Welcome to the Great Plains of Texas – a beautiful landscape you won’t want to miss, and it’s perfect for nature and history enthusiasts. Full of grassy lands and State and National parks with incredible canyons dubbed “inverted mountains,” with 91 mountain peaks. But along with the beautiful nature that awaits you, there are fun activities to add to your schedule, a 47-foot Texan cowboy to see, and relaxing amenities to check out.
Commonly referred to as the High Plains, these top six towns of the region offer a wide range of activities, history, and culture to see on your Texas Great Plains road trip.
Lubbock, Texas
While it is mainly known as a farming town, you can find award-winning wineries in Lubbock, such as McPherson Cellars and Llano Estacado Winery. Thousands also visit this unique town to check out the American Wind Power Museum – the largest windmill museum in the world. You can also find Prairie Dog Town, which has helped prevent the extinction of the black-tailed prairie dog. For other fun and popular activities, check out the National Ranch Heritage Center, the Science Spectrum and Omni Theater, and the Museum of Texas Tech University, or learn to work with glass and take a mosaic class.
Fun Fact: The area is home to Texas Tech University, and Lubbock MSA has approximately 360,000 year-round residents.
Places to Stay: Woodrow House B&B or Slaton Harvey House
Sweat Water, Texas
Love history? Check out the National WASP WWII Museum, which honors the first women who served in the Air Force as pilots. If you’re visiting during the second weekend of March, you won’t want to miss the World’s Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up. The event is just as educational as it is unique, as you watch the snake’s venom get milked for future research. There will also be snake-themed vendors, contests, and so much more.
Fun Fact: The name “Sweetwater” translates to “sweet water,” derived from the Kiowa language, reflecting the area’s historical significance and connection to its natural resources.
Places to Stay: Mulberry Manor
Turkey, Texas
Feel like traveling back in time? Visit Turkey, Texas, to see the Bob Wills Museum. Bob Wills created the western swing, and his style later influenced legends such as Elvis Presley. Close to Turkey is Caprock Canyons State Park. Grab your hiking boots and camera, pick a trail, and explore the marvelous red cliffs.
Fun Fact: Turkey, Texas, was originally named Turkey Roost due to the abundance of wild turkeys in the area.
Places to stay: Hotel Turkey or Hotel Matador
Nazareth, Tx
One of the most iconic landmarks resides near Nazareth, Texas. Less than an hour away, you can find the 47-food Tex Randall, “Texas’ Big Texan,” created by a high school shop teacher. Perfect for photographers and hikers alike, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge also offers wildlife of all kinds. Though the lake is dry, many now visit and enjoy picnicking with their friends and family, among what nature provides.\
Fun Fact: Nazareth, Texas, is home to the Nazareth Swiftettes, a high school girls’ basketball team with remarkable success. The Swiftettes have won 25 state championships in 47 years, making them the current public school national record holders for the most state titles in girls’ basketball. Their impressive track record includes winning five state titles in just seven years, showcasing the team’s dominance in Texas high school basketball and the strong community support behind them.
Where to stay: Yellow Rose Inn
Downtown Mineral Wells
A vacation in Texas is the perfect time to learn how to ride a horse at Irons Ranch. Or, if you have a love for vintage cars, visit the Blue Oval Car Barn, where you’ll find over 50 restored 1971 Mustangs. If you want to spend your time outdoors, bait your hook and throw your line into the waters at Mineral Wells. You can find fish such as bass, catfish, and sunfish there. After a long day of exploring, stop by one of the most popular restaurants in town, the Mesquite Pit, for a delicious meal and dessert. Kayak the Brazos River and discover the town’s best breakfast at Magpie Inn.
Fun Fact: Mineral Wells, Texas, was once a popular health resort in the early 1900s due to its “crazy water,” which was believed to have healing properties. The mineral water from the Crazy Well, in particular, became famous for its supposed health benefits, attracting visitors from all over the country seeking cures for various ailments.
Where to stay: Magpie Inn
Sanford, Texas
The Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument is a must-see. Here, you’ll find agatized dolomite, sourced by mammoth hunters and used as an essential resource to be shaped into hunting tools. Not only can you see the stone while visiting, but this is the perfect place to hike with a ranger and explore. If you’re lucky, you’ll even find some fossils!
Fun Fact: Sanford, Texas, was established in 1927 following the discovery of natural gas in the area, which became part of the Panhandle Gas Field. The town was named after James McEuin Sanford, a pioneer rancher. Notably, Sanford gained some fame when it was featured on the television show Hee Haw in 1974, where country singer Red Steagall paid tribute to his hometown, highlighting its charm and community spirit.
Where to Stay: Three Falls Cove
The Great Plains of Texas has a distinct north-south gradient in average temperature patterns, with a hotter south and colder north. It is a large, dry, flat region with a diverse topography that includes grasslands, prairies, and rocky plains, providing a great resource for the United States. The grasslands are excellent for cattle production and grazing sheep and goats, and the rich soil is also suitable for crop production of cotton, wheat, grains, and peanuts. This rural land is known for its natural resources for oil and natural gas drilling.
Wherever you decide to visit in the Great Plains, we know you’ll have a great time and adventure. For more travel tips and information for upcoming trips in Texas, follow us on Instagram or Facebook. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos during your vacation and share with us about your favorite discoveries during your time here. Share and tag us in your favorite moments in the state we call home.
