All the cars lined up at the Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas

The Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas

In En-Route, Our Journeys, The Americas, Trip-Types, USA, World Travel by JanisLeave a Comment

And not a steer in sight

Whether you are touring Route 66, or just visiting Amarillo (I feel a song coming on here). In my opinion, and that’s being a fan of street art & cars, the Cadillac Ranch is certainly worth the short detour from the west of the City.

Don't Forget

Remember to go armed with your spray cans and unlike us, take some gloves as well!!

The first stop

As we came from the UK we had to buy our kit en route to the Cadillac Ranch, this was to be our first visit to a ‘Home Depot’ store, and we had stumbled into ‘Norm’ Abram’s world. We had to get out quick before any rash decisions took over us, as all we needed was luminous paint.

Getting there

Although the Cadillac’s can be fleetingly seen from Interstate 40, the actual display is only accessible along the ‘Frontage Road’ running parallel with I40.

All the cars lined up at the Cadillac Ranch

You are then free to enter onto the private land 24 hours a day.

The Ranch

This bizarre idea was the inspiration of 3 members of the art group Ant Farm, who sought funding for this public art installation from Texan millionaire Stanley Marsh 3. It was originally created in 1974 but relocated to its current sparse flatlands in 1997.

The strange thing being now that these vehicles have probably been in the ground longer than they were actually on the open road.

A cadillac tagged with our initals at the Cadillac Ranch

The 10 Caddies all stand symmetrically with each other and give the appearance that they plummeted from the sky and landed nose down, and ended up partially submerged into the earth below.

Although the shells have been regularly repainted for special occaisions, graffiti in all colours is highly encouraged here. Layers of endless paint have left the carcasses thick and craggy.

It can be a very peaceful place and like us you may find that you are on your lonesome, being able to add to someone else’s art.

There is almost a weird sensation of freedom about it, as no one really cares what you paint.

However, whatever you daub onto the bonnets/hoods, be sure you take some photo’s of your art, as it won’t be long before someone is following in your footsteps and it will be gone forever.

Inspired to visit the Cadillac Ranch?

If you're British will you be playing Tony Christie's '(Is This the Way to) Amarillo' - yep we did!
Search for your flights in one easy place with ebookers.com and open up a world of options. Over 400 airlines are scanned for your favoured routes and chosen dates.
Have a peek at the latest offers from Booking.com, our preferred hotel booking website.
Booking.com
Image

(Why not Pin It for Later?)

Share this post

Unable to locate Global Block : 59232

Comments

  1. When we visited with our kids when little there were actually a BUNCH of steer milling about the cadillacs. And because I could trust my 6 year old, 4 year old and 1 year old with spray paint, we brought crayons and colored away. Ha! It is a kooky place, but so cool.

    1. I’m not too sure if I would’ve gone too near, if there were steer there.We popped into ‘Home Depot’ (didn’t think I would be going into a DIY shop on holiday) and bought a couple of cans, the spray paint was very messy, even for someone of my age.It was great fun, it doesn’t take long before your work of art is overwritten.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.