United States
New Mexico (NM)
Sandia Park
Things to Do in Sandia Park
Tinkertown Museum
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Closed until Apr 1, 2024
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Tinkertown Museum

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Tinkertown Museum
4.5
#1 of 7 things to do in Sandia Park
Speciality MuseumsAntique ShopsArt Museums
Temporarily closedClosed until Apr 1, 2024
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A "museum" built out of concrete and 55,000 bottles that houses 20,000 handcarved miniatures.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
375 reviews
Excellent
253
Very good
93
Average
19
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Nancy H
Richmond, VA170 contributions
A Novel Experience
Oct 2022
The hype for this unusual museum may be overdone. While there were several displays that were animated (my favorite), most of the displays were covered in years' worth of dust. The $6 admission fee was reasonable, and you could add a few dollars on to your fee for quarters to activate the animated displays. I do not think you need more than 4 quarters, and, in fact, I only used two of mine. The whole park is a novelty, and I'm glad we stopped, but not sure I would tell people it was a "must see." I think children would be more entertained than adults.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kat S
El Paso, TX411 contributions
Nice Spot !
Jun 2022
Nice spot ! Different museum with nifty miniature displays. Take a few quarters with you to use through the museum to watch movements of the displays, play music, etc..... This is a nice stop out of the city.. Trees, cooler than Albuquerque. Laid back atmosphere. Take your time. There is lots to see. Our kiddo liked it ! Easy to find, not difficult at all to get to freeway. Nice gift shop.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh G
Portland, IN632 contributions
Really cool stop!
Jul 2022
This is a nice spot and screams Route 66! My kids really enjoyed the different themes that each section had. The collection of pop art was really cool, as well. They do have certain sections that take quarters that play music and the toys "dance" to the music. My kids really enjoyed it.

I tried describing it to someone just the other day, and I just showed them pictures of it and told them "you just have to see it!"
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joe s
Albuquerque, NM3 contributions
Quirky and interesting with a wield variety of stuff
Jun 2022
A local moderate sized museum with a lot of interesting stuff. Good value. Well worth the visit. From the Tinkertown Website: is a unique destination full of intricate miniature dioramas depicting scenes pertaining to the Old West. Kids will delight in the elaborate and detailed displays, which each feature hand carved buildings, carts, and people. And the best part is that everything moves. All the people, vehicles, and other features are animated and automated, and their movement adds to the unique appeal and historic, classic sideshow appeal of the place.
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
plutomicky@gmail.com
Arnold, MO10 contributions
Pass on this one
Jul 2023
Saw the reviews and thought we would give this a try.

Pass on this one Folks. Johnny on the spot for the restroom.
$6 a person you are given quarters for change to work their attractions which provides more movement and music.
One guest as I was leaving said "you should have food for those of us who were bored and got lost"
One mans junk is another's treasure.
Signs "We did this while you were watching TV" I can say at least I got a good story from watching TV.
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William B
Albuquerque, NM278 contributions
A must see on the way to the Crest.
May 2023 • Couples
A true gem in the mountains on the way to Sandia Crest. Have never seen anything like it. Mini Western town, Boot Hill, Circus plus many other collections. Also has a boat that took a trip around the world. Walls made with bottles and cement. Just marvelous and costs less than a quality hamburger. A must see. And very hokey.
Written June 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim W
Findlay209 contributions
This is a Must Stop !
May 2021
This place is a must see,take your time there is so much there,This mans passion was incredible.It is amazing how much he did in such a short time as he passed at like 57.His wife still lives on the grounds and is a very nice person to talk to.If you are in New Mexico you really need to make this one of your stops.There were 5 of us in our group and we could have gone back thru and not seen everything,don't miss this !!!
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James J
Maple Valley, WA30 contributions
Great stop between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Aug 2021 • Couples
I LOVE eclectic little places like this. Terrific collection of miniature Americana, signs, and everything else under the sun. Loved the gift shop too, with many one-of-kind offerings.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
northernk
Phoenix, AZ12,659 contributions
Quite worth spending some time here
Sep 2021
From a few people's dreams to a family reality. What started off as kind of a private little hobby grew and grew till it became a tourist attraction for all. Also includes a related family boating adventure around the world on a unique boat also part of the exhibit. Come one , come all to tinker around in Tinkertown ! Also, enjoyed while we were there listing to Willie Nelson songs playing on the speaker system for some reason lol but as a Willie fan that's alright by me.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne
Dallas, TX158 contributions
Don’t miss this stop!
Sep 2021 • Couples
Super interesting stop on the way to Sandia crest. The exhibits are fantastic and well done with great detail to showcase the many displays. The museum is so unique, enjoyable and extremely clean. The staff was very friendly and gave us a few complimentary quarters to use for some of the coin operated exhibits that enhance some of the scenes. Bring some extra quarters though for more fun!
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Tinkertown Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Tinkertown Museum