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If you plan to visit White Sands National Park in New Mexico, prepare for a delightful surprise – just a short distance away is the World’s Largest Pistachio! Here is everything you need to know.

The World’s Largest Pistachio

This iconic landmark is a roadside wonder situated at McGinn’s PistachioLand in Otero County, New Mexico.

You absolutely cannot miss it as you drive by.

The Story of the World’s Largest Pistachio

It started as a humble tribute from a son to his father. From there, it developed a measure of celebrity and, in some ports of call, evolved into a “destination” in its own right. 

Tim McGinn, owner of the pistachio ranch, said he wanted to “honor the memory of his father, Tom McGinn, who originally founded the pistachio and grape-producing farm.”

The World’s Largest Pistachio was built in 2007 and is a registered trademark.

Make sure to hike Alkali Flat Trail: A Hike In White Sands National Park!

PistachioLand Tours

If you have time, take a farm tour of Pistachio Land; it’s unlike anything else!

The open-air tour will take you around the pistachio orchard and vineyard.

Learn all about their family farming history and how they grow, harvest, and produce delicious pistachios and wines.

Reservations for 24 hours or more are available on their website until they sell out. Walk-in sign-ups are first-come, first-served.

Pistachio Ice Cream

Whatever you do, please do not leave here without getting a tasty farm-made waffle bowl filled with their homemade Pistachio Ice Cream.

You can even take a picture of it with the World’s Largest Pistachio; what’s more adventurous than that?

Just Order from the take-out window! They also sell slushies, soda floats, banana splits, sundaes, and more.

PistachioLand Country Store

Be sure to stop by their country store during your visit. Here, you can sample and buy a variety of pistachios; there is nothing more important than that!

These farm-made pistachio kernels undergo hand-crafting in small batches.

They package many of their flavors in plastic or burlap gift bags, making them ready to take on the road with you so you can snack on them whenever you want.

Would you consider visiting this quirky roadside attraction before visiting White Sands National Park?

Make sure to read my guide on 4 Unique Things To Do In White Sands National Park!