The Childress Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center serves as the primary information resource for tourists visiting the area. The center provides maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to help visitors make the most of their time in Childress. Staff members are knowledgeable about local attractions, events, and services available throughout the region.
5. Childress ATV Park
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Childress ATV Park offers exciting off-road experiences for adventure enthusiasts visiting the area. The park features various trails and terrain suitable for different skill levels and vehicle types. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of riding through diverse landscapes while experiencing the natural beauty of the region.
6. Historical Steam Locomotive
PRESERVED RAILROAD HISTORY
The Historical Steam Locomotive in Childress is a well-preserved piece of transportation history that was built in 1887. Originally used to haul logs from the woods to the sawmill in Childress, this historic locomotive now serves as an educational exhibit. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering of this important artifact from the region's railroad past.
7. Bob Wills Museum
WESTERN SWING LEGACY
The Bob Wills Museum celebrates the life and career of the legendary Western swing musician who influenced American music. The museum houses exhibits featuring Wills' recordings, personal belongings, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of his remarkable career. Visitors can also enjoy films about his life and work in the museum's theater, gaining insight into his significant cultural contributions.
8. Historic Route 66
ICONIC AMERICAN HIGHWAY
Historic Route 66 passes near Childress, offering visitors a chance to experience this iconic piece of American travel history. The highway features vintage establishments, roadside attractions, and scenic views that harken back to the golden age of automobile travel. Travelers can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere while discovering the unique culture that developed along this famous corridor.
9. Walmart Supercenter
ESSENTIAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Walmart Supercenter in Childress provides visitors and residents with a comprehensive shopping experience in one convenient location. The store offers everything from groceries and clothing to electronics and household items, making it a practical stop for travelers needing supplies. Its central location makes it easily accessible for anyone staying in or passing through Childress.
10. Collingsworth County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Collingsworth County Museum showcases the rich history of the area through diverse exhibits that chronicle the region's development. The museum features a wide variety of artifacts and displays that tell the story of the county from its early days to contemporary times. Visitors can also access the research library, which contains valuable historical information about Collingsworth County.
11. Palo Duro Canyon
BREATHTAKING NATURAL WONDER
Palo Duro Canyon, located within driving distance of Childress, is the second-largest canyon in the United States and offers spectacular natural scenery. Visitors can explore over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails while taking in the dramatic multicolored rock formations. The canyon also features camping facilities, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
12. Caprock Canyons State Park
BISON AND SCENIC TRAILS
Caprock Canyons State Park, a scenic drive from Childress, is home to the official Texas State Bison Herd and offers stunning landscapes of rugged canyons and colorful rock formations. The park provides over 90 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through diverse terrain including canyon lands and prairie. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as camping, wildlife viewing, and exploring the 64-mile Caprock Canyons Trailway built on an abandoned railroad line.
13. Medicine Mound
HISTORIC GHOST TOWN
Medicine Mound is a fascinating ghost town near Childress where visitors can explore the remains of a once-thriving community. The site features preserved structures including original store buildings that tell the story of early 20th century rural Texas. Nearby stand the four natural mounds that gave the settlement its name, considered sacred by Native American tribes who once inhabited the region.
14. Copper Breaks State Park
STARGAZING AND RECREATION
Copper Breaks State Park, located within driving distance of Childress, offers exceptional dark skies for stargazing as an International Dark Sky Park. The park features two small lakes, hiking trails, and camping facilities across its 1,898 acres of rugged terrain. Visitors can enjoy activities including fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and attending ranger-led programs about the region's natural and cultural history.
15. Amarillo Botanical Gardens
DIVERSE PLANT COLLECTION
The Amarillo Botanical Gardens showcase a stunning variety of plant life arranged in beautifully designed themed gardens. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits including a tropical conservatory, butterfly garden, and seasonal displays throughout the year. The gardens also host special events, educational programs, and cultural activities that make it a vibrant destination worth the drive from Childress.