While our cities here in the Land of Enchantment offer much excitement and extraordinary hidden gems, there is something magical about our remote areas. So, we sat down and created this rural road trip in New Mexico to some of our favorite attractions. From museums to lakes to even sculptures, several hidden gems in New Mexico deserve your attention.

Google Maps
Our rural road trip in New Mexico begins in the small town of Tucumcari. We will travel more than 370 miles and you’ll want to plan approximately 6.5 hours of drive time. We suggest breaking this road trip up into two or three days so you have plenty of time to enjoy and explore each and every stop.

1. Tee Pee Curios, Tucumcari

924 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401, USA
Cheryl Day/Google
Our New Mexico road trip begins at one shop that deserves to be on every New Mexican’s bucket list — Tee Pee Curios. This nostalgic curio shop used to be an old gas station in the 1940s. Today, it is where you can find some of the coolest souvenirs and other oddities. It is definitely a great place to find a few treasures before we hit the road.

2. Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory, Tucumcari

222 E Laughlin Ave, Tucumcari, NM 88401, USA
Anna Chappell/Google
Our next stop is also in Tucumcari. This natural history museum will take you back in time as you will get to check out dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and some pretty cool artifacts. You may even get a chance to watch Paleontology students and a curator at work through a large viewing window in the exhibit hall. This is one of the most fascinating hidden gems in New Mexico.

Take a look at this video of what you can expect to see at Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory by @campersincommon:

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3. Sumner Lake State Park

Lake Sumner, New Mexico 88119, USA
New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department
Sumner Lake is one of the more well-known destinations on this road trip and it is also one stop where you can spend a few hours — or even a few days. This state park features a 4,500-ft. reservoir, perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and just spending some time outdoors. Bring your boots and go for a hike or simply stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. This is one stop on the grassy plains that offers a little something for everyone.

Take a look at this video of Sumner Lake State Park by @AlwaysWalkingAbout:

4. Fox Cave, Ruidoso Downs

26897 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, USA
Fox Cave/Google
Fox Cave is one stop on our road trip that has quite an interesting history. Located along East Highway 70, Fox Cave was once the hideout for Billy the Kid. Today, you can enter it and shop around for unique items like Native American jewelry, décor, toys, and more. In the same area, you’ll find the Fox Cave Animal Park, a Billy the Kid museum, and even a celebrity museum. I have to say, this is one of the best hidden gems in New Mexico.

Take a look at this virtual tour video of Fox Cave by @hoosiertours:

5. Street Sculptures, Artesia

Artesia, NM 88210, USA
Artesia Chamber of Commerce/Google
The end of our rural road trip in New Mexico is in the town of Artesia. While many people simply drive through this town, we want you to get out and explore. Artesia was designated as a New Mexico Arts and Cultural District and throughout town, there are nearly a dozen bronze sculptures that tell a story about the region’s origin and character. In fact, you can take a self-guided tour of the many sculptures and learn a little more about this area, stretch your legs, and explore this town, all before heading back home.

Are there any other stops you’d add to this rural road trip in New Mexico? What are some of your favorite attractions in this area of the state? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!

If you intend on taking this or any other road trip, be sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List before you go. And don’t forget to bring some road trip-friendly snacks!

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems In New Mexico

Melissa M. | December 08, 2023

What are some of the best hidden gems in New Mexico?

Don’t you just love visiting hidden gems around the state? Here are some of the best hidden gems in New Mexico:

  • The White Place near Abiquiú is also known as the Plaza Blanca. Filled with slot canyons and rock formations, this place is awe-inspiring.
  • Elena Gallegos Park in Albuquerque is an oasis in this sprawling city.
  • Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan is where the real Smokey the Bear was actually found.
  • Lake 13 in Maxwell is located within Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge.

Discover more hidden gems in New Mexico.

What are some of the best road trips in New Mexico?

Want more road trip ideas? Check out some of our best road trips in New Mexico:

  • New Mexico Volcanoes Road Trip
  • New Mexico Pie Shop Road Trip
  • You can take a Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter Road Trip In New Mexico
  • Family-Friendly Road Trip In New Mexico
  • Road Trip to New Mexico Landmarks & Natural Wonders
  • Road Trip to the Best Small Towns In New Mexico

Check out the best road trip ideas in New Mexico along with their itineraries. It’s time for an adventure!

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