Budget Travel: Cadillac Ranch | brokeGIRLrich
Texas is a weird place (sorry, Texans), perhaps because of that, one thing they excel at it weird roadside attractions and I recently had a chance to stop by an old favorite again and show it to some new friends.
If you’re Texas bound and heading through Amarillo anytime soon, be sure to swing by and check out the Cadillac Ranch. It’s got my favorite admission price – free.
That being said, one of the highlights of the Cadillac Ranch is the fact that you can spray paint it! So I highly recommend dropping $10 on spray paint the local Walmart before heading over to the Ranch. The first time I went, I was unaware of this and missed out on the spray painting experience. It was still a cool spot, but tapping your inner Banksy makes the trip a lot more fun.
For this second trip we barely made it before the sun went down – but we did.
Created in 1974, Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation made out of junked Cadillacs, representing the evolution of the car line. The Cadillacs are half buried, nose down, chronologically from the 1949 model to the 1963 model. Their angle corresponds with the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
Perhaps it’s the Egyptian influence at makes it art. Or the fact that you can slap the label of art on literally anything. Exactly what art is is a debate for another time on a different sort of blog. What I can tell you for sure is you can take some fun pictures for free (or the cost of a can of spray paint).
You can find Cadillac Ranch in a cow pasture along Interstate 40. The sites are owned by Stanley Marsh III’s family trust, the local patron of the project, who upon hearing the idea pitched for the first time said, “it’s going to take me awhile to get used to the idea to the idea of the Cadillac Ranch. I’ll answer you by April Fool’s Day. It’s such an irrelevant and silly proposition that I want to give it all my time and attention so I can make a casual judgment of it.”
My kind of guy.
Can’t make it there yourself? Check out this video by Brooks & Dunn set at the Cadillac Ranch.
I’ve never heard of the Cadillac Ranch, but it seems like a cool place! And I like how this Art Installation involves everyone who visits it by allowing them spray paint onto the cars.
Kelly recently posted…Bath and Body Works Mini Haul
I think my Cadillac needs to retire there when it’s time :0
J. Money recently posted…★ Spending Money on Likes vs. Loves
Hahaha, absolutely!
Thanks for telling us about this place. Looks awesome! Gotta love free fun 🙂
Chela @SmashOdyssey recently posted…Resolution Check In: January Update
Texas is a weird place especially for crazy crap like this. I love that it’s free, but I have no desire to see it. I will just settle for the video and be perfectly happy with that experience.
Shannon @ Financially Blonde recently posted…Music Mondays – Crash and Burn
Different strokes for different folks – part of the whole thing is definitely the “road trip” experience as well.
Thanks a lot for sharing us about the Cadillac Ranch! I have some relatives that are currently living in Texas.
Kate @ Money Propeller recently posted…Friday Jet Fuel #30
This was a trivia question last Thursday at our local microbrewery. Nailed it, though one member of our group had it mixed up with the “Mustang Ranch.” BIG DIFFERENCE!
Joe Saul-Sehy recently posted…Why’s CNBC At A Porn Convention?
HAHAHAHA. OMG. Yes.
I miss Texas!!! Never been spray painting at the ranch. I agree – $10 would be totally worth it.
Toni @ Debt Free Divas recently posted…5 Ways Couples Commit Financial Infidelity on BMWK
My brother in law would love this. Heck, I’d love tagging the cars for free (and legal!) Pretty cool you get to see their evolution, too. Keep these coming! Love the weird roadside attractions!
femmefrugality recently posted…$50 Target Gift Card #Giveaway!
I love going to ranches as well, and I am happy to see that you are enjoying the things that I enjoy as well. Wishing you more adventures to come!
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