Summary of Santa Fe Railyard
Santa Fe’s Railyard is now home to more than trains. It is fast becoming a vibrant eclectic area filled with art, dining, entertainment, and recreation. The Railyard is another central Santa Fe destination. Not far from the Plaza and Canyon Road, the Railyard has always been a multi-purpose site.
Railyard History
In 1880, the first train arrived in Santa Fe, brought by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company via a spur line, due to mountain ranges preventing direct access to the main line. Consequently, this connection brought an influx of tourists, and the Railyard soon evolved into a social center. The Railyard Corporation website describes it as a vibrant gathering place for the locals. “By the 1940s, the Santa Fe Railyard was an active center for the community. Neighbors, still living next to the Railyard today, remember those afternoons picking wild lettuce and swimming along the acequia. The Railyard was a central hub during the Depression, a place where people received free meat from the warehouses; it featured ice skating in the winter and served as the venue for circus performances.”
The Railyard’s Transition
In 2002, building on its rich history as a gathering spot, the Railyard Master Plan was approved by the City of Santa Fe. This plan honors the site’s cultural heritage and promotes local businesses, especially non-profits focused on arts, culture, and community. The Railyard has already embraced this vision through the presence of the Santa Fe Farmers Market, SITE Santa Fe, Warehouse 21, and El Museo Cultural.
Visiting the Railyard – So Much to Do
A great way to experience the Railyard is to start at the Santa Fe Train Depot area and have lunch at Tomasita’s. If you’re not ready for lunch yet, consider beginning your visit at SITE Santa Fe, a contemporary art space showcasing stimulating exhibitions.
Santa Fe Train Excursions
Santa Fe Southern Railway, affectionately known as “The Train,” offers year-round excursions departing from the historic mission-style depot in the Railyard. The schedule includes day trains, cocktail trains, and BBQ trains. Additionally, there are group rates, charter options for personal or corporate events, and special seasonal trains, such as Fourth of July fireworks trains and Christmas trains. The vintage coaches have recently been painted, giving “The Train” a fresh new look. More Information.
Tomasita’s Restaurant
Tomasita’s has long been a staple of Santa Fe’s dining scene, located conveniently adjacent to the Railway depot. It is a lively restaurant known for its fantastic margaritas and traditional New Mexican-Mexican cuisine. It’s a delightful spot to enjoy a meal.
SITE Santa Fe
SITE Santa Fe is a contemporary art institution featuring time-limited exhibitions, lectures, and events. During my visit, SITE Santa Fe was showcasing an exhibit titled “Los Desaparecidos,” which raises awareness about the victims of political violence in Latin America. This programming transforms SITE Santa Fe into not just an art museum, but also a platform for educational discussions on significant social and political issues. More Information.
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
The Railyard serves as the new permanent home of the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market. What began as a small gathering of farmers in the late 1960s has flourished into one of the most recognized markets nationwide. With over 100 vendors, the market operates year-round. During the summer, visitors can delight in fresh vegetables, flowers, honey, cheeses, eggs, meats, herbs, chiles, and crafts. It is advisable to consult the Market’s website for seasonal location and hours.
El Museo Cultural
El Museo is a vibrant center for art exhibits, theatrical performances, art fairs, children’s programs, and the Winter Contemporary Spanish Market. I attended a preview session for the Santa Fe Indian Market at El Museo, which occupies a sprawling space within a former warehouse. More Information.
TAI Gallery
One of the captivating galleries in the Railyard district is the TAI Gallery, celebrated for its exquisite simplicity. Focusing primarily on Japanese art, the gallery draws attention to the beauty of textures and lines. Established in 1978, TAI Gallery is a leading distributor of Japanese bamboo art and museum-quality textiles from Japan, India, Africa, and Indonesia.
As the Railyard Grows
As the Railyard continues to develop, keep an eye out for new parks, bike paths, and walking trails along the acequia, as well as more engaging venues. The Railyard is undeniably worth a visit. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and explore both the Baca area and the North Railyard.
