The History and Charm of Madrid, New Mexico: A Complete Guide
Nestled in the Ortiz Mountains along the scenic Turquoise Trail, Madrid, New Mexico, is a gem of a town brimming with rich history and unique character. Once a thriving coal mining town, Madrid has transformed into an artsy enclave that attracts visitors worldwide.
Madrid (pronounced “MAD-rid” by locals) began as a coal mining town in the mid-19th century. The area’s rich coal deposits fueled its development, and by the early 1900s, Madrid was a bustling company town, producing coal for the Santa Fe Railroad and later for electricity generation. The city was particularly prosperous during World War I and the 1920s, with over 4,000 residents.
However, as coal demand dwindled after World War II, Madrid declined. By the 1950s, it was nearly a ghost town. In the 1970s, artists and free spirits began revitalizing the area, attracted by its affordability and scenic beauty. Today, Madrid is a vibrant community known for its art galleries, eclectic shops, and cultural events.
Reasons to Visit Madrid Today!
Madrid’s mix of history, creativity, and natural beauty makes it unforgettable. Some highlights to explore:
Art and Shopping
Art Galleries and Studios: Madrid has numerous galleries showcasing local artists’ works, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. Don’t miss the Johnsons of Madrid Gallery of Fine Art and Jezebel Studio & Gallery.
Unique Shops: Stroll along Madrid’s main street to discover quirky boutiques and antique stores. Popular spots include Indigo Gallery and Roadrunner Studio.
Places to Eat
The Mineshaft Tavern: This historic tavern offers hearty food, live music, and a rustic ambiance. The Mineshaft Tavern in Madrid, New Mexico, is an iconic watering hole that dates back to 1947. Located along the Turquoise Trail, it’s a must-visit spot known for its rustic, Old West atmosphere, live music, and vibrant local culture. The tavern sits on the site of the original mining company store from Madrid’s coal-mining days, adding to its historic charm.
Java Junction: This cozy coffee shop serves delicious lattes and baked goods. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the town’s charm.
- Locally Roasted Coffee – They serve high-quality, fresh-roasted coffee with rich flavors, perfect for a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Signature Drinks – Favorites include their Mexican Mocha, Chili Mocha, and New Mexican Pinon Coffee, which capture the essence of the Southwest.
- Homemade Pastries & Baked Goods – A great selection of fresh-baked treats, from scones and muffins to cookies and pastries.
- Relaxing Porch Seating – Enjoy your coffee on their scenic front porch, a perfect spot to take in the quirky, artistic vibe of Madrid.
- Gift Shop – Inside, you’ll find a small selection of local art, souvenirs, and coffee beans to take home.
Jezebel Soda Fountain & Deli : Kathrine from Tripadviser says about this Deli, ” While this is an old soda fountain, the best part is the unique talents from local artists. Don’t miss the metal work in the hallway on the right. Beautiful. Take time to admire the tabletops in the back room. The art room on the left is just as full of talented workmanship. We did have an old fashioned soda, but the highlight is the artwork.”
Activities Nearby
1. Explore the Madrid Old Coal Town Museum
– Details: Step back into Madrid’s coal-mining past at the Madrid Old Coal Town
Museum, located behind the historic Mine Shaft Tavern. This rustic museum, housed in a 1890s mining building, showcases relics like Thomas Edison lanterns, antique vehicles, and a steam locomotive, painting a vivid picture of the town’s boom-and-bust era. A highlight is the exhibit on Madrid’s Christmas light displays, which inspired Walt Disney’s holiday setups at Disneyland. The recently renovated blacksmith shop serves as the entrance, and a docent-guided tour reveals quirky stories, like the Madrid Miners baseball team playing in the first lighted stadium west of the Mississippi in 1922. The museum also features memorabilia from movies filmed in Madrid, including Wild Hogs. Open Friday–Monday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (check for construction updates), it’s a treasure trove for history buffs and families alike.
– Why It’s Interesting: The museum’s gritty, hands-on feel and connection to Hollywood and Disney make it a unique dive into Madrid’s coal-dusted heritage, blending industrial history with small-town charm.
2. Shop and Stroll at Gypsy Plaza
– Details: Dive into Madrid’s vibrant art scene at Gypsy Plaza, a charming cul-de-sac off Highway 14 packed with 12 eclectic shops. This artist haven offers everything from authentic Cerrillos turquoise jewelry at Gypsy Gem to upcycled found-object art at Weasel and Fitz. Don’t miss Shugarman’s Little Chocolate Shop, where you can savor dark chocolate infused with green chile cashews or Thai lemongrass. The plaza’s colorful storefronts, many housed in repurposed miners’ cabins, buzz with creativity, and friendly shop owners often share stories about their craft. It’s perfect for finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs, like an alien abduction t-shirt or a handcrafted Pueblo fetish. Open daily, typically 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, the plaza’s compact layout makes it easy to explore in an hour or two.
– Why It’s Interesting: The mix of local artistry, Native American crafts, and quirky edibles in a historic setting creates a shopping experience that’s as much about the vibe as the treasures you’ll take home.
3. Hike the Trails at Cerrillos Hills State Park
– Details: Just 2 miles north of Madrid, Cerrillos Hills State Park offers over 5
miles of high-desert trails with stunning views of the Ortiz Mountains and glimpses of old turquoise mines. The trails range from easy loops like the Jane Calvin Sanchez Trail (1.1 miles) to moderate climbs like the Grandview Trail, where you might spot jackrabbits or ancient petroglyphs. The park’s history as a mining site adds intrigue—look for remnants of 19th-century mine shafts. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, it’s free to hike, though a small parking fee ($5) may apply. For a guided twist, book a horseback ride through the park with Broken Saddle Riding Company, which offers scenic tours tailored to all skill levels. The park’s quiet beauty and proximity to Madrid make it a perfect outdoor escape.
– Why It’s Interesting**: Combining natural beauty, historical mining lore, and the chance to ride or hike through a landscape dotted with turquoise veins, this park offers an authentic taste of New Mexico’s wild heart.
RV Parks and Accommodations
For those traveling by RV or seeking unique places to stay, Madrid has several options:
Turquoise Trail Campground and RV Park:
Situated just a short drive from Telluride, the Ouray Riverside Resort RV Park (1804 Main St., Ouray, CO 81427) provides a premier camping experience with 65 full-hookup RV sites, accommodating rigs up to 45 feet, each equipped with 50/30/20-amp electric, water, and sewer connections. Nestled along the serene Uncompahgre River, the park boasts breathtaking, unobstructed views of the towering San Juan Mountains, including the iconic Mount Abrams and distant glimpses of Bridal Veil Falls in summer. The well-maintained sites, ranging from Premium Riverfront to spacious Pull-Thru and Circle Sites with communal fire pits, cater to both short-term visitors and extended stays. Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, a private 24/7 laundromat (membership required), community hot tubs, and an on-site Smokehouse Restaurant serving mouthwatering BBQ. The resort’s pet-friendly policy, direct access to the Ouray Riverwalk for fishing or strolling, and proximity to Ouray’s famous hot springs (a short walk away) enhance its appeal. Open year-round, the park also offers Jeep rentals and is a gateway to hiking trails and the Million Dollar Highway, making it an ideal base for exploring the region’s rugged beauty. With a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews on TheDyrt.com, guests rave about the clean facilities, friendly staff, and the mesmerizing mountain vistas that make every sunrise and sunset unforgettable. For reservations or inquiries, call (970) 325-4523.
Located approximately 40 minutes north of Madrid, New Mexico, along the
scenic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, **Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground** (736 Old Las Vegas Hwy, Santa Fe, NM 87505) offers a serene and picturesque retreat for RV campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in a tranquil high-desert landscape surrounded by juniper and piñon pine trees, this well-established campground provides a peaceful escape with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and easy access to both Santa Fe (10 minutes away) and the artistic charm of Madrid. The park, open from March to October, features 95 RV sites, including 37 full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer, accommodating rigs up to 45 feet, as well as partial-hookup and dry camping options. Each site includes a picnic table, and many have fire rings for cozy campfires under the starry New Mexico sky, ideal for stargazing in this International Dark Sky region.
The campground boasts a network of on-site hiking trails that wind through the rolling hills, offering moderate treks with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Sandia and Ortiz Mountains. These trails connect to nearby Santa Fe National Forest paths, such as the Atalaya Mountain Trail, where hikers can spot bighorn sheep or enjoy wildflower blooms in spring. For picnicking, the park provides shaded picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills, perfect for family gatherings or relaxing after a day of exploration. Additional amenities include a sparkling swimming pool (seasonal), a dog park for furry companions, clean restrooms with hot showers, a laundry facility, and a camp store stocking essentials and souvenirs. Wi-Fi is available, though it may be spotty in some areas due to the remote setting. The park’s proximity to Bandelier National Monument (45 minutes) and historic Santa Fe Plaza makes it an ideal base for day trips to explore ancient cliff dwellings, Native American culture, or vibrant art galleries.
Rancheros de Santa Fe is pet-friendly and family-oriented, with a playground and communal spaces fostering a welcoming community vibe. Reviewers on Campendium (4.2 stars from 62 reviews) praise its quiet ambiance, well-maintained facilities, and convenient location, though some note the dirt roads can be dusty. Rates start at approximately $45–$55 per night for full-hookup sites, with Good Sam discounts available. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer and festival seasons like the Santa Fe Indian Market. For bookings or inquiries, call (505) 466-3481. This campground’s blend of natural beauty, robust amenities, and access to hiking and cultural attractions makes it a standout choice for a memorable RV camping experience in the heart of New Mexico.
Books About Madrid, New Mexico
To delve deeper into Madrid’s history and culture, check out these books:
by This is the story of Madrid, New Mexico from Spanish land grants, land ownership wheeling and dealing, to the founding and operation of Madrid as a company town from 1894 through the 1950s. The first volume contains a history written by William Baxter but not published because of his passing in 2015. There are numerous photograhs of the town and mining activities, many of which came from the family albums of Oscar Huber, long time Superintendent and later owner Madrid for all of its existence as a coal mining company town. These photographs had been preserved by Huber’s granddaughter, Pinky Werner, who had generously make them available for publication.
- Hidden History of Spanish New Mexico –
New Mexico’s Spanish legacy has informed the cultural traditions of one of the last states to join the union for more than four hundred years, or before the alluring capital of Santa Fe was founded in 1610. The fame the region gained from artist Georgia O’Keefe, writers Lew Wallace and D.H. Lawrence and pistolero Billy the Kid has made New Mexico an international tourist destination. But the Spanish annals also have enriched the Land of Enchantment with the factual stories of a superhero knight, the greatest queen in history, a saintly gent whose coffin periodically rises from the depths of the earth and a mysterious ancient map. Join author Ray John de Aragon as he reveals hidden treasure full of suspense and intrigue.
A Day in the Life…
The sun was just cresting the Ortiz Mountains as the Rivera family—Elena, Carlos, and their 12-year-old son, Mateo—pulled their dusty SUV into Madrid, New Mexico, the Turquoise Trail’s quirkiest stop. It was a crisp October morning, and they’d driven from Albuquerque for a day of exploring, lured by tales of art, history, and green chile. Parking near the Mine Shaft Tavern, they stepped onto Highway 14, where colorful storefronts glowed against the rugged desert backdrop. Mateo, clutching his sketchbook, pointed at a hand-painted sign for Gypsy Plaza. “Can we check that out first?” he asked, eyes wide.They wandered into the plaza, a cluster of repurposed miners’ shacks buzzing with creativity. At Gypsy Gem, Elena admired a turquoise pendant, chatting with the silversmith about Cerrillos mines while Carlos helped Mateo pick out a small, polished stone for his collection. Next door, at Shugarman’s Little Chocolate Shop, the family shared a dark chocolate bar spiked with green chile cashews, laughing as Mateo’s face lit up at the spicy-sweet kick. “This is way better than regular candy!” he declared, pocketing a second bar for later. Elena snapped a photo of him grinning beside a mural of a howling coyote, the vibrant colors popping against the adobe wall.
By noon, their stomachs rumbled, so they headed to the Mine Shaft Tavern, its weathered wooden porch promising a taste of Madrid’s soul. Over plates of green chile enchiladas and crispy sopapillas, they listened to a guitarist strum folk tunes, the notes mingling with clinking glasses and locals’ chatter. Carlos, sipping a local IPA, pointed out black-and-white photos of coal miners on the walls, sparking a conversation about Madrid’s gritty 1920s heyday. Mateo, inspired, sketched the tavern’s neon sign, his pencil capturing its retro curves.
After lunch, they strolled to the Madrid Old Coal Town Museum, a short walk behind the tavern. The creaky door opened to a treasure trove of relics: rusted lanterns, a 1900 steam locomotive, and faded posters from Madrid’s Christmas light displays that inspired Disneyland. A docent, a grizzled local named Tom, regaled them with stories of the town’s baseball team playing under electric lights in 1922. Mateo was fascinated by a dented miner’s helmet, whispering to Elena, “Imagine working underground with that!” Carlos, ever the history buff, lingered over a display about *Wild Hogs* filming, chuckling at the thought of John Travolta cruising these streets.
As the afternoon waned, they drove two miles north to Cerrillos Hills State Park for a quick hike. The Jane Calvin Sanchez Trail, a gentle 1.1-mile loop, wound through juniper-dotted hills, the air sharp with sage. Mateo raced ahead, spotting a jackrabbit darting across the path, while Elena and Carlos marveled at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains glowing pink in the distance. At a lookout, they found a weathered sign about turquoise mines, and Carlos read it aloud, tying it to the pendant Elena had admired. “This place is like a time machine,” she said, squeezing his hand.
Back in Madrid, they capped the day with iced coffees from Java Junction, sitting on a bench outside as the sun dipped low, painting the sky tangerine. Mateo flipped through his sketches—a kaleidoscope, the tavern sign, a miner’s pickaxe—already planning to show them at school. “Can we come back for the Christmas lights?” he asked, referencing the museum’s display. Elena nodded, her new pendant catching the fading light. As they piled into the SUV, Madrid’s eclectic magic lingered—a day of art, history, and desert beauty etched into their hearts, a promise to return already forming.
Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer
Madrid, New Mexico, is a captivating gem along the Turquoise Trail, a town unlike any other, where history, art, and nature converge to create an unforgettable experience. Once a gritty coal-mining hub in the late 1800s, its storied past echoes through the weathered facades of miners’ cabins, now reborn as vibrant galleries and quirky shops that showcase the town’s bohemian spirit. Whether you’re drawn to its artistic flair—evident in places like Gypsy Plaza, where local artisans craft turquoise jewelry and eclectic sculptures—or enchanted by the stunning high-desert landscapes framed by the Ortiz and Sandia Mountains, Madrid offers a rich tapestry of discovery. Stroll the colorful streets to uncover hidden treasures, savor green chile-infused chocolates, or hike trails dotted with ancient mine shafts at nearby Cerrillos Hills State Park. From the haunting relics of the Madrid Old Coal Town Museum to live music spilling out of the Mine Shaft Tavern, this eclectic destination invites adventurers, creatives, and history buffs alike to immerse themselves in its unique charm. Plan your trip today, and let the magic of Madrid—where the past meets the present in a kaleidoscope of color and character—leave you inspired and enchanted!
Disclaimer: Some of these pictures are AI generated and are depictions of real places and local attractions. Thank you for understanding!