Tucumcari New Mexico or Six Shooter Siding

Tucumcari, New Mexico - Page 2

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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.