Tinkertown stands as one of New Mexico’s most unique attractions—a hand-built miniature world created over 40+ years by Ross and Sue Ward in a mountain canyon.
The Vision
What began as a hobby became an obsession. Ross Ward hand-carved miniature scenes, built detailed structures, and created an elaborate world inside a hollowed-out hillside. The result defies simple categorization—it’s part museum, part art installation, part personal museum.
The Collections
Tinkertown contains thousands of miniature pieces—intricately carved wooden figures, detailed building facades, recreations of frontier scenes and Western themes. Each corner reveals new details and surprises. The museum includes Ross’s original carved pieces alongside collected curiosities.
Authentic Eccentricity
Tinkertown rejects commercialization while embracing its own wonderfully weird character. The hand-painted signs, the rambling nature of the installation, and the personal passion underlying every detail create an authentic folk art experience.
Visiting
Tinkertown sits in Sandia Mountain foothills east of Albuquerque. Hours are limited and seasonal—check ahead before visiting. The intimate, winding museum encourages slow exploration and wonder.
Photography
Tinkertown’s quirky details make excellent photographic subjects. The handcrafted quality and personal vision translate powerfully through photography.
Inspiration
For artists and creative people, Tinkertown demonstrates what passion and persistence can achieve. For everyone, it offers whimsy, eccentricity, and the beauty of creative obsession.