Teepee Curios, Route 66, Tucumcari, NM

What is: Teepee Curios, Route 66, Tucumcari, NM. A concrete wigwam fused into the front of a souvenir shop.

What was: Part of the magical tapestry of Route 66, the Teepee Curios building opened as a Gulf gas station in 1944. In 1948 it was Leland Haynes Grocery, Meats & Curious. In 1960 it was Jene’s Trading Post. The gas pumps were lost and the Tee Pee entry was added when Route 66 was widened in 1959 or 60

Reminiscent of days gone by, when youngsters would beg Dad to stop at the tee pee for a coonskin cap or colorful chief headdress.   Today, Teepee Curios is one of the last remaining original curio shops in New Mexico & Route 66.  This quirky roadside stop offers all of the oddities and gifts you could ever need. From Route 66 memorabilia to pottery, shirts, postcards, pocket knives, bumper stickers, colored fake rabbit tails, bean shakers, gem frogs, pens, jewelry and other unique items you won’t find elsewhere, this is a true hidden gem in the desert.