Attractions and Places To See in Quay County - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see in Quay County include a blend of historic Route 66 landmarks, significant paleontological sites, and expansive natural landscapes. The county is characterized by its ties to classic Americana, with numerous roadside attractions and vintage motels. Natural features like Ute Lake and Conchas Lake State Parks offer diverse outdoor activities. The region also presents a rich history, from early Native American inhabitants to its development as a railroad town.
Best attractions and places to see in Quay County
- The most popular attractions is Route 66 Midpoint, a cafe that marks the halfway point of historic Route 66. It is worth stopping at the diner directly opposite the large sign for a typical American diner experience.
- Another must-see spot is Historic Route 66 Motels in Tucumcari, a collection of historical sites. Visitors can expect to see numerous glowing neon signs for the motels that line Route 66, reflecting the city's 1940s charm.
- Visitors also love Blue Swallow Motel, a man-made monument. This motel, which went into operation in 1939, is known for its distinctive neon sign and offers a classic Route 66 lodging experience, with each room featuring its own car garage.
- Quay County is known for its historic Route 66 sites, paleontological museums, and natural lakes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from vintage motels and diners to dinosaur exhibits and state parks.
- The attractions in Quay County are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 upvotes and 21 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Historic Route 66 Motels in Tucumcari
Highlight • Historical Site
neon signs
Tucumcari hasn't lost its 1940s charm over the years. Hardly any other city has so many glowing neon signs for the numerous restaurants and motels that line Route 66 like a string of pearls.
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Blue Swallow Motel
Highlight • Monument
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Route 66 Midpoint
Highlight • Cafe
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Mesaland Dinosaur Museum - Tucumcari
Highlight • Monument
Adult (12-64) $8, it was free the day we came.
mesalands.edu/community/dinosaur-museum
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Abandoned Glenrio Motel and Café on Route 66
Highlight • Historical Site
The New Mexico-Texas state line runs right through Glenrio, leading to some oddities. The mail (1935-1985) belonged to New Mexico, but was delivered and sorted at the train station on the Texas side. There were no bars on the Texan side because alcohol was not allowed to be served in that part of Texas, while the gas stations were only on the Texan side because of the higher gasoline tax in New Mexico. In addition, the time zone boundary between Central Time (Texas) and Mountain Time (New Mexico) runs here. Although never more than 30 people lived here, it even published its own newspaper until 1934.
Only during the shooting of "The Fruits of Wrath" in 1939 did the place have significantly more "residents". In 1913 the Ozark Trail was built from Amarillo towards Las Vegas, which was later integrated into Route 66. In 1938 the road was completely paved. In the 1950s, it was expanded to four lanes even in Glenrio, with large cement blocks as direction dividers, before the city's demise was heralded in 1955 with the abandonment of the railway. The final death knell came in 1973 when the Interstate was completed. Gradually all businesses were closed. The Post survived the longest. It was only abandoned in 1985 when only 2 residents lived in the town. In 2008, the Glenrio Welcome Center opened on the interstate and was designed for one million visitors per year. That would be 2739 per day.
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Tips from the Community
It's worth stopping at the diner directly opposite the large sign. The food is typical of a diner, very tasty and the staff is nice. From inside, the diner looks exactly like you would imagine a typical American diner from the movies.
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The Texas Panhandle is a flat and windy place, but here you pass the midpoint of Route 66. Congratulate yourself on making it this far!
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New Mexico- Texas Border on Route66
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Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari The motel with one of the prettiest neon signs went into operation in 1939. It was run by a true Route 66 legend, Lillian Redman, who previously worked at Santa Fe's famed Harvey Houses. In 1998 it was taken over by Hilda and Dale Bakke. Without a doubt, the motel with the blue swallow (Blue Swallow) comes from a time when people still traveled with real road cruisers and motels were individual and not off the peg like today's chain motels. For example, each room has its own car garage. Actually a must for every Route 66 traveler to spend the night here
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When the town was founded by the Rock Island and Gulf Railway in 1903, it was simply called "Rock Island" until it was changed to Glenrio in 1908, derived from the Scottish term "Glen" for "small valley" and the Spanish "rio". for "river", although it is neither in a valley nor on a river. The New Mexico-Texas state line runs right through Glenrio, leading to some oddities. The mail (1935-1985) belonged to New Mexico, but was delivered and sorted at the train station on the Texas side. There were no bars on the Texan side because alcohol was not allowed to be served in that part of Texas, while the gas stations were only on the Texan side because of the higher gasoline tax in New Mexico. In addition, the time zone boundary between Central Time (Texas) and Mountain Time (New Mexico) runs here. Although never more than 30 people lived here, it even published its own newspaper until 1934. Only during the shooting of "The Fruits of Wrath" in 1939 did the place have significantly more "residents". In 1913 the Ozark Trail was built from Amarillo towards Las Vegas, which was later integrated into Route 66. In 1938 the road was completely paved. In the 1950s, it was expanded to four lanes even in Glenrio, with large cement blocks as direction dividers, before the city's demise was heralded in 1955 with the abandonment of the railway. The final death knell came in 1973 when the Interstate was completed. Gradually all businesses were closed. The Post survived the longest. It was only abandoned in 1985 when only 2 residents lived in the town. In 2008, the Glenrio Welcome Center opened on the interstate and was designed for one million visitors per year. That would be 2739 per day.
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In 1901 the Rock Island Railroad established a camp for the construction crew here in what was popularly known as "Six Shooter Siding" after numerous shootings. Several settlements moved closer to the new railroad and enlarged the camp, which was officially called "Douglas", then from 1908 Tucumcari after the mountain of the same name. According to legends, the name comes from the unfulfilled love between Tocom and the chief's daughter Kari, who is said to have lost her beloved in a duel for tribal leadership and then took her own life. The chief's desperate exclamation "Tocom, Kari" echoed off the mountains, which now stand as a symbol of unrequited love. Other sources see the name as a modification of the word "view" from the language of the Comanche tribe. neon signs Tucumcari hasn't lost its 1940s charm over the years. Hardly any other city has so many glowing neon signs for the numerous restaurants and motels that line Route 66 like a string of pearls.
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The Exhibit Hall at the Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum houses a host of replicated and original fossils from tiny footprint casts to the 40′ long skeleton Torvosaurus, a rare carnivore relative of Tyrannosaurus rex which hails from the Jurassic period. The Museum’s focus is on the Mesozoic period, which is also known as ‘The Age of Dinosaurs.’ The Mesozoic is comprised of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Adult (12-64) $8, it was free the day we came. https://www.mesalands.edu/community/dinosaur-museum/
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A "must" on Route 66. The Blue Swallow Motel - a classic place to stay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites related to Route 66 can I visit in Quay County?
Quay County is rich in Route 66 history. You can explore the Historic Route 66 Motels in Tucumcari, known for their glowing neon signs that reflect the city's 1940s charm. A particularly famous stop is the Blue Swallow Motel, which has been in operation since 1939 and offers a classic lodging experience with individual car garages. Don't miss the Route 66 Midpoint, a cafe marking the halfway point of the historic highway, where you can enjoy a typical American diner experience. The Abandoned Glenrio Motel and Café on Route 66 also offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing a ghost town that was once a bustling stop on the route.
Are there any museums in Quay County that focus on the region's history or natural science?
Yes, Quay County offers engaging museums. The Mesaland Dinosaur Museum - Tucumcari is an excellent choice, focusing on the Mesozoic period with replicated and original fossils, including a 40-foot Torvosaurus skeleton. Additionally, the Tucumcari Historical Museum provides a broader look at the county's past, from early Native American inhabitants to its development as a railroad town.
What natural attractions are available in Quay County for outdoor activities?
Quay County boasts significant natural attractions centered around its lakes and rivers. Ute Lake State Park, the second-largest lake in New Mexico, is ideal for fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming, with the Cedar Valley Nature Trail offering scenic views. Conchas Lake State Park also provides clear waters for camping, boating, and fishing, with extensive shorelines for hiking and bird watching. The Canadian River itself offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Quay County?
Absolutely! The Route 66 Midpoint cafe is a fun stop for all ages, offering a classic diner experience. The Mesaland Dinosaur Museum - Tucumcari is also highly recommended for families, with its fascinating dinosaur exhibits. Both Ute Lake State Park and Conchas Lake State Park offer numerous family-friendly activities like swimming, boating, and camping.
What is the best time of year to visit Quay County for outdoor activities?
The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities in Quay County, with milder temperatures ideal for hiking, boating, and exploring. Summers can be hot, especially for extensive hiking, while winters are cooler but still offer opportunities for certain activities, particularly around the state parks.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints or natural landmarks in Quay County?
Tucumcari Mountain is a prominent mesa that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Tucumcari and the vast New Mexico plains. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail at Ute Lake State Park also provides excellent vistas of the lake. Additionally, the Mesaland Scenic Byway offers 320 miles of scenic beauty, geological anomalies, and historic lore through Quay and neighboring counties.
Are there any specific trails or hiking opportunities in Quay County?
While extensive dedicated hiking trail networks might be limited, you can find walking opportunities. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail at Ute Lake State Park is a 1.5-mile loop offering panoramic lake views. The extensive shorelines of both Ute Lake and Conchas Lake State Parks also provide natural areas for walking and exploring. For more challenging terrain, the areas around Tucumcari Mountain offer rewarding hikes with significant elevation.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Quay County?
Quay County's diverse landscapes support various wildlife. Around the mesas and rolling plains in the northern part of the county, you might spot pronghorn antelope and mule deer. The Canadian River banks and the Tucumcari Wildlife Preserve, a natural lake on the east end of Tucumcari, are excellent spots for birdwatching, attracting a significant number of migratory birds.
What are the options for water sports and recreation in Quay County?
Ute Lake State Park and Conchas Lake State Park are the primary hubs for water sports. Both lakes are popular for fishing (walleye, bass, crappie, catfish), boating, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. Their numerous coves, inlets, and sandy beaches provide ample space for various aquatic activities.
Are there any unique cultural or artistic attractions in Tucumcari?
Beyond its historical Route 66 motels, Tucumcari is renowned for its vibrant murals. These colorful artworks are scattered throughout the town, depicting its rich heritage and artistic spirit, making for an enjoyable self-guided tour.
Is Quay County generally accessible for visitors with mobility considerations?
Many of the historical sites and attractions along Route 66, such as the Historic Route 66 Motels in Tucumcari and the Blue Swallow Motel, are generally accessible. The Route 66 Midpoint cafe is also designed to accommodate visitors. For specific accessibility details at state parks or museums, it's advisable to check their official websites directly.
What is the significance of Glenrio in Quay County's history?
Glenrio is a unique historic district that straddles the New Mexico and Texas state line and was a popular stop on Route 66. It's known for its many original buildings, including the Abandoned Glenrio Motel and Café on Route 66. The town had interesting quirks due to the state line, such as gas stations only on the Texas side due to lower taxes and the time zone boundary running through it, offering a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of road travel.
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