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Editor Pick

Cadillac Ranch

  • September 9, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by melissabowman from Stephenville, Texas
Cadillac Ranch

Just outside of Amarillo on Highway 40 (also known as part of historic Route 66) are 10 Cadillacs nose down in a wheat field. These cars are at 45-degree angels, which mimic the angle of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and are lined in a line one after another. Their purpose...there's not really one; in 1974, this helium millionaire who owns the wheat field where the cars are located assembled these cars to represent the Gold Age of Automobiles (1949-1963). The cars face west and are buried far enough out that you can get pictures of all 10 cars. The cars are also places outside the city limits and far enough away from authorities that the cars are encouraged to be vandalized.

You can take your own spray paint and markers out and write on the cars. The cars are occasionally repainted for a music video or other event. The repainting does not last for long, as travelers come frequently to make their mark on a famous landmark know around the world. This site is very easy to find and to see from the highway. The Ranch is open 24/7. There is no fee, and you are encouraged to stop and take pictures at any time. Be careful in the rain, as it gets really muddy and makes a huge mess.

From journal Labor Day in Amarillo

Editor Pick

The Cadillac Ranch

The Cadillac Ranch

The Cadillac Ranch is a very fun place to visit. It isn’t that far out of Amarillo. It’s very hard to miss unless you are me and looking in the wrong direction. If you are heading west on I-40 it is on the left side of the road. Just stay on 1-40 and get off at the next exit. Then take the service road heading east back to the cars.

If you go I highly suggest that you take spray paint or some kind of permanent marker so that you can add your own graffiti to the cars. Don’t worry about getting in trouble it is encouraged. Every so often the cars are repainted by rock stars that want to use the cars as a backdrop for their music video or by a charity.

From journal The Yellow Rose of Texas

Editor Pick

Cadillac Ranch

  • April 29, 2006
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Kellie R. from Dallas, Texas
Cadillac Ranch

The Cadillac Ranch, located along the remnants of old Route 66 (now I-40), is an intriguing roadside curiosity, to say the least.

The "ranch," which consists of ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs, upright and half-buried in a barren field in the middle of practically nowhere, was created in 1974. Amarillo's version of Stonehenge was cooked up by Stanley Marsh III, a local helium tycoon.

He and a group of artists, called the Ant Farm, supposedly assembled the sculpture to represent the "golden age" of American automobiles, but one has to wonder if something stronger than temperance beverages were involved in concocting this idea.

Most people who visit the site leave their mark on it—literally—so don't forget to bring your can of spray paint along. You get all the benefits of feeling like a miscreant without besmirching your clean record.

In August, the Caddies were painted solid pink in order to raise breast cancer awareness. By the time I visited them in November, though, the pink had almost disappeared beneath layers of fresh, multi-colored graffiti.

From journal Taking Texas by the Handle

Cadillac Ranch

  • January 31, 2003
  • Rated 3 of 5 by jangarys from Tampa, Florida
Cadillac Ranch

I was very surprised to see that the famous "Cadillac Ranch" has become a rusting old graffitti graveyard. When first planted in the 1970's the cars looked like lovely new Cadillacs artfully planted in the dirt, a tribute to the American automobile! Now the "ranch" looks like some Op-Art tribute to Mad Max. It is still fun to see and a good way to stretch your legs while on a long road trip, but don't blink as you drive by or you may miss it!

For more information check out : Roadside America

While in Amarillo be sure to visit Palo Duro Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of Texas"! The park is located about 12 miles east of Canyon on State Highway 217. From Amarillo, take Interstate 27 south to State Highway 217, and go east 8 miles.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX 79015
Texas State Parks

From journal Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo Texas

Editor Pick

Cadillac Ranch

  • September 8, 2000
  • Rated 3 of 5 by camera-gal from Overland Park, Kansas
The Cadillac Ranch is, well, it's not really a ranch, but more like 10 Caddies up-ended in a field. The Cadillacs range in age and style--from a 1949 Club Coupe to a 1963 Sedan. The Cadillac Ranch is one of those sites that less sophisticated people call "tourist traps". I beg to differ. Like Carhenge's cousin, the Cadillac Ranch is true art, up close and live.

The Cadillac Ranch was created in 1974 by the San Francisco-based Ant Farm artists' and architects' collective. Amarillo helium millionare Stanley Marsh III was the patron for the project, donating the land upon which it sat until 1997 when the Ranch was moved two miles because of Amarillo's expanding city limits.

The artists allow for creative expression and participation with their art and suggest bringing cans of spray paint to leave your own message.

If you don't stop, at least look to your left while heading west out of town. That's east if you're heading into town. To get there is a little tricky. When you're in town, drive west on I-40 for about six miles. Then exit off of the highway and get on the frontage road that heads back into town. You'll be able to park your car and get a closer look.

Pictures are coming soon!

From journal Become a Texan in Amarillo

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