Albuquerque's Wild West Attractions

Chuckwagons, Cowboys, Native American Culture, and Rattlesnakes

Jan 13, 2009 Glenn Kaufmann

The mountains and desert around Albuquerque provide the ideal backdrop for remembering, reenacting and experiencing the Wild West and the Native American West.

While the Albuquerque of today has its share of resorts and big city attractions, life on the edge of the desert and the Sandia Mountains leaves little doubt that this is a city which had to be carved from rugged country. And, it is the life stories of the gunfighters, Native Americans, traders, sheriffs and ordinary folk that weave the tale of the “Wild West”.

It is this story that runs through Albuquerque’s Wild West attractions. While these attractions may be hard to find amidst the jewelry boutiques and tourist venues, but for those that crave a taste of the Old West, hard work will be richly rewarded.

That’s the first lesson the Wild West has to offer.

End of Trail Wild West Jubilee

In June each year, Founders Ranch just outside Albuquerque hosts the END of TRAIL Wild West Jubilee, This multi-day event includes the World Championship Cowboy Action Shooting Contest that draws some of the best traditionally outfitted single-action marksmen (and women) in the world. The jubilee also includes a chuckwagon cooking contest, cowboy poets, western wear designers/boutiques, living history and equestrian events.

Single-Action Shooting Contest– This main event draws present day Wild Bills and Annie Oakleys to Albuquerque kitted out like the real deal, and their skills with a six-shooter or a rifle are as real as they come. For anyone with an interest in the Wild West, this is the place to gawk, ask questions and satisfy that craving for hot lead and traditional threads.

Chuckwagon-Cooking Contest – Line up for a taste of biscuits, eggs, bacon and camp coffee the way “Cookie” use to serve it up. From the back of a buckboard, contestants rustle up some of the tastiest grub to come out of cast iron.

Western Encampment – Over 50 acres of living history, historical reenactment and Old West for the entire family.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

For an alternative view of the “Old West” and the effects of the early days of western expansion on Native peoples, visitors to Albuquerque should visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The center offers a look at the arts, culture, crafts, housing, history and commerce of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos.

The center is charged with preserving and perpetuating Pueblo culture, and advancing an understanding of it by honoring the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people of New Mexico.

World’s Largest Rattlesnake Museum

A family museum dedicated to education and conservation, The American International Rattlesnake Museum offers not just the largest collection of different types of rattlesnakes in the world, but other “less desirable” creatures as well. The museum goes into great detail explaining the many ways that these creatures fit into the world around us and often benefit our existence.

Other New Mexico Western & Native American Attractions:

Acoma Pueblo
Las Vegas New Mexico
Fort Union National Monument
Santa Fe Trail
New Mexico State Fair

From single-action shooting and chuckwagon fare to pueblo culture, rattlesnakes and gila monsters, Albuquerque, New Mexico has more than enough sites and attractions to satisfy the yearnings of even the most avid Wild West aficionado.

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