Posted in New Mexico
July 10, 2016
10 Bizarre Roadside Attractions In New Mexico That Will Make You Do A Double Take
There are times when you’re driving along, glancing at your surroundings, when you spot something out of the corner of your eye. Something that definitely doesn’t belong in the New Mexico landscape, or which is just too fascinating to ignore. Before you’re consciously aware of your decision, you find yourself hitting the breaks in order to investigate. Numerous roadside attractions will seize your attention as you travel around New Mexico. Here are 10 of the most fascinating oddities that our state has to offer.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Where else would you expect to find the planet's biggest chile pepper other than in New Mexico? This sculpture is outside the family-run Big Chile Inn, located at 2160 W. Picacho Avenue,
Las Cruces.
This massive metal robot dominates the parking lot outside a converted bowling alley that is now the interactive art complex known as Meow Wolf. While far from the only huge sculpture outside the building, there's something about this robot that makes you want to pose for a selfie with the metal giant. Meow Wolf can be found at 1352 Rufina Circle, Santa Fe.
A detailed mural adorns the water tower marking this teeny but informative space museum.
This mega nut serves as a memorial to Tom McGinn, the man who founded this farm. In addition to posing by the sculpture, you can also tour the pistachio farm and browse the gift shop for fruit wines and flavored pistachios and nut brittle. The address is: 7320 Highway 54-70, Alamogordo.
This rock formation, which resembles a resting camel, is situated just down the highway from the Camel Rock Casino. Although the address is listed as Santa Fe (17486A Highway 84/285), it's actually closer to Tesuque.
The bronze statues in Artesia form a public, outdoor sculpture gallery. Some are dramatic...
...while others feel more laid back and intimate.
There are many reminders of the heyday of Route 66 in Tucumcari. Tee Pee Curios is one such store. If you want to do a little shopping and simultaneously travel back in time to the 1950s, pop in here to browse for Route 66 merchandise.
This statue was originally created as a way to encourage recycling - the bird has Volkswagon headlights for eyes. Standing 20 feet tall and 40 feet long, it's located at a rest area near exit 135, off I-10 (going eastbound).
According to legend, Fox Cave has hosted the Apache leader Geronimo and also Billy the Kid.
Nowadays, it's an entertaining roadside attraction with giant hands reaching out of the earth and a large cowboy statue. You can also mine for gemstones here!
Roswell has cornered the market on kitsch. You're greeted by little green men on almost every corner.
Even the city's streetlights are shaped like aliens!
What’s your favorite piece of New Mexico kitsch?
For more examples of offbeat attractions, read about the weird and wacky museums found in our state.
