Back in 2018, my family and I packed up the car and hit the road for a once-in-a-lifetime Route 66 road trip from east to west, heading toward California. One of the most memorable and unexpected stops along the way was Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas—a place that truly captured the spirit of freedom and adventure that the open road is all about.
Where to Find It
Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124
Cadillac Ranch is located just west of Amarillo, Texas, right off Interstate 40. If you’re driving Route 66, this stop is super easy to find—just look for the parked cars and the people walking out into the field.
What Is Cadillac Ranch?
Cadillac Ranch is a one-of-a-kind public art installation created in 1974 by a group of artists known as Ant Farm, with financial support from local millionaire Stanley Marsh 3. It features 10 vintage Cadillac cars (model years 1949–1963) buried nose-first in the Texas dirt, tail fins pointing toward the sky.
The best part? Visitors are encouraged to spray paint the cars—yes, it’s totally legal and even part of the experience. The result is an ever-changing, living piece of interactive street art.
Admission Info
Cadillac Ranch is completely free to visit.
There’s no entrance fee, no ticket booth, and no official hours. It’s open 24/7, and anyone can walk right in from the roadside parking area.
Our Experience at Cadillac Ranch
We stopped at Cadillac Ranch in the middle of our 2018 Route 66 road trip on our way to California. After hours on the road, stepping out into that wide Texas field and seeing the colorfully graffitied Cadillacs sticking out of the ground was surreal.
We brought spray paint with us, so each of us got to leave our own little mark. My family loved it—it was messy, spontaneous, and totally different from anything we’d done on the trip. It was one of those rare road trip moments that just felt free. No crowds, no rules, just expression and fun.
It’s hard to explain, but the place had a certain vibe—like everyone there was part of some unspoken tradition. It wasn’t just another roadside photo stop; it was a hands-on piece of American culture.
Why You Should Visit Cadillac Ranch (and Tips to Make the Most of It)
Cadillac Ranch isn’t just another quirky roadside stop—it’s one of those rare places that invites you to jump in, get a little messy, and be part of something bigger than yourself. If you’re traveling Route 66 or just passing through Amarillo, here’s why it’s totally worth pulling over—and how to make the most of your visit:
- It’s completely free – No admission, no lines, just park and walk right up.
- Bring your own spray paint – This is your chance to literally leave your mark. You might find leftover cans on-site, but they’re often empty or low.
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on – Especially if it’s windy. The paint can travel.
- Go early in the morning or closer to sunset – You’ll beat the heat and catch great lighting for photos.
- Take your time and soak it in – It’s more than a quick photo-op. There’s something special about seeing how many people from all over the world have added their names, colors, and creativity to the cars.
There’s a unique kind of freedom in a place like this. It’s unsupervised, ever-changing, and wide open to anyone who shows up. Whether you’re a photographer, an art lover, or just a curious traveler, Cadillac Ranch is the kind of spontaneous roadside magic that makes Route 66 unforgettable.
Leaving Our Mark – Ezzo 2018 at Cadillac Ranch
