Railroad depot in Las Vegas, New Mexico |
Many travelers want to know ... does Route 66 go through Las Vegas in New Mexico?
The answer is "No", but the city is only about 6 miles north of the 1926-1937 Route 66 alignment at its present-day connection of U.S. Highway 84 with Interstate I-25. It is a popular destination for roadtrippers traveling from Santa Rosa to Santa Fe on the 1926 Route 66 alignment.
Las Vegas is the county seat of San Miguel County, located on the Gallinas River about 65 miles east of Santa Fe, and is home to about 13,000 residents. Once the city was actually two separate municipalities, both named Las Vegas: West Las Vegas ("Old Town") and East Las Vegas ("New Town").
The city was incorporated in 1835, and thrived as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad arrived in Las Vegas from the north in 1879. Today, it is an Amtrak stop for the Southwest Chief. The city also is home to the New Mexico Highlands University, and the site of the filming of many well-known movies and documentaries.
Map showing places along an early alignment of U.S. Route 66 across New Mexico, including nearby Las Vegas |
The museum in downtown Las Vegas |
The historic Plaza Hotel |
First National Bank building |
Carnegie Public Library |
From museums to historic tours, outdoor adventures to arts and culture, Las Vegas offers Route 66 visitors a wealth of things to do for all ages. Listed below are some highlights of attractions and things to do in Las Vegas ...
Be sure to visit the Las Vegas Visitor's Center at 500 Railroad Avenue. Phone 800.832.5947. Also, be sure to check out the VisitLasVegasNM.com website, and Visit LasVegas on Facebook.
Spend a day, or more, and enjoy the history and ambience of Las Vegas before returning to Route 66!
Calumet Cowgirl mural ... says "Howdy" |
Montezuma Castle |
Hotel Castaneda |
Storrie Lake State Park |
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge |
Victory Alpaca Ranch |
Las Vegas is popular stop for those roadtrippers traveling the Route 66 1926 alignment from Santa Rosa to Santa Fe, and has over 20 hotels and motels to select from. In addition, there are many other lodging options, including B&Bs, cabins, retreats, campgrounds and RV parks.
Visitors can choose from a great variety of restaurants and food establishments. There are over 45 restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries offering a variety of cuisines.
Las Vegas NM Hotel Directory, Traveler Reviews and Reservations |
More Information and Resources about Las Vegas, New Mexico
|
Route 66 Road Trips in New Mexico | |
Tucumcari thru Santa Rosa to Santa Fe |
Santa Fe thru Albuquerque to Gallup |
MORE NEW MEXICO ROUTE 66 |
||