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Author: Admin | 2025-04-27
Madrid is a quirky and eclectic town situated on the historic Turquoise Trail, about a 45-minute drive to the south of Santa Fe. A former mining town, Madrid was reborn in the 70s and 80s as an art colony full of galleries, shops, and historic charm. Madrid makes an excellent day trip if you’re looking to explore the Santa Fe area, and has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to food, shopping, and activities. The History of MadridMadrid started as a coal mining settlement in the early 1800s, and was officially founded in 1895. It was a company town owned by a succession of different mining companies, with mining cabins and other infrastructure imported from out of state. As demand for coal fell in the early 1900s, mining operations ceased and Madrid became and abandoned ghost town.In the 1970s and 80s, Madrid was revived as an artist community, and soon found new life as an offbeat tourist attraction situated in between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Much of the original architecture of the town is still standing, now repurposed into galleries and shops. Madrid welcomes art enthusiasts and artists inspired by the beauty of the New Mexico landscape, and the town currently has a population of a little over 200 residents.Madrid is also famed for its fabulous Christmas light displays, which visitors can view in December on the weekend leading up to Christmas. The town is a great place to walk around, grab a bite to eat, and take in the beautiful New Mexico scenery.What to Do In MadridMadrid features everything from historic taverns to quirky galleries to beautiful hiking trails.1. Stroll the Historic StreetsMadrid has a much different feel than many other small New Mexico towns, and for good reason: much of the architecture and building materials were actually imported from as far away as Kansas and Oklahoma. Instead of the tan adobe buildings that are a staple of New Mexico architecture, Madrid features historic wooden structures, many of which used be miner’s cabins. Today, the structures are painted a variety of bright colors, and serve as shops, galleries, and homes for the town’s residents.Walking Madrid’s peaceful streets is also a great opportunity to take your time browsing various galleries and shops along the way. If you’re an art enthusiast, you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy.2. Visit the Old Coal Town MuseumThe Madrid Old Coal Town Museum is located inside the Mineshaft Tavern. It features exhibits about Madrid’s past as a coal mining town and later ghost town. You can view original items from the coal mines, watch a video about Madrid’s historic Christmas light displays, and even explore an old out of service train. The museum is a great stop for the whole family, and is packed full of interesting history and memorabilia from Madrid’s past lives.3. Grab a Bite to Eat at the Mineshaft TavernThe Mineshaft Tavern is right next to the museum, and is a great spot to grab a bite
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