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Route 66 runs 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. It’s one of the most famous drives for roadtippers. Along the way are dozens of towns that once shone brightly with neon signs during the road’s heyday. Today, many of them are desolate ghost towns. But Tucumcari, New Mexico has found a way to embrace both the old and new, making it a popular stop among travelers. Let’s dive in and look closer at this Southwest town and what you can expect when you visit!
Where Is Tucumcari, New Mexico?
Tucumcari sits along historic Route 66 and I-40 in eastern New Mexico. It’s about 42 miles from the New Mexico-Texas border along I-40 and 53 miles from the border via Highway 54, which travels northeast from the town. Albuquerque is straight west on I-40, about 177 miles.
Pro Tip: While in New Mexico be sure to check out 10 Foods You Have to Eat… before eating out!
The History of Tucumcari, New Mexico
The oldest civilizations in Tucumcari, New Mexico date back 10,000 years. This region used to be covered by an inland sea, and dinosaurs once flourished here. Fossils and artifacts have been found in Tucumcari that give insight into its history. The Anasazi, Apache, Comanche, and other tribes hunted buffalo and antelope and planted squash, corn, and beans. Like much of the Southwest U.S., Tucumcari, New Mexico is the homeland of many native tribes.
In the early 1900s, Tucumcari was a major railroad center with dozens of businesses like furniture and hardware stores, saloons, boardinghouses, and mercantile companies. In the 1920s, when Route 66 was built, the town replaced these businesses with motels, gas stations, gift shops, cafes, and more to entice tourists to stay and spend their money.
What Does Tucumcari Mean?
Tucumcari is a unique name. It’s derived from the Comanche word “tukanukaru,” meaning “to lie in wait for something to approach.” The nearby flat peak was a lookout for Comanches, who waited for cowboys traveling the Chisolm and Comanchero Trails. Often, they raided the travelers.
5 Things To Do In Tucumcari, New Mexico
The people of Tucumcari, New Mexico are dedicated to preserving their rich history. But they’re also committed to economic growth. Tucumcari is a unique stopover on your Route 66 road trip, and we suggest spending at least a day exploring what it has to offer. About 5,200 people live in Tucumcari, and much of the economy relies on tourism.
Visit A Museum
Tucumcari is home to several museums. The Tucumcari Historical Museum is housed in a school built in 1903. You’ll find three floors of collections, outdoor exhibits, and specially landscaped grounds with native plants. The rich geologic and prehistoric history of Tucumcari, New Mexico is on display at the Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory. Ten thousand square feet hold duplicate and original fossils, minerals, and a viewing area to watch paleontology students at work.
The 1926 railroad depot was renovated to be the home of the Tucumcari Railroad Museum. You can explore another piece of Tucumcari’s rich history here and learn about the railroad’s impact on the town. Finally, the New Mexico Route 66 Museum has photos, sculptures, signs, classic cars, and more on exhibit. A black and white slide show illustrates the city’s Route 66 history.
Watch A Movie At the Historic Odeon Theatre
The Odeon Theatre was built in 1936. Now, the Art Deco theatre shows popular movies for the community. Some showings are even free! Staff serve concessions, and locals can rent the building for events. It’s not open every day, so note the times for showings. Guests rave about the excellent customer service, hospitality, and snacks. What a cool experience to watch a movie in this historic theatre!
Stay In A Classic Route 66 Motel
We highly suggest staying in one of the iconic Route 66 motels while in Tucumcari. The Blue Swallow Motel opened its doors in 1939. You’ll enjoy restored rooms and the neon-lighted sign that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to the Route 66 heyday.
Motel Safari is another option, showcasing a quirky geometric sign rather than the neon lights of the Blue Swallow. You’ll stay in modern rooms while still enjoying the historic appearance of square holes in the cinder block structures and oozing brick-and-mortar.
Drive Route 66 at Night For The Neon Lights
When taking a Route 66 road trip, one of the best times to drive is at night. It’s like a scene straight out of the movie Cars. Flashing lights and neon signs brighten the darkness and make Tucumari, New Mexico feel alive at night. You’ll see the Buckaroo Motel sign, Palomino Motel sign, Tepee Curios gift shop sign, La Cita Mexican hat atop the restaurant, and more shining stars along the main street.
Discover 100 Murals
In the late 1990s, talented artists began leaving their mark in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Tourists enjoy finding almost 100 murals throughout the town. We encourage you to download the mural checklist and see how many you can locate!
Check out historic downtown Main Street, locations east of Route 66, and locations west of Route 66. You’ll find James Dean at the Blue Swallow Motel, Elvis at Motel Safari, a “wanted” Billy the Kid at the Palomino Motel, and more.
Are There Campgrounds In Tucumcari, New Mexico?
If you don’t stay in a classic Route 66 motel, there are campgrounds in the town. Blaze-In-Saddle RV Park and Mountain Road RV Park offer full-service pull-through sites. Blaze-In-Saddle has a dog run, horse stalls, a camp store, and a laundry facility. Mountain Road has a camp store, laundry facility, free cable TV, and bathhouse. Both campgrounds are Good Sam parks.
If you prefer more amenities, the Tucumcari/Route 66 KOA Journey provides everything you need, like a dog park, seasonal swimming pool, propane refill station, barrel train ride, and a snack bar.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Tucumcari, New Mexico?
Tucumcari, New Mexico is busiest in summer. If you prefer to avoid crowds and avoid paying higher rates, you’ll want to choose a different time to visit. July and August are the hottest and wettest months in Tucumcari. Highs can reach mid-90s on average, and both months average about nine days of rainfall.
We suggest visiting in mid-May or mid-September when the temperature is comfortable and the tourists are few. You’ll also find more affordable rates for the motels. Souvenir shops and local businesses may also run sales or offer discounts during the shoulder seasons.
Get Your Kicks On Route 66 In Tucumcari, New Mexico
Tucumcari, New Mexico is a town of rich history. Geologists, paleontologists, and archeologists continue to study this area. History buffs enjoy visiting places of the old railroad scene and the iconic Route 66 landmarks. So, the next time you’re setting out to get your kicks on Route 66, stop in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and spend a day or two exploring the history and culture of this classic Southwest U.S. town.
What will you look forward to when you visit?
