A Place for Snacks, Sleds, and Souvenirs

For visitor safety and to protect this critical resource, motorized vehicles should remain on roads.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Near the wooden marker for campsites 1 and 2

Amenities

3 listed

Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Did you swing by the non-profit park store or the gift shop before you headed into the dunes? If so, you explored some concession establishments that were a long time in the making. Visitors who came to White Sands in the 1930s and 40s used to purchase their snacks, sleds, and souvenirs from a large trailer in the dunefield operated by Tom Charles and his White Sands Service Company. He might have even once parked it in the flat interdune area in front of you.

Charles is known to some as the “Father of White Sands,” as he was instrumental in the park’s designation as a National Monument, and eventually became its first Superintendent. Besides selling trinkets and food items, his company also took visitors on private auto tours throughout the dunefield. They made their way over even the tallest dunes in what would now be a vintage car, and, surprisingly, rarely got stuck!

If you were to create your own tour or concessions company here at White Sands, what services would you offer?