Home of the free 72 ounce steak dinner- eat it in an hour and it’s free (if not, it’s $50). Are you man, or woman, enough? About 35,000 have tried and 7,000 have succeeded. The Big Texan is big on beef- over 60 tons are served each year. Also home to the Big Texan Opry, performed every Tuesday evening. Top local talent entertains in one of the best regional opry’s in the country. The show is free with your dinner but reservations are required. Ask about other concerts and shows at the Big Texan. Located along I-40 East at Lakeside in Amarillo. 806-372-6000. www.bigtexan.com.

From dinosaurs to conquistadors, you’ll find it all at Panhandle-Plains. It is the largest history museum in Texas, with over 200,000 square feet and 2 million artifacts of Texas history. It’s like the Smithsonian but with a Texas accent! Renovated in 2001, the museum features a new main exhibit, People of the Plains, and transportation section, called Let the Good Times Roll. The musem is open daily except major holidays with a small admission charge. Located in Canyon, TX, about 15 miles south of Amarillo. 806-651-2244. www.panhandleplains.org.

The windmills are one of the best exhbits at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Ranching history is very important to this region of Texas and the PPHM also includes exhbits on early pioneer life, with a replica Pioneer Town built into the building. The museum is open daily except major holidays with a small admission charge. Located in Canyon, TX, about 15 miles south of Amarillo. 806-651-2244. www.panhandleplains.org.

Imagine you’re a pioneer in the late 1800s as you ride horseback through the back country of one of the largest state parks in Texas. Hourly, morning or afternoon and all-day rides are available, as well as chuckwagon breakfasts. Rides are daily during the summer and on weekends in the winter (weather permitting). Park admission is $3 per person, less for seniors and children. Horseback riding fees are extra. Horseback rides provided by private vendor. Reservations are required. 806-488-2180.

Camping is great at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, bring a tent, pop-up trailer or RV- there are spaces for them all. Enjoy a special equine camping area that allows you to bring your horse and enjoy riding on numerous trails throughout the canyon. Or enjoy a restored cabin on the rim of the canyon. Campsite and cabin reservations required during the busy summer months. In advance call 512-389-8900 or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/admin/res/. Within 48 hours of anticipated arrival, call the park at 806-488-2227.