Clayton New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clayton, New Mexico.
1. Clayton Lake State Park
ANCIENT DINOSAUR TRACKS
Clayton Lake State Park features more than 500 fossilized dinosaur tracks along a half-mile wooden walkway, making it one of the few sites of its kind in the world. The tracks are estimated to be 100 million years old and were made when the area was the shore of a prehistoric sea. The sparkling lake provides excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing in a tranquil setting.
2. Herzstein Memorial Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Herzstein Memorial Museum showcases the rich history of Clayton and Union County through various exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays that highlight the area's ranching heritage, pioneer lifestyle, and significant historical events. The museum provides an educational and engaging experience for those interested in learning about the region's past.
3. Rita Blanca/Kiowa National Grassland
VAST PRAIRIE LANDSCAPES
Rita Blanca/Kiowa National Grassland offers visitors expansive views of pristine prairie landscapes and diverse wildlife. The grassland preserves a significant portion of the shortgrass prairie ecosystem that once dominated the Great Plains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography while experiencing the natural beauty of northeastern New Mexico.
4. Eklund Hotel Dining Room & Saloon
HISTORIC VICTORIAN ELEGANCE
The Eklund Hotel Dining Room & Saloon, established in 1892, features a splendid Victorian dining room with crystal chandeliers, apricot tufted-velvet booths, and marble fireplaces. The adjoining saloon offers a contrasting hunting-lodge atmosphere with a raw-rock fireplace, wooden booths, and historic photos documenting Clayton's colorful past. This historic establishment is famous for its connection to notorious train robber Black Jack Ketchum, who was hanged just outside in 1901.
5. 87 Restaurant
SOUTHWESTERN CULINARY DELIGHTS
87 Restaurant is one of Clayton's most popular dining destinations, serving American and Southwestern cuisine with gluten-free options. The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere where both locals and visitors can enjoy flavorful regional dishes. Patrons appreciate the quality of food and service that has earned this establishment its reputation as a must-visit eatery in Clayton.
6. Mock's Crossroads Coffee Mill
COZY CAFE EXPERIENCE
Mock's Crossroads Coffee Mill provides a cozy cafe experience for visitors looking to enjoy quality coffee and light meals. The cafe serves American fare with vegetarian-friendly options in a relaxed, comfortable environment. It's an ideal spot for travelers to take a break, connect to Wi-Fi, or simply savor a well-crafted beverage.
7. Si Senor Tacos
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FLAVORS
Si Senor Tacos offers authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine in a casual, quick-bite format. The restaurant is known for its flavorful tacos and other Mexican specialties that satisfy hungry travelers and locals alike. Affordable prices and genuine flavors make this a popular dining option in Clayton.
8. Wild Horse Grill and Steakhouse
PRIME CUTS & GRILLING
Wild Horse Grill and Steakhouse specializes in quality steaks and American cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers hearty portions and flavorful dishes that satisfy visitors after a day of exploring the area. Its reputation for good food has made it a staple dining option for those visiting Clayton.
9. Dinosaur Statues
PREHISTORIC ART DISPLAY
The Dinosaur Statues in Clayton provide visitors with an engaging prehistoric art display that complements the area's paleontological significance. These life-sized representations offer excellent photo opportunities for families and dinosaur enthusiasts. The statues serve as a visual reminder of the region's ancient past when dinosaurs roamed the landscape.
10. Union County Fairgrounds
COMMUNITY EVENTS HUB
The Union County Fairgrounds serves as the primary venue for community events, rodeos, and the annual county fair in Clayton. Visitors can experience authentic rural New Mexico culture through various scheduled events throughout the year. The fairgrounds showcase local agriculture, livestock, and traditional skills that remain important to the region's identity.
11. Clayton Golf Course
SCENIC DESERT GOLFING
Clayton Golf Course offers golfers a chance to play amid the beautiful high desert landscapes of northeastern New Mexico. The course provides an enjoyable golfing experience with well-maintained fairways and greens. Visitors appreciate the reasonable rates and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation with scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
12. Felicity Salon & Wellness Spa
RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
Felicity Salon & Wellness Spa offers visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate during their stay in Clayton. The spa provides various treatments designed to relieve stress and promote wellness in a tranquil setting. It's an excellent option for travelers looking to pamper themselves after exploring the outdoor attractions of the region.
13. Capulin Volcano National Monument
DORMANT VOLCANIC WONDER
Capulin Volcano National Monument, located near Clayton, preserves a well-formed cinder cone volcano that last erupted approximately 60,000 years ago. Visitors can drive to the rim of the volcano and hike around or into the crater for spectacular views of the surrounding plains. The monument also features a visitor center with exhibits explaining the geological and cultural history of the area.
14. Folsom Museum
PREHISTORIC HUMAN SETTLEMENT
The Folsom Museum, located near Clayton, documents the significant archaeological discovery of the Folsom point and early human presence in North America. The museum showcases artifacts and information about the Folsom culture, which dates back approximately 10,000 years, revolutionizing understanding of prehistoric human settlement in the Americas. Visitors can explore exhibits on local history, including ranching, homesteading, and the devastating 1908 flood that destroyed much of the original town.
15. Sugarite Canyon State Park
MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Sugarite Canyon State Park, within driving distance of Clayton, offers visitors a mountain wilderness experience with diverse outdoor activities including fishing, camping, and hiking. The park features a beautiful canyon with a year-round stream, lush vegetation, and wildlife viewing opportunities in a forested mountain setting. Historical remnants of the once-thriving coal mining community of Sugarite add cultural interest to this natural area.