GSBS Programs in Amarillo
Life in Amarillo
Amarillo is the 14th-most populous city in the state of Texas. It is also the largest city in the Texas Panhandle, and the seat of Potter County. The estimated population was 279,200 as of 2018.
Amarillo, originally named Oneida, is situated in the Llano Estacado region. The availability of the railroad and freight service provided by the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad contributed to the city's growth as a cattle-marketing center in the late 19th century.
The city was once the self-proclaimed "Helium Capital of the World" for having one of the country's most productive helium fields. The city is also known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas" (as the city takes its name from the Spanish word for yellow), and most recently "Rotor City, USA" for its V-22 Osprey hybrid aircraft assembly plant, as well as "Bomb City". Amarillo operates one of the largest meat-packing areas in the United States. Pantex, the only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility in the country, is also a major employer. The location of this facility also gave rise to the nickname Bomb City. Located adjacent to Interstate 40; U.S. Highway 66 also passed through Amarillo.
- Is it true that it's always cold and that the wind blows constantly?
- Our area of Texas does have four seasons. However, our winters are overrated and our summers underrated. Yes, it does snow occasionally, but it usually melts within a few days. In the summer temperatures climb into the 90s but the evenings are cool and comfortable. Overall our city receives 270 days of sunshine per year.
- What is the population of Amarillo
- Amarillo is located in 2 counties, Potter and Randall. According to Census 2010, the MSA population is 241,802 and the population within the city limits is 190,695.
- Isn't it difficult to get to Amarillo?
- Not at all. Amarillo is located on Interstate 40, one of the nation's busiest east-west highways. Non-stop flights leave Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport for Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport and Houston Intercontinental Airport, both of which offer connections around the country and the world. Other non-stop flights go to Denver and Las Vegas.
- Is Palo Duro Canyon State Park open all year and what is there to do in the canyon?
- Yes, the park, campsites and RV hook-ups are available all year. However, some outdoor activities, such as horseback riding may be curtailed in the winter. Better yet, the canyon is accessible via paved road by car or RV. Reservations are recommended. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. This is also the home of the musical outdoor drama TEXAS, performed Tuesday through Sunday in the summer in the Pioneer Amphitheater. The production cast and crew relies heavily on college students.
- How far is Palo Duro Canyon State Park from Amarillo?
- 30 miles south of Amarillo via Interstate 27 and Texas Highway 217.
- What does Palo Duro mean?
- Palo Duro is Spanish for "hard wood" and refers to the Juniper and Mesquite trees prevalent in the canyons of the area. The name is attributed to the Spanish conquistadors traveling through the Plains in the late 1500s.
- When is rush hour?
- There is no rush hour in Amarillo. Traffic throughout the city moves easily each day.
- What's the elevation of Amarillo?
- It varies between the highest point of 3,725 ft. on the west side of town down to about 3,575 ft. on the east side.
- Why the city was named Amarillo?
- Amarillo means yellow in Spanish. The name was probably chosen because of the color of the soil in nearby Amarillo Creek and the many yellow wildflowers here. In the early days, most houses were painted yellow in honor of the city's name.
Top things to do in Amarillo
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Panhandle Plains Historical Museum
- Outdoor Musical Drama - TEXAS
- Wonderland Amusement Park
- Historic Route 66
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
- Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian
- Amarillo Botanical Gardens
- Globe News Center for the Performing Arts
- Amarillo Zoo
- Jack Sizemore Traveland RV Museum
- Cadillac Ranch
- Don Harrington Discovery Center
- Texas Air & Space Museum
- Bill's Backyard Classics