Clovis can be explored in a variety of ways: the history of the “Clovis Sound” meets theater and architectural history, museums, and experiences ranging from wildlife viewing to events. When planning, it’s worth distinguishing between the different offerings: visits to the Norman Petty Studio must be requested, the Interactive Science Museum opens to certain groups by appointment, and the zoo has specific opening hours.
Music History and Architecture
The Norman Petty Studio in Clovis, New Mexico, is considered the birthplace of the “Clovis Sound.” Buddy Holly and other early rock ’n’ roll stars recorded their biggest hits there. You can request a visit using the form on the website; confirm the visiting arrangements before your trip.
The theaters each have a distinct character: The State Theater in downtown was built in 1940 in the Modernist style. At the Lyceum Theater, the largely unchanged interior is considered the oldest surviving example in New Mexico of a large theater used for both live entertainment and film screenings. Here, the construction period and style of one theater stand alongside the preserved interior and varied former use of the other.
The Curry County Courthouse was built in 1936 in the Art Deco style and features bas-reliefs dating from the Public Works Administration era. Its historical significance is tied to the agency’s courthouse-building efforts at the time. The Clovis-Carver Library building showcases a different former use: it was built in 1931 as the city’s post office.
Museums, Science, and Railroad History
The Eula Mae Edwards Museum & Gallery features a permanent exhibit of Indigenous artifacts. Eula Mae Edwards and her husband Jack assembled the collection over a period of 20 years. The Phil and Vernah Williams Historic Railroad Park gives visitors the opportunity to learn about railroad history.
The Interactive Science Museum offers a different focus: an interactive, hands-on science experience. It can open to small groups, as well as school and field-trip groups, by prior appointment. If you’re planning a visit with such a group, be sure to request it in advance.
Animals and Other Activities
At Hillcrest Park Zoo, visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including a Bengal tiger, giraffes, reptiles, and primates. The zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; check the hours before your visit. This will help you plan around the stated opening hours.
At Giraffe Encounters & Feeding, you can hand-feed giraffes. Touching them is possible under certain safety conditions and only if the animal allows it. As this is a bookable experience, check availability before your trip.
The Clovis Wing-Shooting Complex and Archery Range includes four trap/skeet fields, a 12-station sporting clays course, indoor and outdoor archery facilities, and an indoor air rifle range. The facility also offers hunter education participants a place to build on their knowledge of firearms safety. The Splash Park rounds out the options with a zero-depth-entry water area and 17 family-friendly water features for children of all ages.
Events and Weekly Offerings
Pioneer Days Rodeo began in 1970 as a professional rodeo and continues to be a venue for some of the world’s best professional rodeo competitors. The Curry County Fair is a community-focused event featuring rodeos, livestock shows, rides, and live entertainment for all ages; its program may vary from one edition to the next. The Clovis Music Festival has hosted concerts since 1987. Food Truck Fridays bring new offerings to downtown Clovis every week.
If you’d like to plan your stay around a rodeo, the Curry County Fair, or the Clovis Music Festival, check the dates; for the fair, it’s also worth checking the program for that year’s edition. For a culture-focused trip, music history, theater, and historic buildings can take center stage.
For the broader travel overview: Curry.
