It is easy to imagine a time when indigenous people collected flint to make tools when you visit Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument near Fritch, Texas. Discover more about the Antelope Creek people as you study the petroglyphs they left behind in the dolomite rock. Start your visit at the Alibates Visitor Center to watch the documentary about the area before heading out on a ranger-guided tour of the flint quarry. Then, explore the mesquite trail and the Alibates Gardens on your own. The Texas Panhandle offers many other outstanding places to explore, fun things to do and great places to shop and dine.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Traveling in an RV is a fun way to explore the Texas Panhandle. You can prepare your meals and enjoy the freedom to stop when you want. If you do not have an RV, rent one that is the perfect size for your group from RVshare.
RV Rentals Near Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Things To Do Near Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Join a park ranger for a tour of the flint quarry where indigenous people got flint for their tools for more than 13,000 years. Stroll through the Alibates rock garden to learn more about xeriscaping and plants that thrive in rocky areas. Enjoy a picnic under the desert willow trees. Visit the monarch butterfly feeding station during migration season, which usually occurs from September to November annually.
Hiking Trails
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Lighthouse Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, and rising from the middle of it is a rock structure that looks like a lighthouse. You can hike up to the summit while enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding red rocks.
Location
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, Texas 79015
Length
5.7 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Juniper Ridge Trail
Start Juniper Ridge Trail hike at Copper Breaks State Park by hiking up the hillside trail with interesting rocks to scramble up. About halfway up, you can catch amazing views of Lake Copper Breaks. Continue hiking up to see the Permian sea tide ripples in the rocks. Once you reach the summit, there is a gazebo where you can rest while enjoying the stunning scenery.
Location
Copper Breaks State Park, 777 State Hwy Park Rd 62, Quanah, Texas 79252
Length
0.7 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Lying adjacent to Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument is Lake Meredith National Recreation Area where you can fish in the 25.6-square-mile lake. You can go swimming in the lake, and boats are available to rent. The hills surrounding the lake are open for white-tail deer, turkey, mule deer, dove, quail, pheasant and other types of hunting seasonally.
Location
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Fritch, Texas 79036
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Don Harrington Discovery Center
Especially if you have children, do not miss a chance to visit the Don Harrington Discovery Center. Exhibits feature hands-on learning about space, nanoscale science, architecture, engineering and many other areas. While part of this center is indoors, there is also a giant outdoor play space with all types of fun activities to do.
Location
1200 Streit Dr, Amarillo, Texas 79106
Museums
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Jack Sisemore RV Museum
See how RVs and travel trailers have changed over time by visiting the Jack Sisemore RV Museum. See many historical RVs, including a 1936 Alma and a 1937 Elkhart Traveler. You can step inside most of them and peek under the hood.
Location
4341 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, Texas 79601
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Lake Meredith Aquatic and Wildlife Museum
There are six large dioramas to view at the Lake Meredith Aquatic and Wildlife Museum. Each one features local animals and plant life. There are also two large aquariums containing different species of fish from Lake Meredith and the Canadian River.
Location
104 North Robey Avenue Fritch, Texas 79036
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Nanna’s Gifts & Jewelry
Find something for yourself or a loved one at Nanna’s Gifts & Jewelry. This shop also carries Troll beads so that you can create a masterpiece. Many of their items are one-of-a-kind, so be sure to visit and see what is in stock.
Location
821 North Main, Borger, Texas 79007
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Jim’s Diamond Shop
Remember your trip with a new piece of jewelry from Jim’s Diamond Shop. This shop also repairs jewelry and watches. If you are looking for a gift for a special occasion, check out their unique gifts department.
Location
519 North Main, Borger, Texas 79007
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Chris’s Kitchen
Chris’s Kitchen is a small-town café where everyone visits across tables. Stop here for your favorite eggs, ham, sausage and homemade biscuits. Then, come back at lunch for excellent sandwiches or salads. Consider ending your day with one of their baked potato specialties, like grilled chicken, taco meat or ham.
Location
212 E Broadway St, Fritch, Texas 79036
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Hipshots Iced Tea & BBQ
Hipshots Iced Tea & BBQ is a great place to get ribs, brisket and sausage, but you will want to get there early as it is their goal to sell out every day. You can also get great tea here, like peach, blueberry and raspberry. If you are not in the barbecue mood, they also sell Frito pies, grilled potatoes and other choices.
Location
422 N Main St, Borger, Texas 79007
How To Get To Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument is on Cas Johnson Road near Fritch, Texas. It is easy to get there if you are traveling on Interstate 40. Take the Lakeside exit. Head north on Texas 136. In about 30 miles, turn west on Cas Johnson Road. When you get to the Y in about 3 miles, veer to the right. The monument will be on your right in about 2 miles.
Address
Cas Johnson Road Fritch, Texas 79036
Fee: Entry fee $0
Fee: Activity fee
Includes ranger-led quarry tour
Congress created Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument adjacent to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in 1965 to help people learn about the Antelope people. Twice daily, rangers lead a quarry tour to the site where the Antelope people got flint to make their tools. The quarry is only accessible on these tours. You will also want to follow the short mesquite trail and see the xeriscape garden. There are many opportunities for fishing, swimming and other outdoor opportunities at Lake Meredith National Recreational Area and in the surrounding region. Amarillo, Texas, is only 35 miles to the south, and you can find many things to do there, including visiting science and RV museums. Take advantage of your time in the Texas Panhandle by bringing your RV. You can also easily rent one that is the right size to accommodate your group.