Stops Along The Turquoise Trail

Tinkertown Museum

It took Ross Ward over 40 years to carve, collect, and lovingly construct what is now Tinkertown Museum. His miniature wood-carved figures were first part of a traveling exhibit, driven to county fairs and carnivals in the 1960s and '70s. Today over 50,000 glass bottles form rambling walls that surround a 22-room museum. Wagon wheels, old fashioned store fronts, and wacky western memorabilia make Tinkertown's exterior as much as a museum as the wonders within.
Inside, the magic of animation takes over. The inhabitants of a raucous little western town animate to hilarious life. Under the big top, diminutive circus performers challenge tigers and defy gravity while the Fat Lady fans herself and a polar bear teeters and totters.

Throughout, eccentric collections of Americana (wedding cake couples, antique tools, bullet pencils and much, much more) fill Tinkertown's winding hallways. Otto the one-man-band and Esmerelda, the Fortune Teller, need only a quarter to play a tune or predict your future. Through a doorway and across a ramp waits a big-sized surprise: a 35' antique wooden sailboat that braved a 10 year voyage around the world.

Ever a work in progress, Tinkertown is ready to inspire your imagination and awaken your creative spirit. We look forward to seeing you soon! Open daily 9-6, April to November 1st. Last ticket sold at 5:30 pm.

Tags: Sandia Park, Gift Shops, Museums, Educational, For Kids, Shopping

Photos of Tinkertown Museum

You might also like to visit

Coal Miner’s Daughter - A gallery featuring owner, Dean Cheek's knitwear designs, local artwork, jewelry, and much more.

Heaven Boutique - Beautiful & Romantic clothing, jewelry, cards & gifts. Unique Boutique Designers (sizes S-3x) same location 17 yrs!

Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve - A 1, 350-acre Santa Fe County Open Space Preserve managed by Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Hiking in the Preserve is by tour only. For more information on the tour schedule, please go to the website or call the SFBG.

Real McCoy - Collectibles ,Musical Instruments to Teddybears, Lamps to Decor, a Fun little Store with "Something for Everyone. "

Java Junction Coffee & Gifts - Lattes, cappuccino, espresso, specialty "hot" gourmet items and wild t-shirts, hats and sportswear.

Cerrillos Hills State Park - Hike, bike or horseback ride scenic trails. Visit historic mine pits. Programs offered year-round.

Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site - "Living with the Land" Free tours, lectures, workshops, demos. Interpretive Center.

Cibola National Forest & Visitor Center - A welcome center to help make the most of your travels. Complete with maps, area information, restrooms, travel & road conditions.

Johnsons of Madrid Galleries of Fine and Fiber Art - Since 1973, the biggest and best Art Gallery between Albuquerque & Santa Fe.

Mostly Madrid - Featuring the jewelry and art of the Santo Domingo Pueblo, Navajo and local artisans.