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

Sandia Peak Summer Chairlift - Enter Cibola National Forest and take a scenic chairlift ride gliding over the lush forest below. The more adventurous can take their own mountain bikes (or rent one) up the chairlift and ride down over 15 miles of trails. Enjoy specialties at the outdoor grill. Weekends & holidays, Open Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

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

East Mountain Centre for Theatre - Offering quality theatrical performances for all ages as well as after-school and summer educational programs for children.

Gifted Hands - Handmade, affordable Local and Indigenous Jewelry and Art

Jezebel Gallery - Tour Jezebel's Studio & Gallery on the Boardwalk. Organic forms as Modern Art, Craft and Furnishings.

Cerrillos Community Church - A Bible based Christian Fellowship. Sunday Bible Study, 8:15 am. Worship, 9:00 am.

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

Astronomy Adventures - Explore the celestial jewels and woder found in New Mexico's night sky. Telescopes provided. By Appointment.

Ghost Town Trading Post & Lodging - Ghost Town Trading Post, Talavera,jewelery,pottery,clothing. GhostTown Lodging and Ghost Town Loft - 2 beautiful self catering apartments with Sat TV,wi fi. In town & very private

Sandia Peak Ski Area - In winter enjoy Snowboarding and downhill skiing. Six lifts. Certified snow-sports school and rentals available. Open Mid-December thru Mid-March.