Things To Do in Dumas and Moore County

Nestled between Amarillo and Oklahoma in the Texas Panhandle, Dumas and Moore County has a pioneer spirit that makes it one of a kind. A place for would-be cowboys, outdoor adventurers, and those looking for a small-town escape, Dumas offers a long list of experiences that some would call “off the beaten path.” Discover the many things to do in Dumas and Moore County, then plan your next Texas road trip here.

Take a Hike and Watch Wildlife

Think of the Texas Panhandle and you might imagine tumbleweeds rolling across lonely plains, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, this corner of the Lone Star State boasts a great biodiversity, and Dumas is the ideal starting point for all your outdoor exploring and wildlife watching adventures.

For hiking, kayaking, and fishing, look no further than the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Located in the Canadian River Valley, the area’s mesas, draws, and canyons are best explored by the nearly 30 miles of red-dirt trails. where millions of years of erosion have created the mesas, draws, and canyons that create a stunning landscape break from the flat Texas plains.

Keep your eyes peeled and you just might see some of the hundreds of species of reptiles, birds, amphibians, mammals, fish, and insects that call this area home.

As if this wasn’t enough, Dumas is just an hour north of the natural wonder that is Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the country. There’s a world of adventure out there, and Dumas puts you right in the middle of it all.

Challenge Yourself at the Texas Tumbleweed 100 Bike Ride

Planning your next epic bike ride? Look no further than the Texas Tumbleweed 100, which attracts hundreds of cyclists here in late September for an adventure unlike any other. Friendly for riders of all endurance levels, this race takes you out onto the wide-open plains of the Texas Panhandle on routes that range from 12 to 100 miles. The longer rides take you out to Lake Meredith, a journey that includes both spectacular scenery and some challenging hills best left to practiced cyclists. Pedal toward the finish line and you’ll probably catch the sweet aromas of barbecue, your reward for a day out on the road. Eat up, soak in the hot tub, and reflect on a remarkable day touring the High Plains of Texas.

Looking to step it up a level? Go for the High Plains Double Century Challenge! Complete 100 miles in the Texas Tumbleweed 100 and the Hale on Wheels Cycling Event in Plainview the following weekend for some serious bragging rights.

Encounter Frontier Life

All the way back in the 19th century, the wild lands of Moore County were the outskirts of the Texas frontier. The earliest settlers arrived to make new lives on the wind-swept plains, and their stories are brought to life at The Windows on the Plains Museum. Imagine yourself visiting the dentist at the 1800’s-replicated dentist/pharmacist/druggist shop and see relics like a horse-drawn buggy and a telephone switch board.

To go even further back in time, head to the Alibates Flint Quarry National Monument for an immersive geological adventure that invites you to discover 13,000 years of history. Find out why this natural resource was so important to the Native Americans that once called this region home. Learn about the Plains Village Native Americans, ancestors of the Pawnee, Caddo, and Wichita Native Americans, that lived here between 1150 and 1450 A.D. Gaze out across the wild landscape at the end of your hike to observe petroglyphs left by the Antelope Creek people many years ago. 

Live Like a Cowboy

The traditional cowboy ballad “Git Along, Little Dogies,” performed by such big names as Bing Crosby, Roy Rogers, and Charlie Daniels, brings us back to the days of cattle drives through the frontier. Every June, the annual Dogie Days in Dumas celebrates the cowboy way of life. Watch a festive parade march by, play in the carnival, and savor all the Texas barbecue you can handle at this long-running local tradition. Visit in August to experience the Cowboy Classic Rodeo, when team ropers, barrel racers, bronc riders, and “mutton busters” compete over two nights of family-friendly fun. There’s plenty of lodging in Dumas and Moore County where you can hang your hat, and the Sunshine Stables Horse Motel is the perfect place to pamper your mount.

Create Lasting Family Memories

Make your trip to Dumas an unforgettable Texas family vacation by getting back to the basics—hotel pools, picnics, and ice cream. Bowl and compete at glow-in-the-dark miniature golf at the Dumas Family Fun Center. Make memories in the cool water at Dumas Aquatic Park or Treasure Island Water Park in nearby Sunray. Order banana splits and custom shakes at Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store downtown. Share a giant tub of buttered popcorn as you watch the latest blockbuster at the renovated historic Evelyn Theater. There’s so much fun to be had, you’ll need more than a few trips to take it all in.