Ghost Horse Gallery

Settled just west of the spectacular red rocks of Caprock Canyons State Park is a place where you can still experience the spirit of the Old West. It’s here, at the Ghost Horse Gallery in Silverton, where celebrated sculptor Tammy Lynne Penn’s dramatic works of galloping horses, prowling coyotes, and other animals bring the beauty of far West Texas to life.

With an on-site coffee bar, Ghost Horse Gallery is a great place to admire art, hang out with friends, and soak up all the cowboy culture.

Ghost Horse Gallery takes its name from the legend of ghost horses, a piece of local lore hailing back to the days of war between the Native Americans and the U.S. Army.

It’s said that after a surprise attack on a Comanche and Kiowa camp, the bluecoats shot 1,100 horses they captured. To this day, campers at the state park swear they can hear the sounds of stampeding horses. Some have even spotted a solitary white mustang.

Although this art gallery in Silverton lays no claim to this chapter of West Texas history, the works it displays are just as awe inspiring. Penn’s breathtaking sculptures conjure a sense of nature’s wonders through her use of different techniques and mediums. While you can find her art at galleries across the country, the Ghost Horse Gallery is the primary showcase of her work.

Penn’s sculptures are a sight to behold, but that’s not all that you’ll see at the Ghost Horse Gallery. Browse the collection of stunning turquoise jewelry made in the Navajo tradition by Hunter Penn, Penn’s husband. Then admire the ironworks by Ray Bach, a horseshoer from Canyon, Texas. Then slide on over to the Night Owl Espresso & Tea Bar, where you can order up a coffee made by Rowdy Cogdell, who calls himself Silverton’s only “blind barista.” Make sure to get the individually sized pecan pie, a specialty of Rowdy’s grandmother Twila, and don't miss the daily lunch specials.

With your drink and snack in hand, settle in to relax and read a book, play some dominoes with friends, or watch TV. Then say “howdy” to Oakley, the resident Great Horned Owl and stick around for an educational demonstration about the art and sport of falconry. Peruse the gift shop before you leave and you’ll find goods from across Texas, including Moore Maker knives crafted in Matador, pecan preserves from San Saba, concealed carry vests and jackets, bird houses, and other fun unique items you can take home with you.

Conjuring the wild spirit of West Texas, the Ghost Horse Gallery is a must visit while you’re exploring either Caprock Canyons State Park or Palo Duro Canyon State Park.