Step Back In Time With This Fascinating Pioneer Village In New Mexico
Even people who know that New Mexico has a pioneer village might walk past this attraction, mistaking the museum for little more than a storefront. However, the old city hall building is actually the entrance to a village that contains 12 historic structures.



Located in San Juan County, the town has been inhabited since around 1100 A.D. In fact, Aztec is most famous for the large complex that the Ancestral Puebloan people built here.






Visualize a circle with an eighteen-foot diameter. Now picture it filled with more than 100 hand carved items that, together, form a scene from the American West. Finally, imagine this huge art piece slowly spinning around, accompanied by a soundtrack of cowboy music.
The ornate behemoth was the brainchild of a craftsman called Valenty Zaharek. It’s definitely worth a look.
The ornate behemoth was the brainchild of a craftsman called Valenty Zaharek. It’s definitely worth a look.


That’s right, during the 1960s, the Atomic Energy Commission decided to investigate peacetime uses for nuclear explosions. In an attempt to access oil and gas underground, a 29-kiloton nuclear explosion was detonated underground, 60 miles from Aztec (actual site pictured).
Sure, it resulted in more oil and gas but the program was cancelled in 1975 due to its environmental impact and because nuclear fracking wasn’t cost effective! Just, wow.
Sure, it resulted in more oil and gas but the program was cancelled in 1975 due to its environmental impact and because nuclear fracking wasn’t cost effective! Just, wow.
If you’d like to visit New Mexico’s own pioneer village, check out the museum’s website, then head to 125 N Main Avenue in Aztec.
Have you been to this fascinating place?
Throughout Aztec, you’ll spy a number of historic buildings. Download the town’s walking tour here.
If you’d like to view more historic places in New Mexico, check out our past article for inspiration.
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