Groom TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Groom, Texas.
1. The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries
TOWERING RELIGIOUS MONUMENT
The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries features a massive 198-foot tall steel cross that stands as one of the tallest crosses in the Western Hemisphere. Visible from miles away along Route 66, this impressive religious landmark has become Groom's most recognizable attraction. Visitors can explore the surrounding grounds which include bronze statues depicting the stations of the cross and a gift shop offering religious memorabilia.
2. Britten Leaning Water Tower
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Britten Leaning Water Tower, also known as the Leaning Tower of Texas, is a deliberately tilted water tower that has become an iconic Route 66 photo opportunity. Standing 40 feet tall, this whimsical structure was designed to attract visitors to a truck stop that once operated nearby. The tower's unusual tilt creates playful perspectives for photographs, making it a popular stop for travelers along the historic highway.
3. Buffalo Gold/Herd Wear Retail Store
UNIQUE WESTERN APPAREL
Buffalo Gold/Herd Wear Retail Store offers a distinctive shopping experience featuring clothing and accessories made from buffalo fiber. The store specializes in sustainable, locally-sourced products that celebrate the region's ranch heritage and connection to the American bison. Visitors can browse through a variety of unique items including hats, gloves, scarves, and other western-themed merchandise not commonly found elsewhere.
4. The Charles
HISTORIC LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT
The Charles is a beloved local establishment that offers visitors a taste of authentic small-town Texas hospitality. This historic venue serves as both a gathering place for locals and a welcoming stop for travelers passing through on Route 66. Visitors appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and the opportunity to experience genuine Panhandle culture while enjoying refreshments.
5. Groom Main Street
CLASSIC AMERICANA EXPERIENCE
Groom's Main Street, officially named Broadway, offers visitors a glimpse into the nostalgic small-town America of the past. Walking along this historic thoroughfare, travelers can observe abandoned service stations, vintage storefronts, and architecture that hearkens back to Route 66's heyday. The street provides an authentic slice of Americana where visitors can experience the quiet simplicity of life in a town that preserves its connection to bygone days.
6. Chalet Inn
VINTAGE ROUTE 66 LODGING
The Chalet Inn offers travelers along Route 66 a comfortable lodging option with a touch of vintage highway charm. As Groom's primary motel, it provides a convenient resting place for those exploring the historic Mother Road through Texas. The inn's location makes it an ideal base for visiting the town's famous attractions including the Giant Cross and Leaning Water Tower.
7. Abandoned Route 66 Service Stations
NOSTALGIC HIGHWAY RELICS
The abandoned service stations along Groom's stretch of Historic Route 66 (Front Street) stand as evocative reminders of the highway's bustling past. These weathered structures, with their distinctive architecture and faded signage, tell the story of American automobile culture and the economic changes that transformed small towns along the Mother Road. Photography enthusiasts particularly appreciate these atmospheric locations for their historical significance and haunting beauty.
8. LA Motel
NEARBY AUTHENTIC LODGING
The LA Motel in nearby Claude offers travelers an authentic lodging experience just 15 miles southwest of Groom. This small-town motel provides comfortable accommodations for visitors exploring the Route 66 corridor through the Texas Panhandle. Its convenient location along TX-207 makes it a good alternative for those wanting to stay in the area when Groom's limited lodging options are unavailable.
9. Amarillo RV Campgrounds
ROAD TRIP BASE CAMP
The RV campgrounds in Amarillo provide excellent options for road trippers exploring the Route 66 corridor including Groom and surrounding attractions. Located just 45 miles west of Groom, these facilities offer convenient amenities for travelers with recreational vehicles seeking to experience the Texas Panhandle. The campgrounds serve as ideal base camps for day trips to various Route 66 landmarks throughout the region.
10. Amarillo Historic Route 66
MOTHER ROAD URBAN SECTION
Amarillo's Historic Route 66 district presents visitors with a more developed urban experience of the famous highway just 45 miles west of Groom. This vibrant stretch features restored vintage motels, classic diners, antique shops, and other businesses celebrating the nostalgia of America's Mother Road. Travelers can enjoy exploring the numerous Route 66-themed attractions including the famous Cadillac Ranch and the historic U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District.
11. Cadillac Ranch
ICONIC PUBLIC ART
Cadillac Ranch is a world-famous public art installation featuring ten Cadillacs half-buried nose-down in the Texas soil, located near Amarillo about 45 miles from Groom. Created in 1974 by the art group Ant Farm, this interactive landmark encourages visitors to add their own spray-painted contributions to the ever-changing canvas of automobile sculptures. The installation has become one of Route 66's most photographed attractions and represents American road culture and artistic expression.
12. The Big Texan Steak Ranch
LEGENDARY STEAK CHALLENGE
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a legendary Route 66 restaurant famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, located in Amarillo near Groom. This iconic eatery, established in 1960, offers diners a free meal if they can consume a 72-ounce steak along with all the trimmings in under one hour. Beyond the eating challenge, the restaurant features Texas-sized portions, Western decor, and live entertainment, making it a must-visit attraction for travelers exploring the area around Groom.
13. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
GRAND CANYON OF TEXAS
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often called the 'Grand Canyon of Texas,' is the second-largest canyon in the United States and located about 60 miles from Groom. The dramatic landscape features colorful rock formations, wildlife habitats, and over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails through terrain dating back millions of years. Visitors can enjoy camping, outdoor performances at the Pioneer Amphitheater, and exploring the rich geological and cultural history of this natural wonder.
14. U-Drop Inn
ART DECO HIGHWAY ICON
The U-Drop Inn is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture and one of the most photographed buildings along Route 66, located in Shamrock about 53 miles east of Groom. Built in 1936 as a combination gas station and restaurant, this beautifully restored landmark now serves as a visitor center, museum, and gift shop. The building's distinctive towers, curved corners, and neon lighting famously inspired the design of Ramone's body shop in the Pixar film 'Cars.'
15. Devil's Rope Museum
BARBED WIRE HISTORY
The Devil's Rope Museum in McLean houses the world's largest collection of barbed wire, located about 40 miles east of Groom along Route 66. This unique museum showcases over 2,000 different types of barbed wire along with tools, equipment, and historical artifacts related to fencing and ranching in the American West. Visitors can also explore the adjoining Route 66 Museum which features memorabilia and exhibits celebrating the Mother Road's impact on small towns like Groom and McLean.