Attractions

  Print Clovis Attractions

The Norman Petty Recording Studios
Recently dubbed as New Mexico's 'best kept secret,' the Norman Petty 7th Street studio located at 1313 West 7th is responsible for the "Clovis Sound," made popular by such greats as Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison who recorded at the studio. The original equipment is still in the studio, and a visit will take you back to the grand days of Rock 'n' Roll. In 2007, the State of New Mexico recognized the studio with a NM Scenic Historic Marker. It is the first completed roadside marker to commemorate the Rock 'n' Roll culture that followed World War II. Tours need to be booked in advance - call 575-763-3435.

Norman & Vi Petty Rock 'N' Roll Museum
The museum honors Norman and Vi Petty and the artists who recorded at the 7th St studio. A jukebox plays songs from the 50s and reminds us that Rock 'n' Roll is here to stay. The museum recreates a working recording studio from the 1950s and displays artifacts from the studios including the original mixing board used by Norman Petty to record Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Other artifacts include numerous photographs, musical instruments, an extensive radio collection and other memorabilia. Call 575-763-3435

Hillcrest Zoo and Park
Our 22.5 acre zoo is the second largest in New Mexico. The zoo is a great place for tourists or just a family outing. Hillcrest Park & Zoo is located at 10th and Sycamore St. The park & zoo, with more than 140 acres of park land, has playground equipment, a basketball court, a sunken garden, and plenty of picnic areas. Popular attractions are the playful otter, the gracious giraffe, the reptile house, and a Siberian tiger.

Clovis Depot Model Train Museum
Clovis Depot Model Train Museum is located at 221 West First St. off of US 60/84. The old Clovis Santa Fe Passenger Depot has been restored to its 1950's appearance. Set along the working railroad, the building also enables close up viewing of the NMSF (New Mexico Santa Fe) Railway along what is one of the busiest rail lines in the United States, with 75-100 trains passing through Clovis each day. The museum contains railroad memorabilia and historical displays of the development of the railroad in Australia, Great Britain, and the American Southwest. It, also, houses a gift shop full of model railroad hobby supplies, train-related gifts, books, and New Mexico souvenirs.

Clovis Music Festival
The first weekend in September, Clovis celebrates its rock 'n' roll music history with the Clovis Music Festival held in conjunction with the Rod & Run Classic Car Show at Hillcrest Park. The 3-day festival attracts fans worldwide to hear the music that was created or influenced by the artists who recorded at the Norman Petty Studios on 7th St. During the festival the studios are open for tours which are otherwise seen on an appointment only basis the remainder of the year. www.clovismusicfestival.net