Clovis, NM
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Landmarks and attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Athletic Legacy
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions and Services
Clovis is a city in eastern New Mexico, known as the county seat of Curry County and for its rich railroad history and agricultural roots.
About the city
Official status and administrative affiliation
- Full official name: City of Clovis .
- Clovis is the county seat of Curry County, New Mexico, United States .
- The city is located in the state of New Mexico, in its eastern plains region on a vast high plateau known as the Llano Estacado . This region is known for its agriculture (cotton, peanuts, dairy) and its ranching heritage.
Historical names and nicknames
- Historical name: The settlement was first known as "Riley's Switch" in 1906, named after a railroad engineer, before being renamed Clovis .
- Nicknames: Clovis is sometimes referred to as "The Clovis" in a historical context, and its identity is closely tied to its motto, "A City On The Move – Come Grow With Us!" . It is also widely recognized as the namesake for the ancient Clovis culture due to the discovery of distinctive stone tools nearby .
Date of foundation and age
- Clovis was founded in 1906 when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway was being constructed through the area . The land for the town site was purchased on October 2, 1906 .
- The city was officially incorporated in 1909 . As of 2026, the city is 117 years old.
- A likely apocryphal story attributes the name to the daughter of a railroad official, who was studying Clovis, the first Catholic king of the Franks, and proposed the name for the new town .
Geographical position and coordinates
- Geographic coordinates: Approximately 34°24′45″N 103°12′17″W .
- Clovis is situated in the high plains of eastern New Mexico, on the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains), a vast, flat, semi-arid region . It is located just 9 miles (14 km) west of the Texas border .
- The city's center is at an elevation of approximately 4,281 feet (1,305 meters) above sea level .
City type and economic specialization
- Transportation and logistics hub: Clovis was founded by the railroad and remains a major division point and classification yard for the BNSF Railway on its busy Southern Transcon line .
- Agricultural center: The city serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region, specializing in dairy, peanut, and cotton farming. It is home to the Southwest Cheese Company, the largest cheddar cheese producer in North America .
- Military community: The economy is significantly influenced by the nearby Cannon Air Force Base, home to the 27th Special Operations Wing .
Population and demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population was 38,567 . A 2023 estimate placed the population at 37,612 .
- Clovis is the principal city of the Clovis Micropolitan Statistical Area. It is classified as a small city .
"City's business card" (briefly)
Clovis is a city where the legacy of the Wild West meets the rhythm of rock 'n' roll. Known as the birthplace of a distinct prehistoric culture, it later became a legendary recording site for music icon Buddy Holly. Today, it thrives as a key railroad hub and agricultural powerhouse on the sweeping plains of eastern New Mexico.
Geography
Unique landscapes
- Llano Estacado: Clovis is located on the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains) . This featureless, semi-arid tableland is one of the largest mesas in North America. Its flat, expansive terrain and dramatic caprock escarpments define the region's geography and are a significant landscape feature in their own right.
National and natural parks nearby
- Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark and Museum: Located about 12 miles south of Clovis near Portales, this is one of the most important archaeological sites in North America . It is the type site for the Clovis culture, where distinctive stone spear points were found alongside the bones of mammoths, providing evidence of some of the earliest human inhabitants in the New World (circa 11,500 BC). Visitors can view a museum with artifacts and, at the archaeological site, see mammoth bones still in the ground where they were excavated .
Climate and weather
Climate type and general characteristics
- Clovis has a semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk), characterized by low humidity, significant temperature swings between day and night, and frequent high winds due to the flat, open terrain . It is located on the southern edge of Tornado Alley, making severe spring thunderstorms a possibility .
Average temperatures by month
- Hottest months: June and July, with average daily highs around 32°C (90°F) and average lows of 18°C (64°F) . The record high is 43°C (110°F) .
- Coldest months: December and January, with average daily highs around 11°C (52°F) and average lows dropping to -3°C (27°F) . The record low is -27°C (-17°F) .
- Monthly Temperature Averages (Day/Night) :
- January: 11°C / -3°C
- February: 14°C / -1°C
- March: 19°C / 2°C
- April: 23°C / 6°C
- May: 28°C / 12°C
- June: 32°C / 16°C
- July: 32°C / 18°C
- August: 31°C / 18°C
- September: 28°C / 14°C
- October: 22°C / 8°C
- November: 16°C / 2°C
- December: 11°C / -2°C
Precipitation and humidity
- Average annual precipitation: Approximately 470 mm (18.5 inches), with the bulk falling during the summer months .
- Wettest month: August, with an average of 87 mm (3.43 inches) of rain . The late summer often sees rainstorms during the evenings .
- Driest months: January and February, each with just around 11 mm (0.45 inches) of precipitation on average .
- Snowfall: Average seasonal snowfall is around 28 cm (11.1 inches), typically occurring in January and February .
Sunshine
- Clovis enjoys a high percentage of possible sunshine year-round. The sunniest month is June, with about 76% of days being sunny or partly sunny .
Seasonality and best time to visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm rapidly. This is a windy period, and severe thunderstorms with a risk of tornadoes become more common from late April into May.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and generally dry early on, with the highest chance of rain arriving in late July and August. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. This is the best time for swimming at the local aquatic center or enjoying the zoo.
- Fall (September-November): Mild and pleasant, with decreasing rainfall. Excellent for outdoor activities like visiting Ned Houk Park or exploring the historic sites.
- Winter (December-February): Cool to cold with periodic snowfalls and cold snaps. High winds are still common. This is a quiet time for tourism.
The best time to visit Clovis for warm-weather activities is from late May through late September .
Landmarks and attractions
Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark and Museum
- Located 12 miles south of Clovis on Highway 70 .
- This site is the namesake and type site for the Clovis culture, one of the oldest known prehistoric cultures in North America. The museum displays fluted Clovis points, stone and bone weapons, and tools. At the archaeological site, visitors can see mammoth bones in the ground where they were excavated, offering a direct link to the Ice Age .
Norman Petty Recording Studios
- Address: 1313 W 7th Street .
- This is a legendary recording studio where rock and roll history was made. In the late 1950s, musician and producer Norman Petty recorded numerous hits here, including most of Buddy Holly's iconic work like "That'll Be the Day" and "Peggy Sue" . Tours of the studio are available, offering a glimpse into the birth of a classic rock sound .
Hillcrest Park and Zoo
- Location: 10th Street and Sycamore .
- This is the second-largest zoo in the state of New Mexico . The 22.5-acre zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including reptiles, lemurs, spider monkeys, crocodiles, and bears, and is a popular attraction for families .
Clovis Depot Model Train Museum
- Address: 221 W. 1st Street .
- Housed in a historic depot in downtown Clovis, this museum showcases the history of railroads in Eastern New Mexico. It is a must-see for train enthusiasts, featuring intricate model train displays and local railroad artifacts .
Ned Houk Park
- Location: About 9 miles north of downtown Clovis on State Road 209 .
- This large park on the edge of town offers a different kind of attraction. It features several ponds, open spaces for recreation, and a museum with antique farm equipment and dwellings from before 1926 . The back of the park also has trails for off-road mountain biking .
Transport
Main airports
- Clovis Municipal Airport (IATA: CVN) serves the city, offering non-stop commuter service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) via Boutique Air .
- For more extensive flight options, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (IATA: LBB) in Lubbock, Texas, is approximately 100 miles away .
Major highways
- Clovis is a crossroads for several U.S. highways :
- U.S. Routes 60, 70, and 84 pass through the city concurrently. These highways connect Clovis to Portales (19 miles southwest), Roswell (110 miles southwest), and Fort Sumner (60 miles west). Heading east, they lead to the Texas border at Texico and Farwell.
Railroad
- Clovis is a major hub for the BNSF Railway. It operates a large freight classification yard and a division point on its Southern Transcon line, one of the busiest rail corridors in the western United States .
Public transport
- The city has a limited public transportation system known as C.A.T.S. (Clovis Area Transport System) , which operates within city limits . There is no service on Sundays .
- Greyhound bus service also operates in Clovis, providing intercity connections .
- Taxi services and ride-sharing do not exist, so having a personal vehicle is recommended for getting around .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
The culinary identity of Clovis is deeply rooted in the rich, comforting flavors of New Mexican cuisine, with a strong emphasis on hearty breakfasts and local staples like enchiladas and green chile.
New Mexican Breakfast Classics
Clovis is renowned for its robust breakfast culture, where traditional New Mexican dishes are the stars of the morning menu. A must-try is Huevos Rancheros, a classic dish found at local eateries like Mamacitas. It typically consists of two eggs over easy, generously smothered in either zesty red or green salsa, and served with round potatoes, beans, and a choice of meat . Another favorite is Chilaquiles, made from fried corn tortillas cooked in red or green salsa and topped with two eggs any style .
For those seeking a heartier start, local restaurants offer unique specialties. Don Maria's is famous for its "off-menu" secret breakfast tacos, which have garnered a cult following among locals, with one customer describing them as "one of the best things I've ever eaten in the breakfast category of life" . The Smothered Breakfast Burrito is another popular choice, packed with bold New Mexican flavors .
Local Specialties and Favorites
Beyond breakfast, Clovis's dining scene features beloved local staples. The Enchilada Plate is a cornerstone of the region's cuisine, often featuring bold, savory flavors . For a taste of home-style cooking, the Country Fried Steak is a reliable favorite .
A dish that holds a special place in the community is menudo. This traditional Mexican soup is highly regarded at Don Maria's, where the "excellent menu" and "great menudo" are frequently praised by customers .
Green Chile Stew
A true taste of New Mexico, green chili stew is a local obsession. Mamacitas receives rave reviews specifically for its version of this hearty and flavorful stew, making it a must-try for visitors wanting to sample authentic regional comfort food .
Museums
Clovis offers a unique museum experience that is internationally significant, celebrating its unexpected but profound role in the history of rock and roll, as well as its deep prehistoric roots.
Norman & Vi Petty Rock 'n' Roll Museum
This museum is Clovis's crown jewel and a major pilgrimage site for music lovers from around the world. Housed in the Clovis Business Enterprise Center at 105 E. Grand Ave., the Norman & Vi Petty Rock 'n' Roll Museum is dedicated to the legendary local musicians and producers Norman and Vi Petty .
The museum offers a glimpse into the famous Norman Petty Studios on Seventh Street, where some of the biggest names in early rock and roll history recorded their hits. This includes icons like Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and Buddy Knox . The museum's main attraction is its collection of working equipment from the actual studios, including the original mixing board used during Buddy Holly’s recordings . Visitors can also view memorabilia from the Pettys' personal collections and see never-before-displayed artifacts. A central, eye-catching feature is the oversized 1950s Fender Stratocaster—the iconic guitar model made famous by Buddy Holly—which hangs over the entrance . Since opening in 2008, the museum has drawn a steady stream of international visitors making a music pilgrimage to Clovis.
Blackwater Draw Museum (Nearby in Portales)
Just a short drive from Clovis in the nearby town of Portales, the Blackwater Draw Museum is an essential stop for archaeology and history enthusiasts . This museum is dedicated to the internationally significant Blackwater Draw archaeological site, which is famous for its Clovis culture artifacts dating back approximately 13,000 years, making it one of the oldest known prehistoric cultures in the Americas .
The museum's exhibits include fascinating displays of ancient tools, fossils, and artifacts that tell the story of the Clovis people and early human habitation in North America. The museum is conveniently located near the archaeological site itself, allowing visitors to explore both in one day .
Sport and Athletic Legacy
While Clovis has a strong tradition of high school sports, its athletic landscape is poised for a major transformation with the arrival of professional horse racing.
High School Sports
Clovis has a vibrant high school sports scene, with Clovis High School being a central hub for the community. The school's football team competes in New Mexico's top tier and has a schedule filled with intense matchups against state rivals like Hobbs, Carlsbad, and Cibola . The program is a point of pride for the city and has produced notable athletes who have gone on to play at the collegiate level .
Future Horse Racing Hub
Clovis is on track to become a significant player in New Mexico's horse racing industry. In early 2026, the New Mexico Racing Commission approved the relocation of SunRay Park from Farmington to Clovis . This move, projected to generate substantial revenue, is a testament to the strength of the Clovis market. While casino operations may begin earlier, live horse racing is expected to commence in Clovis by 2028, bringing a major new professional sport to the city .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Higher education in Clovis is centered around a public community college that serves as a vital resource for the region.
Clovis Community College
Clovis Community College (CCC) is the city's primary institution of higher education. Located at 417 Schepps Blvd., the college has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1987, with its most recent accreditation reaffirmed in 2022 . CCC is a public institution offering Associate's degrees and various certificate programs .
The college plays a crucial role in the community, providing educational opportunities not only on its main campus but also at an additional location at Cannon Air Force Base, serving military personnel and their families . As a two-year college, it is listed among New Mexico's institutions by NASA's Minority Serving Institutions Exchange, highlighting its role in broadening access to education .
Healthcare Institutions and Services
Clovis is served by a network of healthcare facilities, including a Federally Qualified Health Center and a skilled nursing facility, ensuring residents have access to essential medical services.
La Casa Family Health Center (Clovis Clinic)
La Casa Family Health Center is a vital community resource operating as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) . Located at 1521 W 13th St, this nonprofit clinic provides comprehensive primary care services to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. The center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, and also offers a sliding fee scale based on income . Services are available to a wide range of audiences, including low-income persons and at-risk populations, and are offered in both English and Spanish .
Clovis Healthcare and Rehabilitation
Clovis Healthcare and Rehabilitation, situated at 1201 North Norris Street, is a 90-bed skilled nursing facility certified for both Medicare and Medicaid . Operating as a proprietary, for-profit corporation, the facility provides post-acute care and rehabilitation services. It offers both health and fire safety measures and caters to patients requiring extended care, as indicated by an average length of stay of around 140 days . The facility is not located within a hospital and operates independently .