If you’re looking for a getaway, search no further than Turkey — but not the Turkey across the sea. There are no airplane flights involved in this day trip. Turkey, TX has all the adventure you need from colorful canyons and towering mesas to ancient Indian treasures and a rock legend. So slow down and set your watch to Turkey time.
Outdoors
If you think Texas is completely flat, visit the Caprock Canyons State Park immediately to see breathtaking canyons with layers of red and orange rock that plunge into deep valleys. The Caprock Canyons are situated right at the Llano Estacado where the flat land of Texas falls away to form these beautiful canyons. For a closer view of these natural canyons, take a horseback tour of the canyons with Quitaque Riding Stables.
Official Texas State Bison Herd
As you explore the Caprock Canyons State Park, you may find yourself hiking next to a herd of bison. And these aren’t just any bison, they are part of the Official Texas State Bison Herd and direct descendants of the preservation herd Charles Goodnight started in 1878. It’s amazing to see these guys thriving in their native habitat surrounded by the Caprock Canyons.
Culture
Centuries ago, Turkey was home to the Comanche Indians and remnants of their past can still be found in the red soil of this land. Visit the Comancheros Canyons Museum to learn about the people who lived in Turkey long ago and see the treasures that owner Jerry and his friends uncovered in the area with metal detectors.
Turkey was also home to Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing, who swung his way into the hearts of listeners all across America. Head to the Bob Wills Museum to see items from Bob’s pre-swing days like some of the original tools from his barbershop. And while you’re exploring town, you might even come across a replica of the Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys bus.
Turkey’s sister town Quitaque (pronounced kitty-kway) also shares the stories of Indians and Bison from days past. To mark areas of significance from Comanche history, the Texas Trail Region has erected arrows across the Panhandle to help you follow the Indians’ story.
Food
Galvan's
Unfortunately, Galvan’s had closed since we filmed this episode.
The best place to savor the relaxing pace of this town and the friendly folks that inhabit it is Hotel Turkey, where your warm meal comes with heartfelt conversation and a cozy atmosphere. The menu changes daily but you can bet that this restaurant is always serving up some of the best comfort food in town. Built in 1927, Hotel Turkey is known as the oldest continuously run hotel in Texas. At the end of your meal if you’re too stuffed to leave, let owner (and Turkey mayor) Pat Carson book you a room for the night.
Keep Exploring
Turkey, TX
