Experience the Night Sky: Amarillo’s Best Nearby Stargazing Locations

The Texas Panhandle skies offer breathtaking views. We have beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Catching as many of those as you can makes your day better.

Cadillac Ranch: Art Meets the Stars

When the lights go down and the stars come out, it doesn't mean the show is over. There is just a different vision to experience: the night sky. You can check out the moon and the stars as you are walking in from your car, but if you want a real experience, you don't have to go far.

Read More: Best Spots Near Amarillo to Watch the Texas Sunset |

A short drive can take you out of the city and into the serene night sky. Choose a night and a destination for some of the best views of the Milky Way near Amarillo:

• Cadillac Ranch - Just a short drive outside of Amarillo is one of the shortest drives, and gives you much to look at. The Cadillac Ranch is a lot to look at during the day, but have you ever experienced it at night? Grab a blanket and do a little stargazing out from under what city lights we have. You will enjoy the view.

• Wildcat Bluff Nature Center - If you haven't visited this great nature site, just a ten-minute drive out of Amarillo, you are really missing out. It's a great location at night, too. They host numerous stargazing events for this purpose. Keep an eye on their event calendar for this great opportunity.

• Palo Duro Canyon - Who doesn't love visiting the canyon during the day? Putting on those hiking shoes and taking a spin down a trail or two is a lot of fun for everyone. Just wait and experience the canyon at night. A short thirty-minute drive can really open your eyes. Attend the Texas Outdoor Musical and stick around afterwards to stargaze. You can even take it a step further and camp out. The open skies and the peaceful quiet are something you can enjoy all night long.

• Lake Meredith National Recreation Area - You can't forget Lake Meredith. We are so lucky to have so much nature all around us. A quick forty-five-minute drive will lead you to the lake and more night skies. There is swimming and camping, and a guaranteed great night of stargazing.

Caprock Canyons State Park: Dark Sky Delight

• Caprock Canyons State Park - Near Quitaque, Texas, this short ninety-minute drive can offer a lot of night skies and beautiful views. There is plenty of camping and great opportunities to catch a falling star or two. Take a swim in the lake and finish it off with a night hike. You won't want to leave.

You can choose to take a long drive and really escape the city for a night of star-gazing. You can just jump in the car with little preparation and get out of the city limits. Either choice will bring you to some great night skies near Amarillo this summer.