Tinkertown

Sandia Park, New Mexico

The late Ross Ward was one dedicated worker, and Tinkertown is a lasting monument to his efforts. It took the folk artist over 40 years to carve all the miniature figures and construct the incredibly detailed dioramas (many animated) that fill the museum, including the bustling western town and demon-plagued Boot Hill seen in these photos. The decorated car and bottle wall shown below are only a small sampling of the museum's wide variety of offbeat crafts and memorabilia. Where did Ward find the time? As he used to say, "I did all this while you were watching TV"!

Directions: From Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque, take exit 175 and go north on Highway 14 for 6 miles, then turn left on Highway 536 (Sandia Crest road) and go another 1 1/2 miles. An admission fee is charged. Closed during winter months.

Last visited: October 1999.

Standard disclaimer: Sites are described for entertainment purposes only, as they were at the time of my last visit. I can not vouch for the current condition of the site or its accessibility.