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

New Mexico Public Lands Information Center - One-stop resource for outdoor recreation on State & Federal lands; maps, guidebooks, permits, free information.

Cowgirl Red - Vintage Western! Art, Antiques, Pawn/Indian Turquoise Jewelry. Over 400 vintage Cowboy Boots!

Creative Award Concepts, Inc. - Corporate Employee Recognition Programs for Service, Sales, Safety, Productivity, etc. Promotional Products for Business Branding.

Broken Saddle Riding Co. - Ride the Cerrillos Hills State Park. Silver & Turquoise Mines. Missouri Fox Trotters, Tennessee Walkers. Walk, Trot, Canter or Gallup. Small groups/private rides.

Java Junction Coffee & Gifts - Lattes, cappuccino, espresso. Take in the vast array of the mostly New Mexico produced goods, salsas and jellies, t-shirts and hand-painted coffee cups, the assortment is a feast for the shopper.

Just Too Cute - Clothing, Jewelry, Candles, Gifts, Home Décor, Local Artisans, Cards ... & more!

The Great Madrid Gift Emporium & Maggie’s Diner - Rare Turquoise, Gaspeite & Pawn Jewelry. MAGGIE'S DINER from Wild Hogs, selling movie memorabilia & T-shirts.

Turquoise Trail Electric, Plumbing & Water - Free electrical and plumbing estimates. Water tanks, softeners, RO units and supplies. FREE water testing.

Hollywick Farms Alpacas - Tour a working alpaca farm. Get up close and personal with the alpacas! Call for hours.