TUCUMCARI TONITE!
Tucumcari was founded as a railroad town by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad in 1901. It was a rough and tumble, gunslinging, western town that came to be known as “Six-Shooter Siding.” By 1908, the town was getting civilized and adopted the name Tucumcari.
Billboards boasted that Tucumcari was the biggest town between Amarillo and Albuquerque for Route 66 travelers. Tucumcari planted billboards 100s of miles away, urging travelers to make Tucumcari their destination.
For our recommendations, see below or Click here for a quick view of Tucumcari’s site.
THE IDEAL ROUTE 66 ROAD TRIP
As you cruise Route 66 through Tucumcari today, you will find classic neon lights, motels, museums, cafes, restaurants, and curio shops. Highlighted below are some of the places that capture the magic of Route 66. Tucumcari really lights up at night with an awe-inspiring display of neon signs. Make sure your camera battery is charged up!
HISTORIC TUCUMCARI LODGING
- Route 66 Motel – Some motels have classic cars parked out front. This motel has classic airplanes parked out front!
- Palomino Motel – Their magnificent sign is lit with colorful LEDs. Built 1953.
- Blue Swallow Motel – One of the most celebrated motels on Route 66, a neon treasure. Only 12 rooms – make reservations early.
- Motel Safari – Selected as one of Architectural Digest’s 9 Undeniably Cool Retro Hotels
- Roadrunner Lodge – 1960s lodge. USA Today Readers’ Choice Top Ten Roadside Motels.
- Americana Motel – Built 1935, this is the oldest Route 66 Motel in Tucumcari. Very cool neon sign.
- Tristar Inn – 1960s motel, 61 Rooms, outdoor pool, bar & lounge
Retro 66 Restaurants
- Del’s Restaurant – Opened in 1956, you can’t miss the steer sitting atop a huge neon sign. Good eats plus a gift shop.
- Kix on 66 – This well-loved restaurant is rebuilding after a fire. It’s due to reopen Summer 2025. Check their Facebook page for progress.
- La Cita – Serving Southwestern Mexican food since 1940. Find it under the neon sombrero.
- Rubee’s Diner – Mmmmm -mmmm, home cooking on Route 66.
- Loretta’s Burrito Hut – Burrito heaven and wrapped in neon.
- Watson’s BBQ (a few blocks north of 66) – Attached to Tucumcari Ranch Supply. Real Wood. Real Smoke. Real BBQ.
Museums
- Mesalands Dinosaur Museum – 10,000 sq ft of bones.
- Tucumcari Historical Museum – It’s like one giant attic of old items.
- Tucumcari Railroad Museum – All aboard in the beautifully restored Union Station depot, originally built in 1926.
Route 66 Curios
- TeePee Curio Shop – Pow! Wow! This is THE curio shop on Route 66.
- Flora May’s Route 66 Welcome Center – Flora May’s home of good greetings and good goods.
- Del’s Gift Shop (inside Del’s Restaurant) – Small shop with cool stuff.
Roadside Attractions
- Odeon Theater – Opened 1936, Single-screen, balcony, awesome neon sign. Movies: Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
- Art City – Book a day pass for Tucumcari’s newest attraction, 40 acres of giant, weird, and wonderful sculptures. They light up the night with vibrant color and soul. Stay the night and enjoy creative overnight accommodations and amenities.
- City-wide murals (46 and counting) on assorted public buildings – Photo-ops, IG selfies! Mural Map Here https://visittucumcarinm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Tucumcari-MuralMapChecklist.pdf
- Route 66 Monument Sculpture – Photo-op in front of the Tucumcari Convention Center
Tucumcari Neon Trail
- Flora May’s Route 66 Welcome Center
- Del’s Restaurant (repairs underway June 2025
- Blue Swallow Motel
- TeePee Curios
- Palomino Motel (awesome sign – LEDs)
- Odeon Theater (under restoration)
- Americana Motel
- La Cita Restaurant
- Wash Lady (roof-mounted figural neon)
- Trails West bar (inactive)
- Ranch House Cafe (inactive)
- Pow Wow Lounge (inactive)
- Buckeroo Motel (inactive)