New Mexico Roadside Oddities & Unusual Attractions
New Mexico, a land of vast landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is also home to a collection of quirky roadside attractions that beckon travelers to pause and explore. From museums dedicated to rattlesnakes to artistic endeavors born from discarded objects, these unusual destinations offer a glimpse into the unique spirit of the state. Embark on a journey to discover the unexpected treasures that lie just off the beaten path in New Mexico.
Tucumcari, a town steeped in Route 66 history, welcomes visitors with its iconic Teepee Curios. This roadside stop, instantly recognizable by its towering teepee-shaped structure, is a testament to the enduring allure of the Mother Road. Step inside to browse a wide array of Southwestern souvenirs, Native American crafts, and Route 66 memorabilia. Teepee Curios offers a nostalgic glimpse into the heyday of cross-country travel and the enduring appeal of New Mexico roadside oddities.
Cimarron, a town with a history intertwined with the Wild West, is home to a statue of Lucien Maxwell, a prominent figure in the region’s past. The statue stands as a reminder of Maxwell’s influence and the town’s rich heritage. Interestingly, the statue was originally intended for Henry Springer, who famously said, "Statues are for dead people." In a twist of fate, the artist dedicated the statue to Maxwell instead, ensuring his place in Cimarron’s history.
Snakes Alive in Albuquerque
Venture into Albuquerque’s Old Town and discover a museum dedicated to a creature that often inspires both fear and fascination: the rattlesnake. The American International Rattlesnake Museum is a small but captivating space that houses over a hundred rattlesnakes representing more than 30 different species.
The museum offers a comprehensive look at the world of rattlesnakes, with exhibits exploring their biology, cultural significance, artistic representations, and mythological associations. Each snake resides in a carefully designed vivarium that mimics its natural habitat, complete with native plants and geological features.
As visitors stroll through the museum, they are often greeted by the distinct buzzing sound of rattles, a warning signal from species like the canebrake, northern black-tailed, desert sidewinder, and tiger rattlesnake. The snakes themselves come in a variety of colors, from vibrant greens and pale yellows to deep blacks, subtle grays, and even albino variations.
The museum’s founder, Bob Myers, a former biology teacher, envisioned the museum as a way to educate the public about rattlesnakes and dispel common fears surrounding these misunderstood creatures. Myers hopes to expand the museum one day, showcasing even more of his extensive collection of snake-related artifacts. If you’re searching for New Mexico roadside oddities, the American International Rattlesnake Museum is a must-see.
Beyond the live exhibits, the museum also boasts a unique gift shop stocked with a wide range of rattlesnake-themed merchandise, including T-shirts, fangs, skin, books, and more. Visitors can also browse a collection of snake beer, snake flags, snake photos, snake games, snake jewelry, snake kits, and snake pottery. The American International Rattlesnake Museum is a unique and educational attraction that offers a fascinating look at the world of rattlesnakes.
Contact Information:
American International Rattlesnake Museum
202 San Felipe NW, Suite A
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104-1426
505-242-6569
http://www.rattlesnakes.com/
Tiny Town – Art That Dies to Live
Note: Tiny Town is no longer in existence.
Once located just north of Madrid, a ghost town turned artist colony, Tiny Town was a quirky roadside attraction created by local artist Tammy Jean Lange, also known as Tatt2 Tammy. Lange transformed discarded objects and "road kill" into whimsical and thought-provoking art installations.
Tiny Town was an ever-evolving exhibit that sprawled across an acre of the Lodestar Ranch. A sign at the entrance proclaimed, "If it isn’t broken, dead, or rusted, well, I just can’t use it," setting the tone for the unusual displays that awaited visitors.
Lange’s specialty was creating art from "road kill." She actively searched for animal carcasses, encouraging locals to alert her to new finds. She would then bury the carcasses to allow the bones to decompose before digging them up, cleaning them, and bleaching them for use in her art. The dedication and resourcefulness of the artist made Tiny Town a particularly unique example of New Mexico roadside oddities.
Visitors to Tiny Town might have encountered a chopper motorcycle made of bones and old bicycle parts perched atop an old trailer painted to resemble brick. Collections of bones, antlers, and skulls hung from metal poles and wooden stumps, creating a surreal and captivating environment.
Earlier reports described Tiny Town as having its own saloon, church, courthouse, and jail, as well as rivers made of broken glass and roads made of tarpaper complete with yellow lines. However, by 2006, much of the "town" had disappeared. It was said that an art scout had discovered Lange’s creation and arranged to have much of it shipped to the Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
While Tiny Town may no longer exist, its memory lives on in the minds of those who experienced its unique charm. For many travelers passing through this part of New Mexico, Tiny Town remains a memorable example of the quirky roadside attractions that once dotted the landscape. The memory of Tiny Town serves as a reminder of the artistic spirit that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, further highlighting the appeal of New Mexico roadside oddities.