Strange But Cool Roadside Attractions: Recycled Roadrunner
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It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s a huge road runner. Meep. Meep. The giant bird stands nearly 20 feet tall and 40 feet long and is made of old materials such as shoes, cell phones, bike parts, and other recycled items. It was initially located at the Las Cruces, New Mexico, Foothills Landfill and was built to draw attention to the power of recycling and how much we toss away into landfills.
The road runner was chosen by artist Olin Calk because it is the state bird of New Mexico. It was built in 1993 from the items he salvaged from the landfill. It was refitted with “new” junk in 2001 and moved to a rest stop along Interstate 10.
In 2011, the road runner was again stripped down and moved to Olin’s home, where it sat for three years, waiting for the city to determine its fate. It was moved back to the rest stop in June 2014. At that point, the landfill had closed, so Olin re-feathered it using thrift store objects and scrap metal. It now has eyes made from Volkswagen headlights.
As you drive into the rest area, not only will you see the roadrunner (How could you miss something that big?), you will find covered stone picnic shelters with grills and some fantastic views of Las Cruces and the Organ Mountains. It is touted as an “award-winning picnic area.”
To be more precise, the Recycled Roadrunner Statue is located at the Scenic View Rest Along eastbound I-10, mile marker 134 in Las Cruces. You can only access it from the eastbound lanes. It is free.
The rest area has RV spots and allows free overnight camping with a maximum stay of 24 hours.
Also, take note of several other rather odd attractions in and around Las Cruces.
If you are there, plan to check out the World’s Largest Chile Pepper, located at the Big Chile Inn, 2160 W. Pichaco Ave.
The Space Murals and the small but informative Space Museum are also in town.
More roadside attractions
We've stumbled upon some seriously quirky roadside attractions during our travels. Trust us, these are definitely worth a stop, even if it's just for a quick pic. Check out the map, for info on these must-see gems!
But wait, there's more! We want to hear from you too. Have you come across a roadside attraction that's so wacky, it deserves a spot at the top of our list? Share your craziest discoveries with us, and we'll make sure to add them to our ever-growing collection of must-sees.
MORE COOL New Mexico roadside attractions
1. The Giant Robot Sculpture in Santa Fe
You can’t miss this giant metal robot in the parking lot outside a converted bowling alley, now an interactive art complex known as Meow Wolf. According to Phil and Stacy, Meow Wolf is well worth the price of admission! Don’t forget to pose for a selfie with this big guy!
2. The World’s Biggest Pistachio Nut in Alamogordo
About an hour from Las Cruces, check out this giant nut that serves as a memorial to Tom McGinn, who founded the farm. Pose by the sculpture or tour the pistachio farm and browse the gift shop for fruit wines, flavored pistachios, and everything pistachio, including brittle, ice cream, milkshakes, and more.
3. Camel Rock in Santa Fe
This rock formation resembles a resting camel and is just down the highway from the Camel Rock Casino.
4. Street Sculptures in Artesia
These bronze statues in Artesia are a part of a public outdoor sculpture gallery.
5. Tee Pee Curios in Tucumcari
Travel back in time to the 1950s and browse the many shelves for Route 66 merchandise. You won’t miss this stop with its signature wigwam and neon sign outside.
6. Fox Cave in Glencoe
Fox Cave is literally a gift shop housed in a cave and was first opened in the 1950s. According to legend, Fox Cave has hosted Geronimo, and also Billy the Kid used it as a hideout. You can also take pictures with giant hands reaching out of the earth, with little green men or dinosaurs. Don’t miss the cowboy statue. You can also mine for gemstones.
7. Roswell
One word says it all. Check out Roswell where you are greeted by little green men on almost every corner. Even the streetlights are shaped like aliens.
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About the Author
Terri Nighswonger and her husband, Todd, are well-traveled RVers and work campers. They have work camped from Maine to Arizona and parts in between with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi.
They are currently loving their time in Arizona, where they don't have to put away their shorts, and winter coats are a thing of the past. They plan to enjoy the west for a while. Writing is Terri's passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors.
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