The 7 Oddest Places You Can Possibly Go In New Mexico
By Monica Spencer|Published February 15, 2021
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
New Mexico is undoubtedly beautiful, but it’s also just a little bit weird. There are curiosities and oddities all over our home state. Not convinced? Here’s a look at 7 odd places around the state that just might change your mind. From the grave of Ham the Astrochimp to a McDonald’s shaped like a spaceship, here are seven of the oddest places you can possibly go in the Land of Enchantment:
1. American International Rattlesnake Museum, Albuquerque
There's no question what you'll find at this animal conservation museum. Home to a large collection of live snakes, there are also art pieces and artifacts on display, all of which are dedicated to the slithery creatures and other reptilian animals.
Address: 202 San Felipe Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Details: rattlesnakes.com
This is the last thing you would expect to find while wandering the desert surrounding Deming. An art installation created by Cabinet Magazine, you'll find a filing cabinet cemented to the land, a mailbox, and other oddities.
If you're looking to take some photos while in Madrid, you have to stop by this tiny roadside attraction. Made up of dozens of hand-painted scenes, you can shoot all kinds of whimsical photos for free.
Before humans ventured into space, animals were used as stand-ins. The first chimp sent into space on a test flight on January 31, 1961. Later named Ham, he was laid to rest at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo.
Address: 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Ever since that fateful 1947 UFO sighting, Roswell has been the home of alien-related paraphernalia. Located in the middle of town, this museum is dedicated to anything and everything alien-themed. Find information about the Roswell Incident, Area 51, and more at this museum.
If visiting the UFO museum wasn't enough for you, get more of those extraterrestrial vibes over at the local McDonalds. Shaped like a spaceship and filled with alien and space-related décor, this fast food joint fits right in with the community.
This restaurant is shaped like a giant owl, but the joy doesn't end there. Inside, you'll find owl-related décor and some mighty tasty burgers and shakes.
What are some other strange places you’ve encountered in New Mexico? We’d love to hear your stories; share them in the comments below or on our Facebook page.