Who knew that the Land of Enchantment could also be a place of the bizarre? That’s right, New Mexico—the land of desert, mountains, and some truly incredible food—has had some pretty weird events that took place here and even stranger sights that might make you scratch your head. Here’s a look at 9 places that might seem a little weird to both New Mexicans and our visitors.
- American International Rattlesnake Museum, Albuquerque
Paul Gorbould/Flickr If you’re not like Indiana Jones, then you might enjoy a visit to this animal conservation museum. Located in Old Town, the museum has a large collection of live rattlesnakes living in caged exhibits and is a fascinating place to learn about our slithery neighbors. Address: 202 San Felipe Street NW, Albuquerque Details: www.rattlesnakes.com
- Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area
John Fowler/Flickr Where does one even begin to describe the landscapes here? Dreamy, alien, surreal, perhaps even weird. It’s safe to say that you’ll never see another place like this anywhere else. Location: Google Maps Details: www.blm.gov
- Classical Gas Museum, Embudo
Kent Kanouse/Flickr If you have a passion for old gas stations and all of its associated accessories, then you’re going to enjoy checking out this unique museum near Taos. You’ll find a large collection of old gas pumps, signs, and other vintage goods. Since it is operated by one person who also lives on site, it is recommended you call before arriving to ensure it is open. Location: Google Maps Phone: (505) 852-2995
- “Flintstones House,” Lamy
Kevin Trotman/Flickr You’ll find some strange houses around the state—did someone say Earthships?—but this one in Lamy really takes the cake. Designed to blend in with the natural rocky terrain around it, this house looks something like a melting marshmallow but most people tend to associate it with something Fred Flintstone would have lived in.
- The Lightning Field, Quemado
thefriendlyuser/Flickr In 1977, sculptor Walter De Maria created this massive land art installation about 40 miles from Quemado. 400 steel poles rise from the ground, creating an impressive sight that you can see and walk through. Despite its name, the field doesn’t require lightning to be experienced and, in fact, it doesn’t see lightning all that often. Location: Google Maps Details: www.diaart.org
- McGinn’s Pistachio Tree Ranch, Alamogordo
Jasperdo/Flickr First of all, did you know pistachios grow on trees? This orchard is large and it’s a great place to pick up a few bags of pistachios and other dried goods but we think you should definitely take the opportunity to see the world’s largest pistachio while driving through. Address: 7320 US Highway 54/70, Alamogordo Details: www.pistachioland.com
- Roswell UFO Museum, Roswell
PunkToad/Flickr This is exactly what you would expect to find in Roswell: a museum dedicated to the Roswell crash that purportedly took place in 1947 and other UFO-related incidents. In addition to seeing some pretty strange exhibits like the scene below, you can also attend lectures and purchase alien-themed merchandise from the gift shop. Address: 114 North Main Street, Roswell Details: www.roswellufomuseum.com
- Sparky’s BBQ and Burgers, Hatch
tivolatman/Flickr A restaurant that specializes in green chile dishes typically wouldn’t seem weird in New Mexico. In fact, it would be incredibly welcome! However, it’s the type of dishes with green and red chiles that put Sparky’s on this list. You’ll find some strange items on the menu like green chile lemonade, a chile mango shake, and nearly all the dishes here are served with green chile. We haven’t noticed any in their espresso drinks but you can bet that once they do, the restaurant will definitely earn a permanent spot on this list! Address: 115 Franklin Street, Hatch Details: sparkysburgers.com
- Tinkertown Museum, Sandia Park
Else10/Flickr The Old West dioramas displayed at this museum are just one part of what makes this a unique experience. You’ll also find a ton of vintage and antique memorabilia on the premises, interesting junk art, and even the building itself (with walls made of glass bottles, wheels, and more) is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Address: 121 Sandia Crest Road, Sandia Park Details: tinkertown.com
New Mexico is certainly one strange place! If you want to read about more odd occurrences that have taken place here, you’ll want to read The 8 Weirdest And Strangest Things That Have Ever Happened In New Mexico.
Paul Gorbould/Flickr
If you’re not like Indiana Jones, then you might enjoy a visit to this animal conservation museum. Located in Old Town, the museum has a large collection of live rattlesnakes living in caged exhibits and is a fascinating place to learn about our slithery neighbors. Address: 202 San Felipe Street NW, Albuquerque Details: www.rattlesnakes.com
John Fowler/Flickr
Where does one even begin to describe the landscapes here? Dreamy, alien, surreal, perhaps even weird. It’s safe to say that you’ll never see another place like this anywhere else. Location: Google Maps Details: www.blm.gov
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
If you have a passion for old gas stations and all of its associated accessories, then you’re going to enjoy checking out this unique museum near Taos. You’ll find a large collection of old gas pumps, signs, and other vintage goods. Since it is operated by one person who also lives on site, it is recommended you call before arriving to ensure it is open. Location: Google Maps Phone: (505) 852-2995
Kevin Trotman/Flickr
You’ll find some strange houses around the state—did someone say Earthships?—but this one in Lamy really takes the cake. Designed to blend in with the natural rocky terrain around it, this house looks something like a melting marshmallow but most people tend to associate it with something Fred Flintstone would have lived in.
thefriendlyuser/Flickr
In 1977, sculptor Walter De Maria created this massive land art installation about 40 miles from Quemado. 400 steel poles rise from the ground, creating an impressive sight that you can see and walk through. Despite its name, the field doesn’t require lightning to be experienced and, in fact, it doesn’t see lightning all that often. Location: Google Maps Details: www.diaart.org
Jasperdo/Flickr
First of all, did you know pistachios grow on trees? This orchard is large and it’s a great place to pick up a few bags of pistachios and other dried goods but we think you should definitely take the opportunity to see the world’s largest pistachio while driving through. Address: 7320 US Highway 54/70, Alamogordo Details: www.pistachioland.com
PunkToad/Flickr
This is exactly what you would expect to find in Roswell: a museum dedicated to the Roswell crash that purportedly took place in 1947 and other UFO-related incidents. In addition to seeing some pretty strange exhibits like the scene below, you can also attend lectures and purchase alien-themed merchandise from the gift shop. Address: 114 North Main Street, Roswell Details: www.roswellufomuseum.com
tivolatman/Flickr
A restaurant that specializes in green chile dishes typically wouldn’t seem weird in New Mexico. In fact, it would be incredibly welcome! However, it’s the type of dishes with green and red chiles that put Sparky’s on this list. You’ll find some strange items on the menu like green chile lemonade, a chile mango shake, and nearly all the dishes here are served with green chile. We haven’t noticed any in their espresso drinks but you can bet that once they do, the restaurant will definitely earn a permanent spot on this list! Address: 115 Franklin Street, Hatch Details: sparkysburgers.com
Else10/Flickr
The Old West dioramas displayed at this museum are just one part of what makes this a unique experience. You’ll also find a ton of vintage and antique memorabilia on the premises, interesting junk art, and even the building itself (with walls made of glass bottles, wheels, and more) is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Address: 121 Sandia Crest Road, Sandia Park Details: tinkertown.com
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