Tucumcari New Mexico or Six Shooter Siding

Tucumcari, New Mexico

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Today, with a population of over 6,000, Tucumcari provides a number of area attractions including The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum, The Tucumcari Historical Museum which includes a historic Route 66 exhibit, and Ute Lake State Park.

Not too far off the beaten path are sandstone rocks balancing in pinnacle formations, mesas and mountains, the cool winding water of the Canadian River, area lakes and a variety of wildlife including herds of prong horn antelope and mule deer, flocks of Canadian geese, and sand hill cranes.

Tucumcari's five mile claim to Route 66 fame is along Tucumcari Boulevard, where travelers can get a real glimpse of what Route 66 was all about. The 1940's and ‘50's flavor of the Mother Road can clearly be seen here in Tucumcari’s treasure trove of motels, restaurants and curio shops.

The famous Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari,

New Mexico, December, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints

and downloads HERE!

Numerous neon signs beckon the traveler to stop at the legendary Blue Swallow Motel, established in 1939, or Tee-Pee Curios trading post, a Route 66 icon, the Paradise Motel, and dozens of others.

Along your way, be sure to check out the Cactus Motor Lodge, the Westerner Drive-In, the Last Motel, the Pine Lodge, the Palomino Motel, Del's Restaurant, the Town House and Safari Motels, the Sahara Sands Motel & Restaurant, Dick's Auto Service, the Pow Wow Restaurant, the Buckaroo Motel, the Redwood Lodge and the Paradise Motel.

The Tucumcari-Quay County Chamber of Commerce has a wonderful, four-color brochure on Route 66, so be sure to ask for a copy at either the museum or at the Chamber's office. The brochure outlines a special Route 66 history tour of Tucumcari.

Tucumcari is truly a Route 66’rs delight. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time as you stop to snap dozens of pictures before heading on down the road to Montoya and Santa Rosa.

TeePeeCurios, Tucumcari, New Mexico

TeePee Curios in Tucumcari, New Mexico,

photo by Mike Callens, courtesy New Mexico Route 66 Association

After picture of the Paradise Motel in Tucumcari,

New Mexico, photo by Johnnie V, courtesy

New Mexico Route 66 Association

TUCUMCARI SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

Conchas Lake State Park - Visitor center, campsites. Bass, sunfish, crappie, catfish, walleye. 34 miles northwest of Tucumcari on N.M. 104. (505) 868-2270, 868-2212.

Floeck’s Ostrich Ranch - Take a tour of the oldest New Mexico’s largest ostrich, emu and rhea ranch. Tour takes approximately 90 minutes.

Mesalands Dinosaur Museum - Dinosaur, skeleton, fossil, sculpture exhibits, laboratory, museum shop. 211 East Laughlin Street, Tucumcari, New Mexico (505) 461-3466.

Route 66 Cultural Corridors sculpture designed by Thomas Coffin on the west side of Tucumcari, 1500 W. Tucumcari Blvd, photo courtesy Tucumcari Chamber of Commerce.

Tucumcari Historical Museum - Route 66 Exhibit, Farm/ranch exhibits, Indian artifacts, early town memorabilia. 416 S. Adams, Tucumcari, New Mexico (505) 461-4201.

Ute Lake State Park - Fishing, boating, camping, picnicking. 30 miles northeast of Tucumcari via U.S. 54 and N.M. 540. (505) 487-2284.

Also See:

Tucumcari Photo Gallery

Book your lodging in Tucumcari right HERE online

The La Cita Restaurant in Tucumcari is the last "sombrero restaurant" in New Mexico. Closed at the time of this

writing. December, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Tee Pee Curios is a Route 66 icon in Tucumcari,

December, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

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To San Jon

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide - 10th Edition - By The National Historic Route 66 Federation

When you plan to travel the Mother Road, this handy guide is a "must have" along your journey. This convenient guidebook includes more than 400 places to satisfy your appetite and rest your head. Way more than just a list of businesses to stop along your trip -- it also includes objective reviews and current price ranges compiled by 24 Federation members.