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!

Tags: Sandia Park, Gift Shops, Museums, Art & Theater, For Kids, Shopping

Photos of Tinkertown Museum

You might also like to visit

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

Cowgirl Red - In the middle of Madrid, New Mexico. Vintage Western - Cowboy Boots - Fine Art - Native American Jewelry.

Mad Reefer Dispensary - Boutique dispensary with Madrid Grown cannabis. We sell medical, edibles, vapes, pre rolls and many fun items.

First River Gallery - An outdoor gallery across from St. Joseph's Church featuring sculpture, paintings, and prints by Sachiko Umi.

Shugarman’s Little Chocolate Shop - Organic ingredients and exotic flavors leave you begging for more at this hidden chocolate oasis. Open Wednesday to Sunday 11 am - 5 pm.

Gifted Hands Gallery - Affordable Local and Indigenous Art and Jewelry.

Talking Talons Thrift Store - A thrift store with a mission: goods are recycled and sales help support educational wildlife and nature programs for youth and the community. Open Wednesday – Sunday 12:00PM – 5:00PM

Hat Ranch Gallery - Destination art gallery where you can relax, explore and enjoy fine art in a unique and authentic experience. Oils, acrylics, pastels, bronzes and rare prints all at affordable prices. Open Thurs - Sun 11-5, or by Private Appointment

The Mine Shaft Tavern and Cantina - Madrid's Historic Tavern with a deck overlooking town serving lunch & dinner with a full bar. Winner of the Santa Fe Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown! Live Music Thursday through Sunday & 12 local brews on Tap!

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