New Mexico isn’t just about adobe pueblos, Chile peppers, and desert sunsets, it’s one of the quirkiest states in the Southwest, packed with hidden gems, bizarre roadside stops, and unusual attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
While cities like Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Taos are well-loved by travelers, stepping off the main tourist trail uncovers some of the state’s most fascinating oddities. From alien-themed diners to giant pistachios and recycled sculptures, here are 20 unusual things to see in New Mexico that will make your trip unforgettable.
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Eastern New Mexico Fun
Tucumcari Trading Post- Tucumcari
On historic Route 66, Tucumcari’s old trading post feels like stepping back in time. Its shelves are stacked with Native American pottery, turquoise jewelry, cowboy gear, and vintage Route 66 memorabilia. The perfect for a nostalgic photo stop.
UFO McDonald’s- Roswell
Only in Roswell would you find a flying saucer-shaped McDonald’s glowing with neon lights. Inside, space-themed décor continues the alien fun. Visit at night for the best “out of this world” experience.
Cowboy Ruckus Statues- Vaughn/Corona
Two towering 18-foot cowboy statues mid-brawl sit on the roadside, locked in eternal combat greet you as you drive on US-285 south of Vaughn. Cowboy Ruckus was dreamed up by artist John Cerney and it displays what appears to be a sibling rivalry between Mark and Mike Marley. They say now they will always be larger than life!
The Musical Highway- Tijeras
Drive exactly 45 mph on this short stretch of Route 66 and your tires play “America the Beautiful.” Roll the windows down and let the road sing! An engineering marvel you won’t forget.
Albuquerque Oddities
Tinkertown Museum
Ross Ward’s lifetime of carving and collecting turned into one of New Mexico’s most delightful oddball attractions. Tiny moving circus scenes, bottle walls, and antique oddities make this museum a treasure.
The Spaceship House
This round, space-age 1970s home perched on stilts looks like it landed from another galaxy. It’s private property, but worth a drive-by for UFO fans.
The Tumbleweed Snowman
Each holiday season, Albuquerque unveils a 12-foot-tall snowman built entirely of tumbleweeds. It’s a local tradition since 1995, he’s decorated with recycled materials, making him as sustainable as he is charming.
Origami in the Garden- Cerrillos
A three-acre sculpture park of giant origami-inspired metal artworks set against the desert. Beautiful, whimsical, and very Instagram worthy.
Santa Fe Surprises
Connie’s Photo Park- Madrid
A collection of whimsical face-in-hole boards lets travelers pose as everything from mermaids to astronauts, bringing a slice of carnival fun to the small New Mexico town of Madrid. Costumes can be rented, but you must use your own camera.
Camel Rock
Camel Rock is a large chunk of weathered, pinkish sandstone that evokes an image of a camel sitting on it’s legs. Maybe it needed a rest after a long day in the desert. The hump and head are the most distinctive parts of this formation. It is located near the Tesuque Pueblo in Santa Fe. It has its own exit off Highway 285/84 and you will find a parking area and walking path.
Crashed Flying Saucer Sculpture
Artist Bob Davis’s “Impact” looks like a saucer has crash-landed near the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District. A perfect stop for sci-fi lovers.
Ethyl the Whale
At 82 feet long, this enormous whale sculpture made entirely of recycled plastic holds a Guinness World Record and spreads an eco-friendly message in artful style. Ethyl raises its dorsal ridge behind Santa Fe Community College.
Southern New Mexico Charm
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site- Tularosa
Unlike many archaeological sites where rock art requires long hikes to view, this extraordinary collection features over 21,000 ancient carvings easily accessible from the road. The short trail loops past hundreds of symbols, animal figures, and mysterious designs created by the Jornada Mogollon people around 900 years ago. The site is located 17 miles north of Tularosa, NM.
Giant Roadrunner Sculpture- Las Cruces
A 20-foot roadrunner made entirely from landfill junk? Only in New Mexico! From a distance, the piece perfectly captures the iconic bird’s silhouette against the desert sky. Closer inspection reveals hundreds of fascinating individual items. In a rest area on the south side of I-10, just west of Las Cruces and just east of the Picacho Ave. exit, between mileposts 134 and 135. Only accessible from the eastbound lanes. Visible from I-10 westbound.
World’s Largest Chile Pepper Statue- Las Cruces
Standing 47 feet tall, this massive Chile pepper greets visitors at the Big Chile Inn in Las Cruces. It’s a spicy tribute to New Mexico’s most famous crop and a must-snap photo op for fans of roadside kitsch.
Scrap Metal Roadrunner- Alamogordo
Built from junkyard scraps in the 1970s, this funky roadrunner is a smaller cousin of the Las Cruces version and a local landmark.
McGinn’s Pistachioland- Alamogordo
Home of the largest Pistachio! Pistachio Tree Ranch not only has the largest pistachio, but the farm has 90 acres of pistachio trees and 14 acres of grapes. Arena Blanca Winery sells homemade wine, while the country store has all types of pistachio items, including homemade Pistachio ice cream. You’ll find this in Alamogordo.
VW Spider- Alamogordo
A Volkswagen Beetle transformed into a giant spider complete with glowing red eyes, proof that Alamogordo embraces roadside kitsch.
Western New Mexico Uniqueness
The Lightning Field- Quemado
An otherworldly art installation of 400 stainless steel poles stretching across a mile of desert. During storms, lightning creates a surreal natural light show. Visitors must book overnight stays months in advance to witness this rare combination of art and nature’s power. The isolation adds to the experience, with no other structures visible across the vast high desert plateau.
Frontera Sculpture Garden- Columbus
Near the U.S.-Mexico border, this colorful art oasis features concrete mariachis, a geometric dome, and sculptures celebrating desert culture.
Final Thoughts: Discover New Mexico’s Quirky Side
New Mexico isn’t called the Land of Enchantment for nothing. Beyond its pueblos, parks, and desert beauty, the state is filled with unusual attractions and roadside oddities that capture its creative spirit. Whether it’s aliens in Roswell, recycled roadrunners, or musical highways, these stops will make your Southwest Road trip unforgettable. So next time you’re exploring New Mexico, don’t just stick to the big cities, venture off the beaten path and discover its wonderfully weird treasures.
We want to share information and tips we learn along the way to help you plan your best vacation. If you need more help when planning a road trip, check out roadtrippers.com. They have lots of ideas for finding not only a great route, but places to stop along the way for your road trip. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make lots of memories.
Wow, New Mexico sounds like a place full of surprises and quirky charm! I had no idea it offered so many unique and unusual attractions. The idea of driving on Route 66 and hearing “America the Beautiful” played by the road itself is absolutely fascinating—how does that even work? And the alien-themed McDonald’s in Roswell must be such a fun experience, especially at night. I’m curious, though, are there any local stories or myths surrounding these quirky spots that make them even more intriguing? The tumbleweed snowman in Albuquerque sounds like such a creative tradition—does it draw a lot of visitors during the holiday season? I’d love to know more about the history behind it. Overall, this makes me want to plan a trip to explore all these hidden gems. What’s your favorite spot from the list, and why?
By the way, **libersave** is such a lifesaver when planning trips like this. It’s amazing how it brings together so many offers and discounts in one place—makes exploring new destinations so much easier and budget-friendly! Whith regards, EURMT