Clayton, New Mexico, in Union County provides  a dynamic environment that offers excellent services, education, cultural and recreational  resources.  As the county seat and the  crossroads of two major highways, the friendly community supports a vital business sector which provides necessary goods and services required in the area, including ultramodern health care facilities, communications needs, and excellent public schools

Noted for its wide tree-lined streets and perfect year-round climate, area residents and visitors can enjoy many local attractions and recreational activities, such as Clayton Lake State Park, with one of the world's best dinosaur track sites.  Clayton Golf Course, the Herzstein Museum, and the historic Eklund Dining Room & Saloon are also favorite locations.  We invite you to explore more about Clayton and Union County, New Mexico!

Attractions & Things to Do

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    The authentic town of  Clayton offers so much to residents and visitors.  At every corner, Clayton offers a taste of true western flavor.  With six motels and nine restaurants, and a number of shops featuring arts, clothing, and collectibles, there is something for everyone and every age.

The historic Eklund Dining Room and Saloon serves fantastic food at great prices, and a trip back in time.  Additionally, the Eklund will be undergoing renovation to open lodging in the near future.

The Clayton Lake State Park is an uncrowded jewel, with some of the best dinosaur tracks in the country and only a scenic 12-mile drive from town.  The lake has excellent fishing, picnicking, and camping facilities.

Clayton's Herzstein Memorial Museum is one of the finest museums in a small town.  It offers an array of antique furniture, clothing, and plenty of literature on life of the early pioneers of this area.

The Shrine of the Testaments, an art gallery of Biblical history, is the realization of the late Jan Maters, a Dutch-born classically trained artists. The Shrine possesses 45 of his completed works and the unfinished painting he was working on at the time of his death. Admission is free. The county also boasts commercial art galleries in Clayton and Des Moines.

Clayton stores present a wide assortment of gifts, souvenirs, clothing and household items, and supplies of all sorts are available to meet the needs of area farmers and ranchers and vacationers.

Many recreational facilities are available for the enjoyment of Clayton residents and visitors. These include a nine-hole golf course, an exercise trail, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, and two parks.

The historic Luna Theatre, build in 1916, is located on Main Street offers current movies four days a week. The theatre�s outside landscape and marquis was recently remodeled. It is truly a step back in time, and is sure to offer entertainment for all ages!

The Albert W. Thompson Memorial Library, generously supplied with books thanks to the legacy of a pioneer resident, offers a wide selection of readings. The library houses the D.D. and Helen K. Monroe Special Collection devoted to the history of the area, railroading and public speaking. This is truly second to none in small-town libraries in the Land of Enchantment.

There are several great places to visit, within a short driving distance from Clayton:

Capulin Volcano National Monument, located 58 miles west of Clayton, is one of the few places in the world where you can walk into a volcano.  Visitors can view the summit from a parking area, or take hikes on two different trails.  One goes to the bottom of the crater and the other trail that encircles the rim.

Come and enjoy a wonderful fishing exprerience at The Clayton Lake State Park.  For information on fishing and license requirements, contact 1-800-ASK-FISH, 24 hours a day for fishing reports, stocking reports and other useful information, or call the Northeast Area Office in Raton, (505)445-2311.  Visitors can also access the web site www.gmfsh.state.nm.us/ for a registered outfitters list and details on fishing in the Clayton area.

Another worthwhile trip is to the village of Folsom.  Located in the valley of the Dry Cimarron River, visitors can enjoy Folsom Falls, a natural waterfall, the Folsom Hotel, and the Folsom Museum, built in 1896 on the main street of Folsom.

Some of the best snow-skiing in the country.....Angel Fire, Red River, and Taos are all within a three-hour drive.  The drive and scenery is spectacular, and there is plenty of shopping places to browse.

For more information on attractions in Clayton-Union County or Northeastern New Mexico, contact the Chamber of Commerce, 1103 South First Street, Clayton, New Mexico 88415 or call 505-374-9253, or toll-free, 1-800-390-7858. 

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