Amarillo's Fillmore Underpass Brings Thrills and Nostalgia for Locals

The iconic road dip under the train tracks has created memories for generations of Amarillo drivers.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:57pm

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph of a car driving through a shadowy underpass, with only the faint outlines of the road and surrounding structures visible, bathed in a warm, golden glow, creating a dreamlike, nostalgic atmosphere.The Fillmore underpass in Amarillo has become a beloved local landmark, providing generations of residents with a thrilling, roller coaster-like experience.Amarillo Today

The Fillmore underpass in Amarillo, Texas, known as 'Kiddie Car Hill' to locals, has become a beloved landmark that provides a thrilling, roller coaster-like experience for drivers who hit the dip at just the right speed. This small, unassuming road feature has created nostalgic memories for Amarillo residents over the decades, with locals sharing stories of the stomach-dropping sensation and the excitement it brings.

Why it matters

The Fillmore underpass represents the type of small, quirky landmarks that give a city its unique personality and character. While Amarillo has its share of historical and well-known attractions, it's these kinds of hyper-local landmarks, known intimately by residents, that truly capture the spirit of the community.

The details

The Fillmore underpass features a sudden dip in the road as it passes under a set of train tracks. Hitting the underpass at the right speed can create a free-fall sensation, with drivers lifting slightly from their seats. This experience has become a rite of passage for generations of Amarillo residents, who purposely take the route to recreate the thrill.

  • The Fillmore underpass has been a landmark in Amarillo for decades, providing excitement for local drivers since at least the 1970s.

The players

Amarillo Residents

Generations of Amarillo locals who have experienced the thrill of the Fillmore underpass and shared their nostalgic memories of the landmark.

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What they’re saying

“Catch it at the right speed, and it feels like a sudden free-fall. Your stomach drops, you lift slightly from your seat, and suddenly you remember why seatbelts matter.”

— Lori Crofford, Amarillo Resident

The takeaway

The Fillmore underpass in Amarillo is a beloved local landmark that has created lasting memories and a sense of community for generations of residents. Its ability to provide a thrilling, roller coaster-like experience for drivers highlights the power of small, quirky landmarks to capture the unique spirit and character of a city.