Grants, NM: 5 reasons to stop and refresh at this Route 66 town!
March 2024: As we headed west from Albuquerque on our spring break road trip, our first Route 66 exit was to head toward Grants, NM (pop.9,163*). What a great visit! We thoroughly enjoyed our exploration in this small town – it is a wonderful place to refresh and learn some fascinating history along the way!
Grants is located in north-central Cibola County. Santa Fe Avenue (former US Route 66) is the main road through the city, while Interstate 40 passes through the south side of the city, with access from exits 81 and 85.
Milan (pop.2,456*) is an incorporated suburb of Grants directly to the west along both Route 66 and I40. Its population has grown dramatically since 2000. Milan is the site of the privately run Cibola County Correctional Center, which houses more than 1,000 federal prisoners and is a major area employer.
Grants – A Brief History
Why named Grants? Because the town was named after 3 brothers, Angus, John and Lewis Grant, who in the 1880s were awarded a contract to build a section of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad through the region. The Grant brothers’ camp was first called Grants Camp, then Grants Station, and finally Grants.
The logging Era
For many decades around the turn of the century, Grants prospered from railroad logging in the nearby Zuni Mountains. The logs were shipped to Albuquerque, where a large sawmill converted the timber to wood products that were sold across the west.
Route 66 Tourism and the “Carrot Capital” Era
In the 1930s as logging declined, agriculture (with a focus on carrots!) took root, aided by the creation of Bluewater Reservoir, and the region’s volcanic soils providing ideal conditions for farming. Grants also benefited from its nearby airport and later by featuring the longest stretch along U.S. Route 66, which brought travelers and tourists and the businesses that catered to them. However, both industries went into decline as Route 66 was replaced by Interstate 40 which bypassed Grants, and as area agriculture production dropped.
The Uranium Mining Era
In the 1950s, one of Grant’s most memorable booms occurred when a local Navajo shepherd, discovered uranium ore near Haystack Mesa, sparking a mining boom that lasted until the 1980s (see Uranium mining in New Mexico). As with so many once profitable mining communities, the collapse of mining industry in the area pulled the town economy into a depression.
Grants resurges with Route 66 Nostalgia and Natural Beauty Tourism
More recently, the town has enjoyed a resurgence based on interest in tourism and the scenic beauty of the region.
5 Reasons to include Grants, NM on a Route 66 Road trip!
#1 Refresh with the best! Stop by Junkyard on 66 Brewery and other local businesses!
We loved our visit to the Junkyard on 66 Brewery! I had a craft porter with coconut flavoring, and it was fantastic! As were the sandwiches we had for an early dinner.
From its website we learned that the Junkyard on 66 Brewery (formerly Route 66 Junkyard Brewery) got its start as an automotive salvage yard. For 35 years the property was known as Oscars Auto Salvage. Under the vision of new owner and US Air Force veteran, Henry, in 2016 he added a brewery to this still functioning junkyard. We found a really great vibe in its junkyard themed decor – including tables made from old vehicle tailgates and hoods, and house beers with automotive themed names.
On a Route 66 road trip? Definitely stop by any of these local businesses for a refreshment break!
- Junkyard on 66 Brewery – Google Maps – we LOVED this place! Great beer and terrific food – Webpage
- 1912 Market on 66 – Google Maps – Boutique and coffee shop with fresh fruits and veggies with other locally sourced products; we didn’t arrive in time to visit this local shop – but it looks fantastic! Webpage | Facebook page
- Mt. Taylor Coffee Co. – Google Maps – we didn’t arrive in time to visit the local coffee shop, but photos and reviews on Google maps look excellent!
- Elkins Brewing Company – Google Maps – located on the Grants exit of I40, this place gets great reviews on Google maps!
#2 Photo Op worthy Art and Route 66 Nostalgia
We had to stop by the Route 66 sign for a photo op, and then took the opportunity to walk around Grants historic downtown. We were super impressed with the lovely parks and public art. These art installations are sponsored by the Cibola Arts Council.
One of our favorite public art displays is the Native Basket Array, which we learned is ” a series of satellite dishes donated by Connect 66 Internet, painted by New Mexico artists to resemble traditional Native basket designs. The attraction is located in Grants, NM, along Historic Route 66, and offers an insight into local traditions and art styles, as well as offers an avenue for self-guided tours along the Mother Road”
#3 Beautiful Public Parks
When on a road trip, we try to find interesting stops to stretch our legs and sometimes picnic. Grants has several beautiful parks!
#4 Stay longer and enjoy the regional Cultural options – including the ability to visit an authentic Pueblo!
As discussed in history of Grant and surrounding area, there are many interesting chapters that can be experience today. Stay longer and check them out!
- Route 66 Vintage Museum & Double Six Gallery – Google Maps
- New Mexico Mining Museum – Google Maps
- Western New Mexico Aviation Heritage Museum – Google Maps
- Santa María Mission – Google Maps
- Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church – Google Maps
- Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum – Google Maps – southeast of Grants, this museum is highly recommended in its google reviews. The Sky City Cultural Center website says it is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America and the 28th Historic Site designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Acoma history is also the story of the Southwest, from its initial role as the home to the Anasazi people, to the thirteenth century founding of the Pueblo, which is still alive and well as a community and touchstone for Native Americans in the area and nationwide.
- Acoma Pueblo – Google Maps
#5 Grants as a hub to visit National Parks and Wonders of Nature
We didn’t get the chance to enjoy the area National Parks and Monument during our visit, but some research indicates there are several terrific options, including lava tubes, caves, hiking and a Wolf Sanctuary
- El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center – Google Maps
- El Malpais National Monument – Google Maps
- Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano – Google Maps
- El Malpais Ranger Station (BLM) – Google Maps
- El Malpais National Conservation Area – Google Maps
- Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary – Google Maps | Wolf Sanctuary Website
- Big Skylight Cave – Google Maps
- Big Tubes Area – Google Maps
More to Explore!
As one often sees along Route 66, small towns like Grants have a variety of defunct businesses and buildings that once catered to the motor tourism era. However, Grant has a variety of programs to help revitalize Main Street – and from what we experienced during our visit, they are producing results!
- Cibola County Visitors Center
- Grants Main Street Project –
- Grants MainStreet Project, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to revitalize and beautify the Grants MainStreet District. Our work uses the Four-Point Approach to promote, design, organize, and revitalize businesses, properties, and public places in the downtown area. We are an economic developer on a small scale. Looking at ways to assist commerce and find solutions to the needs of businesses and property owners inside the MainStreet District.
- Caboose restoration project
- Main Street Murals
- Grants / Cibola County Chamber of Commerce
- Grants Visitors Guide (e-brochure)
- Cibola County Economic Development
While we enjoy seeing the revitalized buildings and businesses in Grants, we also find the older buildings interesting as we imagine their past hay day on Route 66.
