Canyon, Texas is a Panhandle town that's home to just under 15,000 people - and the largest history museum in Texas. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is a 200,000-square-foot treasure trove of exhibits that showcase the region's history dating back 14,000 years. If you're a local history buff like me - or just enjoy learning more about our great state - this is the museum for you.

Tucked away in the small town of Canyon, home to the eponymous Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum is located on the campus of West Texas A&M University and is the largest history museum in the state.

With over 200,000 square feet of exhibits, including more than three million original artifacts, the museum details the history of the Panhandle-Plains region of Texas and the American Southwest as a whole dating back 14,000 years.

The museum features both permanent and special, limited-time exhibits that cover a wide range of topics.

Visitors will learn about the history of the petroleum industry, marvel at antique vehicles, view Native American art, and so much more.

Have you ever seen a bicycle from the 1800s? If not, you will when you visit the Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum!

Human history isn't all that is showcased at the museum. Paleontology enthusiasts will love the extensive collection of fossils, including this Allosaurus skeleton.

The exhibits are set up in such a way as to provide visitors with a fully immersive experience. You'll walk through entire rooms that are near-exact replicas of the offices of notable figures from the Panhandle-Plains region...

...and get the rare opportunity to step back in time when you enter Pioneer Town, a life-size Old West settlement complete with a livery, saloon, schoolhouse, pioneer cabin, and several other buildings.

All of the artifacts are truly one-of-a-kind - like President Theodore Roosevelt's very own double-barrel shotgun!

This collection of items was gifted to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society by Charles Goodnight, a Civil War-era Texas Ranger, in the 1920s. You'll see a leather ammunition pouch, powder horn, awl, pistol, and iron ladle.

Visit the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum website or Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Facebook page for more information, including current hours and entrance fees.

Have you ever visited the largest history museum in Texas? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article to learn about Palo Duro Canyon, the nation's second-largest canyon. You have to see it in person while you're in town!