Situated Between Oklahoma City And Amarillo Is A Gorgeous Texas City Sat In The Rolling Hills Of The Panhandle

Tired of the big-city life and want a change of pace? Plug Wheeler, Texas into your GPS. You'll find this tiny town in the eastern part of the Texas Panhandle, or the grassy plains of northern Texas. Though small, spanning all of about 1.5 square miles, Wheeler is full of heart. "Friendliest people where everyone waves hello and holds the door open for you," one person said of the city on Niche. "You can turn to literally anyone for a helping hand," wrote another.

Welcoming atmosphere aside, Wheeler is downright easy on the eyes. It's blanketed by the region's undulating hills and surrounded by wide-open plains, beckoning visitors and locals alike to get outside and soak in the view. But, this pretty city has far more going for it than just good looks. It's also a great place to get lost in time, providing a window into the Panhandle's Indigenous heritage and pioneer past. Previously home to The Plains Indians, or the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains, the area was settled by cattlemen in the 1880s. In 1904, Wheeler was formally established by a pair of ranchers, swiftly becoming the county seat.

Today, over 1,400 Texans reside in the town. Situated smack dab between Oklahoma City, Oklahoma's affordable, artsy cowboy culture destination, and Amarillo, a top Route 66 pit stop and Texas' largest panhandle city, Wheeler isn't too far away from all the action. As the city proudly boasts on its website, "Wheeler offers an authentic Texas experience where you can get away from the noise of the city into the heart of the country."

The list of accommodations available in Wheeler is about as big as the town's size. But, you can still find suitable lodging for a decent price. The local Baymont by Wyndham is top-rated on Tripadvisor, offering a complimentary hot breakfast each morning and free Wi-Fi to all guests. The property is pet-friendly, with an added nightly fee, and is conveniently located near the city center. The Wheeler Inn is even closer to the action, with a colorful photo-worthy exterior, comfortable accommodations, and budget-friendly prices. If you're traveling with a rig and would prefer a more outdoorsy stay, pull into the Pinion RV Park, which offers full-hookup amenities, Wi-Fi, and carports at each site.

Whether you're just passing through or looking to stay a few nights, you're going to need something to eat. Fortunately, there are great food options to come by around this part of the state. Mel's Diner is a local favorite. Pop in for breakfast or lunch to tuck into down-home country staples and hearty Texas classics. Kim's Kitchen, located right across from the county courthouse, and Sunset Diner just down the street are also great choices for comfort food. Grab a table at Soto's Family Restaurant if you're in the mood for Mexican cuisine.

There's hardly a better place to learn about a city's history than a local museum. Step back in time at the Wheeler Historical Museum, which features exhibits about the city of Wheeler and the county at large. A display is dedicated to the fourth astronaut to ever set foot on the moon, Captain Alan L. Bean, who was born in Wheeler and served as a lunar module pilot during the 1969 Apollo 12 mission. You can see several of his personal artifacts on display, as well as a 9-foot space suit-clad bronze statue made in his likeness. 

The Old Mobeetie Jail Museum in Mobeetie — the oldest town in the Texas Panhandle — is only about a 10-minute drive away. The museum is housed in a jail built in 1886 from locally quarried limestone. See the old gallows on display, or tour the other historical structures on the nearby grounds, including a barber shop, restored ranch home, and an old schoolhouse.

Immerse yourself in the scenery of the panhandle at one of Wheeler's several parks. The Tom Britt Memorial Park on the west side of the city has a walking trail and obstacle course. More hiking paths can be found on the opposite side of town at the Wheeler City Park. If you don't mind a drive, the Black Kettle National Grassland is about 45 minutes northeast of Wheeler. Stretching across a portion of Texas and Oklahoma for more than 31,000 acres, the recreation area is great for hiking and wildlife watching. With hundreds of bird species known to frequent the area, the grasslands easily rank among the best birdwatching destinations the U.S. has to offer, so be sure to pack a pair of binoculars.