There is nothing like driving through the Amarillo, Texas and finding a line of Cadillacs sitting in the ground. Cadillac Ranch might not be the best tourist attraction around. However, it doesn’t hurt to spend a few minutes admiring the art as we did during our recent road trip. What is even more interesting is that not far from there is another ranch, one for Volkswagon Beetles.
Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch was created in 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez, and Doug Michels. They were a part of an art group, Ant Farm. All of the Cadillacs displayed were either old and running Cadillacs or junk Cadillacs that represented some evolutions of the car line from 1949 to 1963. They are partially buried in the ground, nose-first, at an angle that is said to correspond to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. In 1997, Cadillac Ranch was quietly moved by a local contractor from a wheat field to its current location.
If you happen to be driving along the highway in Amarillo, Texas, you’ll see it and want to stop. The artwork may be located on private land. However, it is encouraged to not only come onto the property to visit the attraction, but you are also invited to decorate it with spray paint.
Thaddeus making his mark on one of the Cadillacs
Xavier making his mark on one of the Cadillacs
Slug Bug Ranch
Although maybe not as famous as Cadillac Ranch, Slug Bug Ranch is located outside of Amarillo. Just like at Cadillac Ranch, the Beetles are partially buried, nose-first, at roughly the same angle. Be a little more careful visiting Slug Bug Rand as it is unclear as to whom owns the property and it isn’t very well maintained.
Slug bug Rand isn’t as easy to find, it is south of the bend of I-40, exit 96. You’ll see an old motel sign and an abandoned building. There are just a few parking spots. However, Slug Bug Ranch isn’t as well known or visited as Cadillac Ranch.
You’ll even get to see what is left of an old 1930’s Chevy. I bet she was a beauty back in the day!
I remember in the ’80s, I liked it even better. The cars were a site coming up to them and the cars were not covered with paint like they are now. Some had very little and looked like Cadillacs stuck in the ground along the highway. :)