chloride (ghost town)

mikedS2117WL

Pioneer museum and the owners were great. Trying to plan a trip back and use their rv hookups. Could spend days there, and we will next time. Got stuck in Las Cruces because of bad weather north. We are glad we did.

928KathyW

We had heard about the Pioneer Store and on a recent camping trip in the area, decided to check it out. The ghost town of chloride is great! They have some nice exhibits and have moved an old homestead building here as well. The Pioneer store had an extensive display of products from the very early 1900s. Personal care, clothes, catalogs, tools, food staples, etc. We were with a group so didn't stay long, but we're going back.The town was really busy while we were there as a large group of 4-Wheelers from ABQ had stopped.

Roadwarriors2

If you have the time and enjoy history and storytelling, you really should check this place out. First, the drive which takes around an hour from T or C provides some really nice New Mexico scenery. When you arrive at the old silver mining boom town, you'll be rewarded with a Pioneer Store Museum which is probably the best of its kind that we have ever visited. It is literally a time capsule, having been boarded up with its 19th century merchandise still inside in 1923 and reopened in 1998 after being lovingly restored by the Edmund family. We were lucky enough to spend time with both Don Edmund and his daughter Linda who were happy to describe the items in the museum, some of which we had never seen before, and tell wonderful stories about them as well. No matter how many times they've given the tour and told the stories, they manage to maintain their enthusiasm and passion. In addition to the Museum, which is reason enough to go, there are several more buildings and cabins of interest and the original "hanging tree" in the middle of the street. Also, a gift and gallery store which features local arts and crafts.

tomsE9916RU

A ghost town filled with "lively people"! My wife and I spent close to four hours in Chloride, NM. An old silver mining town rich in history and wonderful stories. Across the street from the Old General Store was the original Chloride Bank, converted into a cafe. We were greeted by Gretchen, the friendly and charismatic Manager/Pastry Chef of the cafe. Gretchen is an extraordinary baker, pastry chef, her pastries are really, really good! My wife and I sampled many of the daily prepared pastries on hand. These were so good with a cup of hot and flavorful coffee, such a welcomed treat on a beautiful Fall day. The cafe is very clean, spacious, comfortable and looks brand new inside! The pastries were very reasonably priced, and you could tell they were made with pride and experience. A strong recommendation if you are ever in Chloride, NM.

DnL_Adventures

Pretty scenery, a family that has a passion to uphold & Preserve the History of the town of Chloride. Don't be fooled by the smallness of the town itself. Proceed to the Gift & Gallery where you will be warmly greeted and can arrange to get a guided tour of the former Pioneer Store Museum. Allow plenty of time, especially if you are curious and like to hear the stories about the items, how they were acquired, what they were for, etc. Our guide was the daughter of the Edmond couple who first found, bought & then restored the historical buildings. She was very passionate about sharing the history, stories, and all the hard work her family has poured into Saving this portion of History. Go see it and ENJOY!

PBruceA

This is a really interesting collection of old buildings and original contents in a ghost town in the mining district. We were given an excellent tour and would highly recommend the detour from the freeway. Great views along the drive too

Bobbathfan

Really interesting experience, owner has done really well putting the show back on the road. Great to see the old stock in the store, marvellous old safe. The café has been rebuilt - adobe bricks made on site by Mexican labour. Well worth a visit and give the café a go - excellent food off the beaten track!

wuensch

We seen some hand written signs directing traffic off the highway. We always like to see the less travelled route and were pleasantly surprised.The small town store - which doubles as the Tourist Info spot was awesome. The fellow that ran the place was super friendly and very helpful. Full of information about the town and surrounding tourist attractions.The prices in his store were very fair - I would rather give someone like this my business for tourist keepsakes than the big chain places!

Zelda69

What a wonderful piece of history. Such love is shown in preserving of Chloride history. The bank is now a wonderful cafe. Yummy! They once had 9 saloons- dance halls. The general store is a step back in time. The official hanging tree still stands dead center of town. The first cabin circa 1879 still stands with the pre-public restroom. Yep, the outhouse. A step back in time is something we all could us.

reginao298

It's a very interesting small town with an AMAZING drive to it. The scenic drive was one of the best that I've seen. The people that we've met in the town are helpful and knowledgeable of the town's old history. We ended up going here because our original scheduled activities were canceled due to government shutdown. We loved our side trip and highly recommend it. The museum was great and the Chloride Bank/Cafe was delicious!

TheGoodLuckDuck

And, chances are good you'll have it all to yourself. There are a few local, year-round residents, but not many. And, today I was the only tourist around. I usually yawn at museums, but this one was unique. No fee; donate on your way out if you'd like.The Chloride Bank Café was a welcome surprise out here, too. Fresh, delicious food, friendly service, and the owners know what "vegan" means because they're vegan themselves. Don't worry - they'll cook you up whatever you want and you'll enjoy it. The menu is extensive and the food is prepared when you order it.

LAB20

Decided to stop by on the way back from White Sands National Monument towards I-40. Heard about it from newmexico.org. It takes awhile to reach Chloride from I-25 but well worth it! We were the only ones there and the couple approached us and offered to give us a tour of the museum. The museum was excellent. The woman who gave the tour was great at explaining the various objects that were left behind back in the day. It felt like I stepped back in time! I like how they are renovating the town, yet keeping to the original character of the building. There's a gift shop which sells objects made by local artists. There's also a cafe, but was closed when we went (went on a Monday). There are latrines so bring hand sanitizer. Would definitely go back in the future when I'm in the area!

844martins844

The current owners have spent years cleaning up the General Store which had been locked up and left with all the goods for sale still inside. It is now a walk back in time to when this was a thriving town with many bars and no church! It's worth a stop if you are in the area.

cola79912

Just 28 miles from Elephant Butte and very much worth the time. The Pioneer Store is a treasure chest at the end of the road over 90% of the items are orginal from when the store closed down in 1909. There is items I have never seen before. Ask about the boom box, the first laptop, and the credit system. The owners of the Pioneer store are invaluable source of information about the items in the muesum and history of the area. They have a love for the town that is contagious. There is a nice place to picnic and clean bathrooms.We went to end of town and drove a liitle way up the forest road and did some hiking. Canyon wall facings were very beautiful. Do not recommend driving through if you don't have tires that can handle rocky areas. We drove in about two miles and hiked from there.Bring water and soap to wash hands, or hand santizer.VERY WORTH the time my kids had no cell phone reception. Donations are welcome!

tumblwede

The family that owns the 'downtown' of Chloride has lovingly restored the old General Store into a museum. When they took the boards off, all the items of the day was still there...under bat poop, but still complete. Really gives a complete 'feel' of the era. Next door, the dance hall is a 'local area artists' gift shop with some amazing stuff. There is also the renovated cabin of the man who discovered silver and a small but very nice campground. They are also converting the bank into a resturant. We will return, plan on at least an hour for the general store!