4.5Loretto Chapel(5.170 reviews) - puzzling spiral Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites
This chapel contains a mysterious spiral staircase built without nails, dowels or any visible support.See more..
4.5Santa Fe Plaza(3.220 reviews) - In October, they celebrate Indigenous People's Weekend (instead of Columbus Day) Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Surrounded by city landmarks, including art and history museums, the Santa Fe Plaza is the heart and soul of the capital city. Sit back on one of the square’s benches to people-watch and take in the small-town feel. Then, set out to explore the countless art galleries, shops, and flea markets in the area. Try the local street food from the food carts, or if you’re in the mood to splurge, check out the dozen or so high-end restaurants. You can also sign up for a walking tour to learn more about the city’s rich history. – TripadvisorSee more..
This is an amazing place to view cliff dwellings. Having visited Mesa Verde recently, this is much more intimate and much less crowded. We visited on a Sunday in late September and still found a parking spot in the visitor center parking lot. There were far fewer people on the trails than I expected for a weekend. There wasn't really any backup at any of the ladders into the caves and people seemed respectful of distancing and mask usage where needed. There is a trail guide available for $2.00 which is worth it for information as you walk the loop trail. Be sure to walk the extra distance to the Alcove House. If you are able, it is worth climbing the several ladders to the top for the view. If not, it is still impressive to see from below.See more..
4.5Petroglyph National Monument(1.967 reviews) - Easy walk, great views, dog-friendly Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • National Parks • Geologic Formations
Up to 15,000 petroglyphs or prehistoric rock art images have been found on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17-mile canyon outside of Albuquerque.See more..
I loved my dining experience at La Posta! It was all decorated for Day of the Dead, but I think it must always be a "trip" to see their decor! There are tropical birds making lots of jungle noise, high ceilings loaded with memorabilia and art and glittering festive lights. The ladies room is like 1930's Hollywood. I also had so much fun wandering around the historic plaza and side streets, taking photos of the rustic beauty. Shopping was excellent. There was plenty of original and unique stuff. I found a couple of art galleries open, and the local art was very high quality with reasonable prices. I also ate at Don Felix cafe, and enjoyed everything so much! My favorite was the Cocoa Flan dessert! They have a wonderful courtyard for outdoor dining and they played current popular Mexican music that was really good!See more..
4.5El Santuario de Chimayo(650 reviews) - A feeling of peace... Historic Sites • Religious Sites
The "Lourdes" of America, where miracles are thought to happen.See more..
4.0Kit Carson Home & Museum(427 reviews) - So glad we made the effort to visit this important historical site! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Christopher “Kit” Carson, is perhaps Taos' most famous resident. He was a fur trapper among the earliest Western explorers, a scout during the first mapping of pioneer trails, a cattle and sheep rancher, a transcontinental courier, U.S. Native American agent, and an officer in the United States Army. Yet he was more than any of those things. Some people say he was a hero who was instrumental in opening up the West. Others say he was a rugged frontiersman who understood the ways of Native Americans better than any other Westerner. Still others maintain that he was an Indian hater whose only interest was to fight and kill Native Americans. He never accepted any of these labels, and neither have modern biographers who have portrayed him as an enigmatic Purchased by Kit Carson for his bride Josefa in 1843, this 3-room adobe home displays artifacts, antique firearms and other pioneer belongings, Kit Carson memorabilia and an exhaustive supply of books about New Mexico.See more..
4.5Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument(366 reviews) - Fabulous Though Remote Place Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • National Parks
Surrounded by Gila National Forest and at the edge of Gila Wilderness, this area contains dwellings of the ancient Mogollon people who lived here in the 13th century. For thousands of years, groups of nomadic people used the caves of the Gila River as temporary shelter. In the late 1200's, people of the Mogollon Culture decided it would be a good place to call home. They built rooms, crafted pottery and raised children in the cliff dwellings for about twenty years. Then the Mogollon moved on, leaving the walls for us as a glimpse into the past.See more..
4.5El Rancho de las Golondrinas(361 reviews) - Amazing Place to Visit Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ranches • History Museums
This living history museum, located just south of Santa Fe, recreates 18th-century ranch life. Guides, dressed in period clothing, show how people lived in early New Mexico.See more..
5.0El Morro National Monument(316 reviews) - Beautiful, ancient, Native American site Historic Sites • Geologic Formations
Famous for its 200-foot sandstone bluff, the bottom of the monument contains seven centuries of human inscriptions.See more..
4.5Coronado Historic Site(249 reviews) - With the docent, climb up and then down into the decorated Kiva...feel the ancestors Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Monuments & Statues
We were very fortunate to have the site to ourselves with a private docent tour of the restored Kiva paintings. The pueblo was occupied from about 1325 to end of 16th century. These murals represent one of the finest examples of pre-contact Native American art to be found anywhere in North America. We climbed up a wood ladder and down a ladder into the Kiva itself. It was mystic. We had never seen such paintings previously. 17 layers of wall murals were removed and preserved and reproduction murals were painted on its reconstructed interiors. Many of the original murals are in the site’s visitor center museum. No photographs are allowed in this kiva.See more..
4.5Silver City Museum(215 reviews) - Fancier than expected Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
In a restored 1881 Mansard/Italianate house, you'll find this fascinating history museum, which includes more than 20,000 items and artifacts related to the people and history of southwest New Mexico.See more..
We enjoyed our visit to the ruins. There are three sites to visit. My son enjoyed the junior ranger program. We drove to all three sites and walked amongst the ruins. It was a beautiful day. The main visitor center has a documentary that explains the mission and the settlement. There is a reptile bench outside the visitor center that is beautifully made.See more..
4.5Trinity Site(185 reviews) - Check the Military's Website Frequently & Get There Early Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The exact spot where the first atomic bomb was detonated.See more..
4.5Fort Union National Monument(164 reviews) - Historic Fort off the beaten path that offers more than we thought Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • National Parks • Monuments & Statues
This fort had so much to offer than we thought. Great stop to stretch your legs after a long drive. The for was very large at one time, but you can still get the perspective of how everything was laid out, and some walls and fireplaces are still standing. Great tour guides. Nice spot that is dog friendly. Clear pathed trails. Nice breeze coming through the plains on a warmer day. The Junior Park Rangers were very friendly. This sight is under construction but there was a mobile office pods in the parking lot that offers a gift shops with a bunch of fun & informative books, etc.See more..
From parking lot, go left. Follow path along fence line to left of trail marker until you see arrows pointing uphill. There is a quasi path, over rocks to the top. Once at top, you find your own way right and left across the peak to view the petroglyphs. This hike is not for kids under 10, or those with bad hips or knees. Wear hiking boots and gloves, as you will need to grab on to rocks and tree limbs for support as you climb and traverse. Coming down you are unlikely to find exact way you came up. Just use caution. The path can be muddy, and rocks are slippery.See more..
A short drive from Albuquerque and Bernalillo, the Jemez National Historic Landmark is one of the most beautiful prehistoric and historic sites in the Southwest. It includes the stone ruins of a 700 year old village and the San José de los Jemez church dating to 1621. The village of Giusewa was built in the narrow San Diego Canyon by the ancestors of the present-day people of Jemez Pueblo. The visitor center contains exhibitions that tell the story of the site through the words of the Jemez people. A 1,400-foot interpretive trail winds through the impressive site ruins.See more..
4.0Kit Carson Park(127 reviews) - Shame is not better maiontained Thursday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • State Parks
Historical tombstones pay tribute to Western pioneers.See more..
4.5Blumenschein Home & Museum(104 reviews) - History and Art near Old Town Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Art Museums
One of the most beautiful and interesting places in Taos. The house, from the late 1800s/early 1900s, sprawls around its plot every which way, making it fun to roam around, and features lovely furnishings and artwork from several decades (we have a framed print of one of the paintings in our family room). The house is about two blocks from the Old Town square on a street of galleries. Part of what you should come to Taos to see.See more..
4.0Old Apple Barn(97 reviews) - Would Go Back! Historic Sites
Open DAILY ALL YEAR 10 to 5. The Old Apple Barn was built in 1941 and is a carefully restored apple processing barn from the WW2 era. Now a thriving vintage emporium with a bistro, Fudge Factory, vintage sodas and Pie Bakery. It is a destination with hundreds of vintage styled items from days gone by. Popular with families and hearty travelers.See more..
We had a personalized tour of the studio. Listening to the music and the history added to the ambiance. It was like a "Back to the Future" moment as if time stopped in the 50's. You could picture Buddy Holly eating in the kitchen and Norm doing his magic in what was considered a state of the art recording studio. When Holly performed in England, a young Paul McCartney recalls the tremendous impact it had on his life. Thanks to Ken Broad and living legend David Bigham of The Roses and his wife, for sharing their stories. It is noteworthy to mention a few blocks down the Studios is the Norm and Vi Petty Rock and Roll Museum which we had already visited. Much of the displays at the Museum were provided by Ken and David. You got to see both to appreciate the experience.See more..
4.5Castaneda Hotel(71 reviews) - Great restoration of a Las Vegas treasure! Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
We have worried about the fate of this hotel since we first vacationed in Las Vegas 30+ years ago, and are thrilled that it has been restored! The bed was comfortable, shower had great pressure and nice hot water. We had a nice view of the tracks so we could see the daily passenger trains arrive. The front desk staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The food and drinks at the bar were excellent, as was the outdoor dining on the deep covered porches. Hopefully next time we return the new restaurant will be ready too. And maybe an excursion train to the sister property in Winslow? We will definitely return!See more..
What a nice experience for history buffs. I really enjoyed that all the ruins had a good sign nearby explaining what we were looking at. The Rangers do a good job on upkeep and maintenance. Be prepared for a 4 mile drive across a gravel road to get there. But it is well worth it.See more..
5.0Chetro Ketl(55 reviews) - Got to Walk To This Historic Sites
This is about a half mile walk from Pueblo Bonito but is well worth it. The Kiva here is larger than the one in the main village. the ruins don't look as inspiring from the parking lot but they are indeed fascinating. On your way back to Pueblo Bonito there is some pictographs for you to look at.See more..
Current volunteer status limits operating hours to just a few Saturday morning to early afternoon only. That said, it's worth arranging your schedule to allow for a visit here. We spent about a half hour with a volunteer who was an amazing interpretive storyteller and thoroughly knowledgeable of the amazing and highly unique history of this post. We spent another hour in the Commander's house, now a museum, and another hour and a half walking the grounds looking at the other remaining buildings and reading all the interpretive displays.See more..
off in a quiet older section of town, the Historical Center for Southwest New Mexico is a gem if you enjoy personal glimpses into the past. No preachy displays her, just a charming, well maintained historic home filled with artifacts from the local area. This is well worth the stop and I think the best of all of the Roswell museums. Excellent displays of home furnishings and period costumes from 1880 to 1950.See more..
4.5Fort Stanton Historical Site(39 reviews) - Good Visit Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Excellent, friendly costumed docent. Very poor 10 minute video. Nice little museum and gift shop. Be sure to visit some of the other buildings, such as the barracks and depot and the hospital. I was very surprised that neither the cashier nor the docent bothered to mention the nearby companion Lincoln State Historic Site. When we discovered Lincoln a few days later, we were told that for $10 we could visit both sites. I didn't mind paying $7 for Ft. Stanton alone, but we fortunately stumbled upon Lincoln a few days later and weren't previously even aware of its existence.See more..
4.0Socorro Historic Plaza(39 reviews) - The Heart of Old Socorro Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
So many travelers who stop in Socorro for gas, a meal, or a room only see the California Street "strip" with its service stations, restaurants and motels. A block away is this lovely little plaza that was the heart of Socorro before Interstate 25 was built. You can stop in the park and enjoy the flowers, lawn and shade trees. It is very well maintained and peaceful. You can see the architecture of the old buildings, shop at the two unique gift shops that face the plaza or enjoy refreshments at the Capitol Bar. To find the Plaza from California Street, turn west on Manzanares Street. The Plaza is straight ahead.See more..
If you are interested in the history of the making of the atomic bomb, it is worth making the trip. The Trinity Site is currently only open twice a year. I was at the Stallion gate at 6 am, 2 hours before the gate opened, which put me at around the 25th car in line. Behind me, the line of cars continued to grow until I lost sight of the end. I wanted to see both Trinity and get a tour at the VLA in one day, hence the early arrival. If you don't have a reason to get in early, I think you could have skipped most of the line by arriving in mid-morning. This was also the advice the White Sands information office gave me. When I drove out around 1100, there was no line of cars waiting to enter.See more..
Even though one sign said they were open on Tuesday, it appears that Friday/Saturday are the open days. There are several things to see inside, but outside is treasure trove of older buildings and history. Don't muss the Wuersching building and exhibits in the back or the old 16 Springs school. Very peaceful, educational and enjoyable!See more..
Operated by the Albuquerque Museum, this historic home features a varied collection of more than 1,300 items ranging from early Spanish-Colonial to 19th-century Victorian styles.See more..
4.5Tome Hill Park(33 reviews) - If "Climb a Volcano" is on your bucket list, this is the place Historic Sites • Geologic Formations
Overlooking the broad Rio Grande valley this is a sweet ( but steep) little hike. Used for "Stations of the Cross" on Easter there are three crosses at the top and also petroglyphs as this hill has been important for many dwellers of the valley over the years. There is a a sculpture park at the base with nice interpretive signs about the area .See more..
A visit including a tour guide around Sky City Cultural Center is a must thing to do, incredible history, cultural respect while there and takea look at the items for sale, but the views are spectacular.See more..
4.5Fort Cummings(22 reviews) - "2 Women and a Mazda GLC" June 1979 Historic Sites
I and my sister was there in the late 70's and last trip was in 1983(had to walk in that time). We got permission from the landowner and ventured back in my 1979 GLC. My sister had to get out and guide me a few times around the washouts etc. At that time there were a few more ruins and we would have lunch next to a wall. We were allowed to metal detect but pretty much all we found were bullets, casings and odd things here and there. At that time the spring house was completely overgrown and was not safe to investigate because of snakes. It was a thrill when we would dig up a bullet and to know it had been there for 130 years. Considering the walls were adobe anything good would be buried several feet down more than likely. I would recommend this sight to anyone who is willing to make the effort - after all that is half the fun. PS - It was kind of fun too when we got buzzed by the border patrol plane!See more..
4.5Old San Ysidro Church(19 reviews) - Music at the church Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
The Old San Ysidro Church is a classic example of New Mexico Hispanic religious architecture from the 18th & 19th centuries. Constructed of adobe in 1869. Listed on the State Register of Cultural Properties & the National Register of Historic Places. De-sanctified in 1961, today it hosts art shows, music programs, is a lovely wedding venue, and much more. Docent tours most Sundays in summer 1-4pm.See more..
4.0Fort Selden Historic Site(12 reviews) - Very cool Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
This was a quick visit, maybe an hour or so. Interesting to see how it has changed since it closed. Walking tour with numbered stations and reading guide made it feel like you had a personal guide.See more..
3.0Eddy House(10 reviews) - Trashy and Neglected Historic Sites
We made a special trip to see this historic site of the first house in Carlsbad and were so disappointed. The windows into the house have been broken, there was trash everywhere. The park is totally neglected and looks abandoned by the city. Shame on you, Carlsbad, for presenting this as an attraction to visitors. Could be very nice if someone showed up with a trash bag and a weed eater.See more..
4.0Ghost Town(9 reviews) - A touch of the Original New Mexico Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Ghost Towns
We drove the Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. It gives you an interesting variety of towns and scenery. While Madrid is a quirky town reclaimed from ruins by hippies, full of eclectic shops, Cerrillos is a step back in time. Very quaint in it's own quiet original way. Being from the country, I actually found it very charming. The dirt road and adobe houses speak to it's originality. A quick stop off 14, you can simply drive through or spend a little time and walk the streets, see the church, go to the state park visitor center, hike a trail in the park to learn more about the mining of turquoise and enjoy the quiet solitude. I actually enjoyed it's quaintness over the other towns. Great place for nature lovers and those who appreciate the outdoors.See more..
5.0Patchwork Phoenix(8 reviews) - A Little Something for Everyone Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites
Shop for hand-crafted gift items and art by local artisans, quilting and quilt products. Enjoy a freshly-ground cup of organic, fair-trade coffee or specialty loose-leaf tea. Savor a cone or dish of delectable ice cream in flavors like: butter pecan, mint chocolate, strawberry, peaches and cream, pistachio, and more.See more..
Visited in August to see the history of Billy the Kid but got much more than we bargained for! It was Lincoln weekend and there was also a “Last Days of Billy the Kid” pageant which was absolutely a treat and glad we didn’t miss it! We went into the courthouse and learned more about where Billy was incarcerated. There were reenactments on the street and arts and crafts galore. If you gave a chance, come and visit.See more..
5.0Pueblo of Santa Ana(6 reviews) - Wonderful cultural experience Historic Sites If you have the chance visit this Pueblo. The people are very welcoming and happy to teach visitors about their culture. Great treasures to be found if you are interested in local pottery. Wonderful place for kids and adults both!See more..
What a wonderful historical site! Lots of buildings to wander through. The Cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande is magical. Good signage, including a project on Queer History. The staff was passionate about the site and had good stories. See more..
5.0Bond House Museum(5 reviews) - Authors loved their visit to the Bond House Museum! Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
We shared stories from our book Women Marked for History at the Bond House Museum recently. We were amazed with the history of the Espanola Valley that is captured in this Museum. If you love New Mexico history, the Bond House Museum is a Must See! Phil and Rosanne Archuletta, Authors of Women Marked for HistorySee more..
I was afraid we’d be disappointed because this tour is pretty costly. But I’m so glad we splurged. You meet in the very nice visitor center and take a short bus ride to Georgia O’Keeffe’s home. The tour is limited to six people, so you never feel crowded. I don’t remember the name of our docent, but she was wonderful--informative and knowledgeable. We spent about 20 minutes outside talking about the history of the property and the artist. Then went inside to view portions of the home. The entire tour lasted about an hour. It was worth every penny. The visitor center has a nice gift shop, restrooms, small museum, a short movie featuring people who worked for O’Keeffe reminiscing about what it was like to work for her.See more..
4.0Los Alamos Project Main Gate Park(5 reviews) - A unique piece of history Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
For all its historic and scientific importance, this is now, as the attraction title says, a gate. Well, a small building looking old as it should, as you enter the city of Los Alamos from east. It is on NM-502, and thus makes for a quick and easy ingress and egress. The significance of this place is that it was the main entry point to enter the labs here, which has a fabled (infamous?) history as being the cradle of Manhattan Project. We saw a restroom here, but unsure of whether it is for active public use. A place to get out, snap a couple of photos and get right back in to your car. A definite visit, even if a short one for science and history buffs.See more..
What you see in the picture is what you get. A single monument with inscription giving some background on the Mormon Battalion's passage through the area. Small parking lot off an old abandoned byway.See more..
4.5The Black Place(4 reviews) - The Black Place of Georgia O'Keeffe Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas This is a fascinating geologic formation in the Bisti Badlands in Navajo country, New Mexico. The area was one of the favorites of Georgia O’Keeffe for several of her paintings, and she traveled here many times. It is about 100 miles slightly southwest of Abiquiu which was her home. We visited here in September and left from the Abiquiu area. In Abiquiu take US 84 north to New Mexico 96; turn left on NM 96 and take it southwestward to US 550 just past La Jara. (You will go by Cerro Pedernal, a narrow mesa that was also one of O’Keeffe’s favorites.) Drive US 550 westward to Mile Marker 111 near Counselors and Nageezi. You will go past some fracking areas as you approach the black, white, and grey hills. The formations are on both sides of US 550 and are fenced off from the right of way. We didn’t climb the fences but took plenty of pictures. If you are a fan of Georgia O’Keeffe, this is a worthwhile out of the way excursion.See more..
4.0Isleta Pueblo(3 reviews) - Old village Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites
This small pueblo is devoted to farming and is famous for its church.See more..
7.5 Acres Historical Oasis, located atop a Mesa overlooking the gorgeous Conchas Lake and Dam, 2bdr 1100 spare foot fully furnished Casita type Rentals, National Historic LandmarkSee more..
