Tucumcari New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tucumcari, New Mexico.
1. Murals of Tucumcari
VIBRANT STREET ART
The Murals of Tucumcari feature colorful artworks painted throughout the city that depict the area's rich history and connection to Route 66. These vibrant murals have become one of the town's most popular attractions, earning a 4.5/5 rating from visitors. Tourists can take a self-guided tour to see these artistic treasures, including the world's largest mural devoted to Route 66 in the United States.
2. Mesalands Community College's Dinosaur Museum
PREHISTORIC DISCOVERIES AWAIT
Mesalands Community College's Dinosaur Museum houses the world's largest collection of full-scale bronze dinosaur skeletons cast at the local foundry. Located on old Route 66, the museum displays genuine fossils collected by students and has earned a 4.7/5 rating from visitors. The natural sciences laboratory offers a first-class educational experience about prehistoric life.
3. Tucumcari Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
Tucumcari Historical Museum is housed in a former schoolhouse that has served multiple purposes throughout history, including as a Depression-era soup kitchen and military facility. The museum features storytelling exhibits that chronicle the history of Tucumcari and Route 66. Visitors rate this historical gem 4.5/5 for its well-preserved artifacts and informative displays.
4. Route 66 Monument
ICONIC HIGHWAY TRIBUTE
The Route 66 Monument stands in front of the Convention Center at the west end of Tucumcari, serving as a popular photo opportunity for travelers. This roadside attraction celebrates the historic Mother Road that played a significant role in the town's development. Easy to visit and rated 3.8/5 by visitors, the monument is a must-see for Route 66 enthusiasts.
5. Tucumcari Railroad Museum
RAILWAY HISTORY SHOWCASE
Tucumcari Railroad Museum pays tribute to those who worked the many rail lines that were vital to the region's development. The specialized museum features exhibits on railroad history and continues to expand with works in progress. Visitors appreciate this hidden gem, giving it a strong 4.4/5 rating for its preservation of local railway heritage.
6. New Mexico Route 66 Museum
MOTHER ROAD MEMORIES
The New Mexico Route 66 Museum preserves the rich history of America's most famous highway through specialized exhibits and memorabilia. This history and specialty museum has earned a 4.2/5 rating from Route 66 enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The museum offers visitors a nostalgic journey through the golden age of American road trips.
7. Art City Tucumcari
CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB
Art City Tucumcari serves as the town's creative heart, showcasing local artists and their diverse works. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating, this artistic venue has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors can experience the contemporary artistic side of Tucumcari through various exhibitions and cultural events.
8. Tee Pee Curios
QUIRKY ROUTE 66 SHOP
Tee Pee Curios is a distinctive gift shop housed in a teepee-shaped building that has become one of Tucumcari's most photographed landmarks. The iconic store sells Route 66 memorabilia, Native American crafts, and unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of the Southwest. Its eye-catching neon sign and unusual architecture make it a must-visit stop for travelers along the historic Mother Road.
9. Blue Swallow Motel
VINTAGE NEON CLASSIC
The Blue Swallow Motel is a meticulously preserved 1940s motel that represents the golden age of Route 66 travel. Famous for its stunning neon sign and period-correct accommodations, this historic lodging option has been featured in numerous travel guides and documentaries. Visitors can experience authentic mid-century charm while staying in rooms that feature vintage furnishings and attached garages.
10. Del's Restaurant
LOCAL CULINARY INSTITUTION
Del's Restaurant is a beloved local dining establishment offering Mexican and American cuisine that has satisfied hungry travelers and locals alike for decades. The mid-range eatery has earned over 1,700 reviews and maintains popularity for its authentic food and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors particularly enjoy the beer selection alongside traditional dishes that showcase the flavors of the Southwest.
11. Kix On 66
CLASSIC ROUTE 66 DINER
Kix On 66 is a nostalgic diner that captures the essence of Route 66's heyday with its retro ambiance and all-American menu. With over 1,100 reviews, this affordable café offers breakfast and lunch favorites in a setting that celebrates highway culture. Visitors appreciate the authentic diner experience that transports them back to the golden age of American road trips.
12. Watson's BBQ
SMOKY SOUTHWEST FLAVORS
Watson's BBQ serves up mouthwatering barbecue dishes that have earned this affordable eatery over 260 positive reviews. The restaurant offers American barbecue classics with gluten-free options available for those with dietary restrictions. Locals and travelers alike flock to this establishment for its flavorful smoked meats and welcoming atmosphere.
13. Ute Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Ute Lake State Park is a nearby natural attraction offering picturesque views and abundant water recreation opportunities just a short drive from Tucumcari. Visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing for bass, walleye, catfish, perch, and crappie in this scenic reservoir. The park provides a refreshing escape with facilities for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife observation.
14. Conchas Lake State Park
SCENIC WATER PLAYGROUND
Conchas Lake State Park features a beautiful reservoir surrounded by sandstone bluffs that create a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Located near Tucumcari, the park offers exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and windsurfing. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy hiking trails and wildlife viewing, with possibilities to spot antelope, deer, wild turkey, and various bird species.
15. Capulin Volcano National Monument
ANCIENT VOLCANIC WONDER
Capulin Volcano National Monument preserves a well-formed cinder cone volcano that last erupted more than 60,000 years ago. Visitors can drive to the rim and walk the crater trail for panoramic views that stretch across four states—New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado. The monument offers educational exhibits about volcanic geology and the natural history of the region.