One of my absolute favorite things to do when I am out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. I have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions that I have found in the state of New Mexico.
It will be a constant work in progress as I will add new oddities and attractions every time I find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here
Blue Hole
Location: 1085 Blue Hole Road
City: Santa Rosa
Region of State Located: East Central
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Often called the “Scuba Capital of the Southwest,” this natural artesian spring is a true geological anomaly. It appears as a sapphire-blue gem tucked away in the high desert, offering a constant 62-degree temperature that makes it a year-round destination for travelers and divers alike.
Hidden Depths: At the very bottom lies a metal grate that seals off a dangerous labyrinth of underwater cave passages. These caves were explored and mapped by the ADM Exploration Foundation, reaching depths of nearly 200 feet, but they remain closed to the public for safety.
Remarkable Clarity: The pool is fed by a powerful underground spring that pumps out approximately 3,000 gallons of water per minute, completely renewing the entire body of water every six hours. This results in nearly 100 feet of visibility.
The Bell Shape: While only 80 feet wide at the surface, the pool flares out to 130 feet in diameter at the bottom. It reaches a depth of about 80 feet, making it an ideal spot for high-altitude scuba training and certification.
A Historic Oasis: Long before the Mother Road arrived, this cenote was a reliable water source for nomadic tribes and cowboys on cattle drives. When Route 66 was aligned through Santa Rosa in the 1920s, it became one of the most iconic roadside swimming holes in the country.
Car On A Pole
Location: 2436 RT 66
City: Santa Rosa
Region of State Located: Central
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Perched high atop a pole in the parking lot, this bright canary-yellow 1930 Ford Model A Five-Window Coupe serves as the ultimate roadside beacon for the Rt 66 Auto Museum.
A Custom Touch: Like many of the cars inside, this exterior sentinel reflects the museum’s roots in professional car restoration and hot rod culture.
Ready to Roll: The car is positioned at a jaunty angle, making it look as though it’s about to drive straight into the New Mexico sky.
The Ultimate Billboard: While it’s a stunning piece of automotive history in its own right, its primary job is to catch the eye of travelers on I-40 and pull them back onto the historic “Mother Road.”
RT 66 Auto Museum
Location: 2436 Historic RT 66
City: Santa Rosa
Region of State Located In: Central
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The museum itself is a high-octane “gearhead’s dream” that started as a personal passion project for the late James “Bozo” Cordova. It houses a privately owned collection of over 30 vehicles that range from pristine 1920s classics to 1950s “land yachts” and high-performance muscle cars.
The Personal Connection: Many of the cars on display have deep local stories, including favorite builds that the family has kept, sold, and eventually bought back to preserve as part of the museum’s 40-year history.
The “Bozo’s Garage” Legacy: The collection showcases the incredible restoration skills of its founder, who built his first car at age 12 and spent decades custom-building over 150 different vehicles.
A Time Capsule of Chrome: Inside the checker-floored gallery, you’ll find everything from candy-colored street rods and vintage “Woody” wagons to rare motorcycles and “C.O.E.” (Cab Over Engine) trucks.
Iconic Memorabilia: Beyond the cars, the museum is home to the original “Fat Man” sign from the famous (and now defunct) Club Café, along with vintage gas pumps, oil cans, and a massive collection of Route 66 toys and photos.
Russell’s Travel Center
Location: I-40 Exit 369
City: Glen Rio
State of Region Located: East/Central
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Located in Glen Rio, right on the New Mexico-Texas state line, the museum inside Russell’s Truck & Travel Center is a remarkable hidden gem that serves as a tribute to the “Golden Age” of the American automobile. This isn’t just a rest stop; it is a meticulously curated private collection that offers a high-quality, walk-through history of transportation.
Immaculate Presentation: Unlike many dusty roadside stops, this museum is famous for being incredibly clean and well-lit, with mirrored walls that allow you to see the vehicles from every angle.
Pristine Classic Cars: The museum houses an impressive array of perfectly restored vehicles, ranging from a 1920s Ford Model T and classic 1950s Chevrolets to rare muscle cars and vintage trucks, all kept in show-ready condition.
The “Life on the Road” Collection: Beyond the cars, the space is filled with authentic Route 66 memorabilia, including vintage gas pumps, neon signs, and original oil cans that evoke the nostalgia of early cross-country travel.
Pop Culture Exhibits: One of the most unique aspects is the extensive collection of vintage toys, pedal cars, and even a “John Wayne” exhibit, providing a broader look at American culture during the mid-20th century.