There are plenty of things to do in Las Cruces, New Mexico. From hiking the trails at the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park to taking a stroll around La Llorona Park, there are many activities you can enjoy in this city.
Located in New Mexico, Las Cruces is a city that offers a lot of exciting things to do. It is also home to a thriving culture. Whether you’re interested in learning about the region’s history, watching art performances, or sampling local cuisines, there’s something for everyone.
The Las Cruces area is excellent for spending some time, especially in the warmer months. The city is less than an hour north of El Paso, Texas, and residents take advantage of its proximity to one of the largest rivers in the country.
Luckily for them, the Rio Grande is dry most of the year, allowing locals to enjoy some summertime river fun. And if you have kids, you may even be able to take them to a nearby park for some well-earned downtime.
Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
In Las Cruces, New Mexico, you’ve probably seen the Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture (Bird) at the west mesa rest area. This 20-foot-high, 12-foot vast masterpiece is made of recycled materials. Some of the recycled material includes discarded white shoes. The fabled feathered beast has been a rest-stop staple since the turn of the century.
While it has been a bit tough to maintain, the roadrunner has survived the rigors of time. It is now ensconced in a rest stop in the shadow of the Interstate 10 Scenic View rest stop.
The Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture is not the only attraction at the Scenic View rest stop. There are two other exhibits of note at the rest stop: the World War II Museum and the IMAX theatre.
Dripping Springs Natural Area
Dripping Springs Natural Area is the perfect place to take in the grand views of the Organ Mountains. The area is part of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, a federally designated area to preserve the region’s critical biological resources.
The Organ Mountains are located in the southern part of New Mexico and rise to over nine thousand feet at their highest point. They are composed of steep, needle-like spires that resemble organ pipes.
Hiking in the Organ Mountains is a great way to experience the wilderness. Four easy hiking trails are open year-round.
One of the most popular trails is the Dripping Springs Trail. It is a great way to see the mountain peaks, oak woodlands, and desert scrub. This trail is steep for the first mile but relatively easy on the way back. Depending on the time of year, you can find wildflowers along the way.
Las Cruces Museum of Art
Las Cruces Museum of Art is located in downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico. The museum opened in 1999. It has more than 3,000 square feet of gallery space. Visitors can choose from a variety of local and international exhibits. In addition, the museum offers several educational programs to the community.
An exhibition, “From the Ground Up,” featured works from the Rocky Mountain region. These artists created temporary environmental artworks based on the theme of regeneration. Other exhibits include works by 10 Latino artists, “Latino Folk Tales,” and “Las Cruces Collects,” which provides a rare glimpse of private art collections by Las Cruces area residents.
The Las Cruces Museum of Art is part of the Las Cruces Museum System, which features exhibits that showcase national and local themes. This includes the Railroad Museum, the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, and the Museum of Nature & Science. Each offers a different type of experience.
In addition to the many exhibits offered by the Las Cruces Museum of Art, there is also a studio arts program. This program is open to students of all ages. Professional instructors teach students the art of painting, digital photography, weaving, and more. During the spring and summer, the Las Cruces Museum of Art hosts shows featuring local artists. Some of the artists who will be featured in the shows include Lynn Wiley, Marianne McGrath, and Carol Meine.
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is located near Las Cruces. Its mission is to educate the public on the history of farming and ranching in New Mexico. Through hands-on exhibits, the museum tells the story of the diverse ways people have worked on the land for thousands of years.
This 47-acre campus features several structures, including indoor exhibits, a greenhouse, a working cattle ranch, and barns. Visitors can learn about the different types of beef and dairy cattle breeds, the history of dairy farming in New Mexico, and the role ranching plays in the region’s development.
The American Alliance of Museums accredits the museum. In addition to its educational programs, it also hosts various special events. These include tours and lectures, food tastings, and special presentations.
Museum of Nature & Science
The Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science is a great way to keep the kids entertained while they learn about the natural world. It offers a variety of hands-on educational activities for children of all ages. You can also attend special events and classes.
The Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science is located at 411 N Main Street. It is open Tuesday through Saturday. While the museum is not open on Mondays, you can enjoy its exhibits at night when the weather permits. Some of the most exciting features are the permanent and rotating exhibitions. They include the NMSU’s Zuhl Collection of minerals and fossils.
Other fun things to do include the museum’s STEAMpunk program. This program, offered on weekends and during extended hours, is a hands-on activity showcasing what the Museum of Nature & Science has to offer.
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