Humans have been living in New Mexico’s cliff dwellings and caves for centuries. While the Land of Enchantment still offers a cave hotel and, of course, the adventure of exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park, most of us don’t spend much time underground. That means we miss out on unique experiences like viewing fossils in situ. However, at Fox Cave in New Mexico you can do that and so much more.
This one-of-a-kind roadside attraction first opened in the 1950s. It’s essentially a gift shop housed in a cave.
But this isn’t any old cave.
According to New Mexican lore, Billy the Kid used it as a hideout. And Geronimo supposedly camped here.
Look up and you might be able to spy the telltale soot on the roof, created by the fires that once blazed in this cave, as people sheltered here.
Pay closer attention still and see if you can spot the fossils still embedded in the walls of the cave.
It’s easy to get distracted by the many items displayed here, from sparkling geodes to turquoise jewelry, Native American pottery, and alien kitsch.
The salt lamp display is especially relaxing.
There’s no shortage of unexpected treasures hiding inside Fox Cave, where exhibits include whale vertebrae and saber tooth tiger bones.
Outside, the photo ops are boundless. Pose with dinosaurs…
…Not-so-little green men…
…And a pair of massive hands protruding from the earth!
Kids - and adults - love the chance to hunt for gems at the flume mine.
Garnet, citrine, aquamarine... There are plenty of gemstones just waiting to be found.
Fox Cave is located between Ruidoso Downs and Hondo, in the town of Glencoe.
Address: 26897 US Highway 70, Glencoe. Visit Fox Cave's Facebook page for more details.
What’s the kookiest roadside attraction you’ve ever stopped at in New Mexico?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
