Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc.
Our History




For over 100 years, the Bowlin family has taken pride in serving the traveling public with Southwestern tradition and hospitality. Their business venture actually began in 1912 when Claude M. Bowlin began trading with the Native American Indians of New Mexico and began learning their languages and customs. After World War I, from 1919 to 1935, Mr .and Mrs. Bowlin bought and sold several trading posts in the Gallup and Farmington areas of New Mexico. In 1935, they built the Old Crater Trading Post in Bluewater, NM. The wagon wheeled-rutted road leading to the trading post later became Route 66.

After World War II, Mr. and Mrs. Bowlin expanded their horizons. They wanted every visitor to have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and talent of the Native American artisans through Navajo and Zuni jewelry, Navajo rugs, baskets and pottery from many pueblos. Beginning in 1946, three tradings posts were built in southern New Mexico on Highway 70-80 (later designated I-10). The first was Continental Divide Trading Post, followed by Akela Flats Trading Post. In the following years, more stores were added including the Jack Rabbit Ranch, the Old West Trading Post and the Running Indian at Alamogordo.

Today, Bowlin Travel Centers continues the traditions of honesty, integrity, and hospitality by providing high quality products and services at competitive prices. Bowlin's maintains 10 Travel Centers, 5 full service Dairy Queen Restaurants and 1 Subway Restaurant in New Mexico and Southern Arizona. Our company shall always strive to maintain the pride and tradition that was started many years ago, carrying first-rate merchandise and offering first-rate service to the traveling public. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you soon!

Here is a map of our locations:



If you have any questions regarding any of the items featured on our site, please feel free to contact us:

Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc.
150 Louisiana Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
1-800-716-8413