Clovis / Curry County Chamber of Commerce, Clovis, New Mexico

Local Area Attractions

Blackwater Draw Site and MuseumNorman Petty Studios Museum Coming in 2008!
Thanks to the financial backing of our area Legislators and Governor Bill Richardson, Clovis is in the process of developing a museum which highlights Clovis' rich music history, with the intention of honoring Norman and Vi Petty, and the artists who recorded at the 7th St. Studio.

The museum is designed to educate visitors about the process of recording by displaying an operational recording studio from the 1950s. This studio contains original equipment that came from the 7th St. Studios where artists such as Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Roy Orbison, Buddy Knox, Waylon Jennings, Sonny West, Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs, Charlie Phillips, Jimmy Bowen, Johnny Duncan, Carolyn Hester, Chita Rivera and many others recorded. These artists created the "Clovis Sound," that is known and still sought to be reproduced worldwide today.

The museum is designed to complement the Norman Petty 7th St. Studios and display artifacts from the studios including the original mixing board used by Norman Petty to record Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Other artifacts include numerous photographs, musical instruments, an extensive radio collection and other memorabilia. A jukebox plays songs from the 50s and reminds us that Rock 'n' Roll is here to stay.

The museum will be open in 2008 with an official grand opening set to kick off the Clovis Music Festival, Sept.. 4-7.

Blackwater Draw Site and MuseumBlack Water Draw Museum and Archeology Site The "Clovis Type Site" is accepted as the oldest culture in North America. Fluted points, stone and bone weapons and tools are displayed at the Blackwater Draw museum, 12 miles south of Clovis on Hwy 70. At the archaeological site, Mammoth bones can be viewed in the ground where excavation revealed them. For more information call 575.562.2202 for the Museum or 575.356.5235 for the site.

Peacock from Clovis ZooHillcrest Park & Zoo
From the thrill of the Hillcrest Zoo, to the fun you'll find on one of our challenging golf courses, there are so many exciting activities waiting for you here in Clovis. Looking for excitement? There are plenty of animal antics to enchant the entire family at Hillcrest Park & Zoo. Wild creatures move freely or in modest enclosures, complete with trees, streams, pools and other natural features. Our 22.5 acre zoo is the second largest in New Mexico, and the animals are second to none. The zoo is a great place for the entire family. The Hillcrest Park & Zoo with more that 140 acres of park land, boasts playground equipment, basketball courts, sunken gardens and plenty of picnic areas. The Hillcrest Park & Zoo is located at 10th Street & Sycamore. Their phone number is 575.769.7873.

Clovis Depot Model Train Museum Built in 1907, this historic site features railroad memorabilia and historcial displays of the development of the railroad in Australia, Great Britain, and the American Southwest. The museum also enables close-up viewing of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway along one of the busiest rail lines in the United States. The Clovis Depot Model Train Museum is located at 221 W. First St., off US Hwy 60/84. Their phone number is 575.762.0066.

Norman Petty StudioNorman Petty 7th St. Studios
The "Clovis Sound" made popular by such greats as Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, was created and recorded in Clovis at the Norman Petty 7th Street Studio. Although it is no longer an active recording studio, the original equipment still resides there, and a visit will take you back in time to the grand days of rock 'n roll. Petty's golden ears helped dozens of popular country, rock, and pop musicians who recorded at the Norman Petty Studios-Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Buddy Knox, Waylon Jennings, Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs, Charlie Phillips, Jimmy Bowen, Johnny Duncan, Carolyn Hester, Chita Rivera, Brad Maule and many others.
Inside the studios the large dangling microphones, the old control board with big round knobs, the clocks on the walls, the Coke machine, and the furnishings look much as they did in the late fifties when Buddy Holly came to record. Relive the Norman Petty legacy with a tour of the studio, meet The Roses and Tollettes (back-up singer for Buddy). Hear original music recordings that will take you back in time. This is a place you will never forget and treasure for the rest of your life. The studios are located at 1313 W. 7th St. Tours must be booked well in advance, please call the Chamber at 505.763.3435 for details