My Local Guide

Panhandle Horizons with Layers of Human History

Potter County, Texas

Potter County connects Amarillo with a Panhandle landscape whose human history extends far beyond the county’s creation. Amarillo serves as the county seat and largest city. Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument offers a focused way to consider the relationship between people and stone in this region. Plan a visit around the monument’s current tour arrangements, then connect that experience with the county’s communities and the wider Amarillo area.

Potter County at a Glance

Population114,453 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
County SeatAmarillo
Largest CityAmarillo
Established1876 (organized 1887)
ZIP Codes26
Total Area922 sq mi (2,390 km 2 )
Major RoutesI-27 I-40 I-40 BL (Amarillo) US 60 US 87 US 287 SH 136 Loop 279 Loop 335 Loop 362 Loop 395 Loop 434 Spur 228 Spur 468 Spur 591
Area Code806
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2 Portrait Morris Glass (1)
Potter County photograph
Discover the County

Potter County

Potter County was created in 1876 and organized in 1887. It was named for Robert Potter, a Texas Declaration of Independence signer who also served as secretary of the navy for the Republic of Texas. Amarillo became the county seat. The county’s administrative history is much more recent than the human use of the region’s natural resources. Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument provides another perspective, with ranger-led interpretation connecting geology, human activity and the surrounding landscape over a much longer timescale.

Alibates quarry tours require reservations through the National Park Service. Review the current description carefully when deciding whether the walk suits your group, including its terrain, conditions and required preparation. Weather can affect whether a tour takes place. Plan the monument as a specific destination rather than assuming unrestricted quarry access, and leave time for the drive from Amarillo. Other stops can then be chosen to complement the visit without crowding the day.

What Shapes Us

Amarillo

Amarillo is the county seat and largest city. The wider urban area crosses county boundaries, so match each destination or public-service inquiry to its actual location.

Alibates Quarries

The national monument connects geology with human history. Ranger-guided quarry tours require reservations, making advance planning an essential part of a visit to the site.

Two County Dates

Potter County was created in 1876 and organized in 1887. The distinction records separate steps in government formation within the wider Panhandle story.

Panhandle landscapes connect present communities with a much longer past.
The Texas Tribune — Statewide

TribCast: Are Texas’ voter systems ready for a contentious election?

Votebeat's Natalia Contreras joins TribCast to explain the state of Texas’ voter rolls one month before election day.

Read the Story Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read
Morris Glass — Banner

News & resources for Potter County

Local reporting when available, plus statewide Texas news and official resources.

LOCAL WEATHER

Potter County

Forecast near Amarillo

National Weather Service →

Tonight

59°F

Mostly Clear

Wind 5 mph SSW

Wednesday

82°F

Sunny

Wind 5 mph WNW

Wednesday Night

59°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind 5 mph S

Thursday

82°F

Sunny

Wind 0 to 5 mph SW

Thursday Night

59°F

Mostly Clear

Wind 5 to 10 mph S

Friday

82°F

Sunny

Wind 5 to 10 mph SSW
Updated Oct 6, 6:46 pm CDT · Conditions vary across the county.
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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County Resources

Useful connections for everyday life

Find public information and services through the county and relevant service providers.

Government

County & local resources

County Judge

County judge’s office and county administration information.

Address 500 South Fillmore, Suite 103, Amarillo, TX 79101

Phone (806) 379-2250

Get directions →

Official Website

County Clerk

County clerk services, public records and office information.

Official Website

Commissioners

Commissioners court information, meetings and county business.

Official Website

County Auditor

Public offices, departments, records and resident services.

Official Website

County Treasurer

Treasurer’s office, county finances and public financial information.

Address 900 South Polk Street, Suite 401, Amarillo, Texas 79101

Phone (806) 349-4834

Get directions →

Official Website

Food, housing & family support

High Plains Food Bank — food assistance

Regional food-bank network serving Potter County. Find a nearby pantry or distribution and confirm its schedule before visiting.

High Plains Food Bank — food assistance — details and contacts

2-1-1 Texas — local assistance

Search community assistance by location and type of need, including food, housing and family support.

2-1-1 Texas — local assistance — details and contacts

Texas HHS — local family support

Search family-support programs and local services for parents and caregivers.

Texas HHS — local family support — details and contacts

A little local knowledge goes a long way

Find practical information before you visit or make a move.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Start with the essentials, then follow the source links for more detail.

Amarillo is the county seat of Potter County, Texas.

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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Make time for a local discovery

Plan your day around places and experiences in the county.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Don Harrington Discovery Center — Explore hands-on science exhibits and planetarium shows; check admission.
  2. Thompson Park Playground — Enjoy the playground designed for children of differing abilities.
  3. Amarillo Sod Poodles Baseball — Plan a family game outing at Hodgetown during baseball season.

Restaurants

  1. OHMS Cafe & Bar — Explore a downtown Amarillo dining option.
  2. Crush — Plan a downtown meal stop.
  3. Toscana Italian Steakhouse — Consider an Italian steakhouse meal downtown.

Shopping & Retail

  1. Texas Ivy Antiques — Browse antiques and locally made items along Route 66.
  2. Lile Art Gallery — Explore an art-shopping stop in the historic district.
  3. Windswept Prairie Plants — Browse plants at a Route 66 shop.

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Evermore — Browse vintage fashion in the Route 66 district.
  2. The Nat — Explore vintage clothing alongside antiques in a historic building.
  3. Los Tres Vaqueros Western — Shop western apparel, hats and boots on Grand Street.

Outdoor Fun

  1. Alibates Flint Quarries Ranger Tour — Reserve a ranger-led quarry hike; review terrain and participation requirements.
  2. Wildcat Bluff Discovery Center — Explore nature trails; check the posted road detour and admission before visiting.
  3. Thompson Park Playground — Plan an outdoor play stop at the public park.

Free Things To Do

  1. Alibates Visitor Center — Visit the national monument’s exhibits without an entrance fee.
  2. Historic Route 66 District Walk — Stroll public sidewalks along Sixth Avenue and browse historic storefronts.
  3. Thompson Park Playground — Enjoy a public playground visit without buying an attraction ticket.
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