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If you’re planning a road trip through New Mexico, you’re in for a treat. The state is home to a variety of unique and quirky roadside attractions that are sure to make your journey through New Mexico more memorable. From alien-themed museums to giant roadside sculptures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most popular roadside attractions in New Mexico is the Roswell Alien Attraction Autopsy. Located in downtown Roswell, this museum is dedicated to all things extraterrestrial. Here, you can explore exhibits that showcase the history of UFO sightings in the area, as well as take a peek at a replica of the infamous alien autopsy table.
If you’re a fan of science fiction or just looking for a fun and unique experience, this is definitely a must-visit spot.
Another great roadside attraction in New Mexico is the White Sands National Monument. This stunning natural wonder is home to a vast expanse of white sand dunes that are unlike anything else in the world. Visitors can hike, sled, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a place to relax and unwind, White Sands is definitely worth a stop on your New Mexico road trip.
Historical Roadside Attractions in New Mexico
New Mexico is a state rich in history, and there are many roadside attractions that showcase that history. Here are some of the most notable historical roadside attractions in New Mexico.
Route 66
Route 66 is one of the most famous highways in the United States, and it passes through New Mexico. The highway was established in 1926 and was one of the main routes for people traveling from the Midwest to California.
Today, many of the towns along Route 66 have preserved their historic buildings and offer visitors a glimpse into the past. Some of the most notable towns along Route 66 in New Mexico include Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, and Gallup.
The Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century trade route that connected Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The trail was used by traders to transport goods such as furs, buffalo hides, and silver. Today, visitors can explore parts of the Santa Fe Trail in New Mexico, including the wagon ruts that are still visible in the prairie grass.
Billy the Kid’s Grave
Billy the Kid was a notorious outlaw who lived in New Mexico in the late 1800s. He was killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881, and his grave is located in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. The grave is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can learn about the life and legend of Billy the Kid at the nearby museum.
Lincoln Historic Site
The Lincoln Historic Site is a state park that preserves the historic buildings and sites of the town of Lincoln, New Mexico. The town was the site of the Lincoln County War in the late 1800s, which was a conflict between rival factions over control of the county. Today, visitors can explore the historic buildings and learn about the history of the town and the Lincoln County War.
New Mexico is a state rich in history, and these roadside attractions offer visitors a chance to explore that history up close. Whether you’re interested in Route 66, the Santa Fe Trail, Billy the Kid, or the Lincoln County War, there’s something for everyone in New Mexico’s historical roadside attractions.
Natural Roadside Attractions in New Mexico
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be thrilled to know that New Mexico is home to some of the most breathtaking natural roadside attractions in the country.
Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns is a natural wonder that’s worth the trip. This underground cave system is home to some of the largest and most impressive limestone caverns in the world. The park offers several different tours, including a self-guided tour of the Big Room, which is the largest single cave chamber in North America.
You can also take a ranger-led tour of the King’s Palace, which features some of the most stunning cave formations in the park.
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is a unique and beautiful natural wonder that’s located in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert. The park is home to the largest gypsum dune field in the world, which covers over 275 square miles.
The sand is pure white and incredibly soft, making it a popular spot for hiking, sledding, and even stargazing. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the park’s resident wildlife, including pronghorns and kit foxes.
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is a beautiful and historic park that’s home to some of the most impressive ancient ruins in the country. The park is located in the Jemez Mountains and features over 33,000 acres of canyons, mesas, and cliffs.
The highlight of the park is the ancient pueblo ruins, which were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 800 years ago. You can take a self-guided tour of the ruins or join a ranger-led tour to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument is a unique and fascinating park that’s home to over 24,000 ancient petroglyphs. The petroglyphs were created by the Pueblo people over 400 years ago and feature a wide range of symbols and images.
The park offers several different hiking trails that will take you past some of the most impressive petroglyphs in the park. You can also join a ranger-led tour to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
New Mexico’s natural roadside attractions are some of the most stunning and unique in the world. Whether you’re interested in exploring underground caves, hiking through sand dunes, or learning about ancient cultures, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state.
Cultural Roadside Attractions in New Mexico
New Mexico is home to a rich cultural heritage, and its roadside attractions reflect this diversity. If you’re interested in exploring the state’s cultural history, you won’t want to miss these three must-see destinations.
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. This Native American pueblo is located just outside of Taos and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Pueblo people. The pueblo is made up of several multi-story adobe buildings, some of which date back to the 14th century.
Visitors to Taos Pueblo can take a guided tour of the pueblo, which includes visits to the San Geronimo Chapel and the Taos Pueblo Cemetery. You can also explore the pueblo on your own and visit the many shops and galleries that sell traditional crafts and artwork.
Acoma Pueblo
Acoma Pueblo, also known as Sky City, is perched atop a mesa and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. The pueblo is home to the Acoma people, who have lived in the area for more than 2,000 years.
Visitors to Acoma Pueblo can take a guided tour of the pueblo, which includes visits to the San Esteban del Rey Mission, the Acoma Cultural Center, and the Acoma Pueblo Cemetery. You can also explore the pueblo on your own and visit the many shops and galleries that sell traditional crafts and artwork.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is home to some of the most well-preserved ancient ruins in the United States. The park is located in the northwest corner of New Mexico and is home to the remains of a complex network of ancient Puebloan communities.
Visitors to Chaco Culture National Historical Park can take a guided tour of the park, which includes visits to the Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, and Una Vida ruins. You can also explore the park on your own and visit the many interpretive exhibits and hiking trails that provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the ancient Puebloan people.
New Mexico’s cultural roadside attractions are a must-see for anyone interested in the state’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Chaco Culture National Historical Park or learning about the Pueblo people at Taos and Acoma Pueblos, you’re sure to come away with a greater appreciation for New Mexico’s unique cultural heritage.
Unusual Roadside Attractions in New Mexico
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do during your trip to New Mexico, be sure to check out some of the state’s unusual roadside attractions. Here are a few that are definitely worth a visit:
Roswell UFO Museum
If you’re a fan of all things extraterrestrial, you won’t want to miss the Roswell UFO Museum. This museum is dedicated to the infamous 1947 Roswell UFO incident, which many believe was a government cover-up of an alien crash landing.
The museum features exhibits on the incident, as well as on UFO sightings and alien encounters in general. You can even purchase souvenirs like alien t-shirts and keychains in the gift shop.
World’s Largest Chile Pepper
New Mexico is known for its spicy cuisine, so it’s only fitting that the state is home to the world’s largest chile pepper. Located in Las Cruces, the giant pepper stands at 47 feet tall and is made of concrete and steel. It’s a popular spot for taking photos, and you can even climb up inside the pepper for a unique view of the surrounding area.
The Blue Hole
Located in the small town of Santa Rosa, the Blue Hole is a natural swimming hole that’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The hole is a deep, circular pool that’s fed by an underground spring, and the water is a bright blue color that’s absolutely stunning. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go scuba diving in the hole to explore its underwater caves and rock formations.
These are just a few of the many unusual roadside attractions that you can find in New Mexico. Whether you’re interested in aliens, spicy food, or natural wonders, there’s something for everyone in this unique state.
Final Thoughts
New Mexico is a state that is full of surprises. From the unique landscapes to the vibrant cultures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The state is also home to some of the most interesting roadside attractions in the country.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, taking a road trip to see some of these attractions is a must. From the giant pistachio nut to the very large roadrunner, there is no shortage of photo opportunities and interesting sights to see.
If you are planning a road trip to New Mexico, be sure to include some of these roadside attractions in your itinerary. They are a great way to break up a long drive and add some excitement and fun to your trip.
Here is a quick summary of the 15 best roadside attractions in New Mexico.
| Roadside Attraction | Location |
|---|---|
| Giant Pistachio Nut | Alamogordo |
| Giant Chile Pepper | Las Cruces |
| Fiberglass Giants | Albuquerque |
| Cutout Photo Ops | Roswell |
| Very Large Array | Socorro |
| Very Large Roadrunner | Las Cruces |
| Tinkertown Museum | Sandia Park |
| International UFO Museum | Roswell |
| Route 66 Auto Museum | Santa Rosa |
| Smokey Bear Historical Park | Capitan |
| Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument | Silver City |
| White Sands National Monument | Alamogordo |
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Carlsbad |
| Taos Pueblo | Taos |
| Bandelier National Monument | Los Alamos |
New Mexico is a state that is full of surprises and unique experiences. The roadside attractions are just one of the many things that make this state so special. So, hit the road and explore all that New Mexico has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best roadside attractions to see in New Mexico?
New Mexico is home to many unique and interesting roadside attractions. Some of the best ones include the giant pistachio nut, the giant chile pepper, the very large array, and the very large roadrunner. You can also visit the International UFO Museum in Roswell or take a photo with space aliens at the Alien Zone: Area 51.
Where can I find a map of roadside attractions in New Mexico?
You can find a map of roadside attractions in New Mexico on the New Mexico Tourism & Travel website. The map includes the locations of many popular attractions, including those along Route 66.
What are some hidden roadside attractions worth visiting in New Mexico?
If you’re looking for hidden roadside attractions in New Mexico, consider visiting the Tinkertown Museum, which features a collection of miniature dioramas, or the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which offers a glimpse into the lives of ancient Puebloan people. The City of Rocks State Park is also worth a visit for its unique rock formations.
What are some popular attractions in Roswell, New Mexico?
Roswell, New Mexico is famous for its association with UFOs and aliens. Some popular attractions in Roswell include the International UFO Museum, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, and the Alien Zone: Area 51. You can also visit the Bottomless Lakes State Park, which features several deep, blue-green lakes.
What are some must-see attractions in New Mexico?
New Mexico is full of must-see attractions, including the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the White Sands National Park, and the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the Bandelier National Monument, which features ancient cliff dwellings, or the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, which offers a glimpse into the lives of ancient Puebloan people.
What are some unique roadside attractions along I-40 in New Mexico?
If you’re driving along I-40 in New Mexico, be sure to check out the Route 66 Auto Museum, which features a collection of classic cars, or the Blue Hole, a natural swimming hole with crystal-clear water. You can also visit the Tucumcari Historical Museum, which showcases the history of the town and the surrounding area.