Visiting Cadillac Ranch

Visiting Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX

If you are looking for a true Roadside America iconic stop, Cadillac Ranch is it. On our recent road trip from Florida to the Grand Canyon we decided to make a stop at Cadillac Ranch. It has been on my bucket list for a while and I was not about to drive right past it and not leave my mark.

Rob and I were prepared with our can of neon orange spray paint and we aimed the GPS in the direction of Amarillo. Located just off I 40 (old Route 66) you can see the tailfins from the interstate driving by. Heading westbound we took exit 60. There is no admission and visitors are encouraged (dogs also).

Now regarded as a public art installation, this was not the case in 1974. Many wanted the installation removed calling it an eyesore. In 1997 the installation was quietly moved from 2 miles west due to urban sprawl in the area.

There is a short walk out to the cars from the main roadside parking area. You should bring your own paint. If raining mud can and will get deep and if sunny a hat and water bottle may be a good choice to have handy. Please remember not to litter and unless you are handing can of leftover paint to someone who does not have – please take your/trash to the dumpster just outside pasture gate. Many leave their mark by way of initials, simple images, “tags” knowing that within hours they will be covered over by others visiting. The cars are so thickly covered in paint it is hard to believe they will ever rust and occasionally the cars are repainted a solid color. On our return trip 3 of the cars had been painted a full lime green to leave a blank canvas for new visitors.

I know a visit there just seems silly, but it is a great way to take a break from a long road trip to stretch your legs, leave your mark on a car and get some fun photos. So next time you are near Amarillo, take a few moments and let the kid come out in you.

For more photos visit: https://notaclueadventuresphotos.shutterfly.com/pictures/11095

For more information on Cadillac Ranch check out http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2220

About notacluegal

Jeanene was born in Pittsburgh, PA. As a young child her family was very active in the outdoors. Things changed when her parents decided to travel down different paths in life and with that decision so went many of the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Being lucky to live in the suburbs Jeanene always had a backyard to play in and loved being outdoors. As the years passed she took every opportunity to be outdoors. She bought land in Tennessee and as a single mom moved her young daughter to the mountains. The were many life lessons learned on that mountain. There was no plumbing on the property – or even a house, but that did not stop her. She learned to live off of what was available and built her own cabin from the trees on her property. Those were rough years but the most rewarding. Now Jeanene resides in Tampa, Fl. and works as an office manager full time….but still yeans to be outdoors. Jeanene started “Not a Clue Adventures” to teach everyone she could how wonderful the outdoors are! That camping and fishing and hiking can be done by everyone and at many different levels. Single mom’s no longer have to be afraid to take their sons and daughters outdoors. By working with young couples, single parents and even seniors, she gets to teach others about her love for the outdoors and hopes to open their eyes to new adventures. In 2009, Jeanene completed certification as a Leave No Trace Instructor. She also works closely with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) and the Florida State Parks. Jeanene is also certified in First Aid/Adult CPR.

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