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

Origami in the Garden - Private sculpture garden of artists Jennifer and Kevin Box. Artworks rotate annually on this outdoor walking trail. Open seasonally.

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

Acorn Flowers and Gifts - Handcrafted floral arrangements for any event. Gifts and wares from local artisans and abroad.

Java Junction Coffee & Kitchenware - Locally roasted coffee and illy espresso drinks, burritos, quiche, cutting boards and kitchen accessories, 30+ years in business

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!

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

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

Indigo Gallery - Featuring works by Jill Shwaiko and other nationally known painters, sculptors & jewelers in Madrid.

Talking Talons Youth Leadership - To elevate youth and the community to become effective advocates and ethical stewards of themselves, wildlife, and the environment.

Turquoise Trail Electric, Plumbing & Water - FREE electrical and plumbing estimates. Water storage systems, well services and softeners. FREE water testing.