Quay: Route 66, Museums and Ute Lake

Quay County connects the expansive grasslands of the Llano Estacado with Route 66 history, museums and Ute Lake. The landscape is shaped by striking mesas and rolling hills; the grasslands are also known as the Staked Plains. Those interested in the region’s history will encounter a long cultural story, from Indigenous hunting and ancient trade through Spanish settlement to cattle ranching. The latter has shaped the culture and economy of present-day Quay County since the 1870s.

Landscape and Water in Northern Quay County

The Canadian River flows from west to east through the northern part of the county and was dammed to create Ute Reservoir. Ute Lake, which formed as a result, is nearly 13 miles long and New Mexico’s second-largest lake. The landscape in the north is also diverse: grassy mesas and rolling plains are cut through by numerous arroyos and canyons. Pronghorn, mule deer, Canada geese and sandhill cranes are among the region’s wildlife and attractions for visitors.

Route 66 and Cultural Heritage

Historic Route 66 runs through Tucumcari and San Jon and is considered an important cultural resource in Quay County. A historic section stretches 14.6 miles from Glenrio on the Texas border to two miles east of San Jon. It passes through former settlement sites along the now-abandoned Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad line. The locally maintained section includes four creosote-treated timber beam bridges and several concrete culverts. The original roadbed and bridges remain largely unchanged, offering a distinct look at the architectural character of this historic road.

In Tucumcari, murals and museums add to the story. A visitor map is available for the more than 40 murals. The New Mexico Route 66 Museum explores the road’s history in New Mexico through classic vehicles, photographs, a diner exhibit and a classic jukebox, along with historic gas pumps, signs and other memorabilia. Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum focuses on the Mesozoic Era and features more than 10,000 square feet of exhibit space. Fossils on display include small footprint casts and the skeleton of a 40-foot-long Torvosaurus.

The Tucumcari Historical Museum is housed in an original 1903 school building and displays, among other things, artifacts from Indigenous cultures dating to around 12,000 BCE. The restored Union Station depot, built in 1926, features exhibits on railroad history and a simulator for a GP-38 diesel locomotive. The AM-1640 Talking Tour offers self-guided commentary on Route 66 attractions, motels, murals and museums; confirm locally that the broadcast is available.

At Ute Lake: Fishing, Nature and Camping

Ute Lake State Park is known for its many coves and inlets, which offer good fishing for walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. The park has camping options, including the RV-oriented Yucca Campground. Check reservations and park notices separately. For a different view of the lake, take the Cedar Valley Nature Trail: this 1.5-mile loop crosses fairly challenging terrain and offers panoramic views of Ute Lake.

The Tucumcari Lake and Wildlife Area covers 770 acres. The shallow lake and wetlands in this undeveloped protected area provide opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife. The Walleye Lakes between Tucumcari and Santa Rosa offer fishing for walleye, largemouth bass, striped bass and catfish. Hunting is also part of the region’s recreational offerings: the rolling plains of Quay County provide opportunities to hunt deer, quail, pronghorn, Barbary sheep, ducks and doves. This activity is seasonal and requires the applicable state licenses and compliance with current regulations.

When looking for a hotel in Quay, you can start by deciding what your trip will focus on: Route 66 history and museums in Tucumcari, or the landscape, water and wildlife viewing around Ute Lake. This lets you plan around the experiences that interest you locally.

Discover More Destinations

Tucumcari, Bernalillo, Sierra County, Eddy, Los Alamos, Sandoval, Hidalgo County, Chaves County

For the main travel overview: New Mexico.