Top 5 things to do in Southeastern New Mexico.
1. Carlsbad Caverns
New Mexico’s only national park, contains the second deepest cave in the US and is one of the largest cave systems in the world. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, The caverns feature amazing limestone formations, beautiful lighting, and 17 species of bats. Many areas of the caves are not strenuous hikes and the park features an elevator, so some areas are accessible to young children and people in wheelchairs.
Carlsbad caverns is open every day except Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and Christmas. For more information, click here.
2. Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area
The Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is a 126 acre lake created by a nearby dam where tourists can enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking. There is also a designated area for swimming. In addition, kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent. About 4.5 miles of sidewalks are in the park along with a golf course and several shaded areas for picnicking. A triathlon takes place around the park, which is one of the most popular sporting events in Southeastern New Mexico and Far West Texas. For more information, click here.
3. UFO Museum
Roswell is world famous for its alleged UFO crashes and sightings, and the city’s UFO Museum is the center for anyone interested in the subject. People from across the U.S. and beyond come to the museum and its library to do research on the Roswell Incident and other alleged contact from extraterrestrials. Exhibits cover a variety of subjects, from the replicas of the original Incident to stories of actual alien abductions.
Some may consider the Roswell UFO Museum to be a bit tacky, but we at NewMexi.co believe that’s what makes the museum so great. We encourage everyone traveling through the area to visit! For more information, click here.
4.Lincoln Historic District
Lincoln, home of the Lincoln County War and the site of Billy the Kid’s most famous escape, is required traveling for anyone serious about visiting ghost towns. Most of the buildings have been preserved wonderfully, particularly the Tunstall Store, which has original merchandise from the 1800’s. The cost of admission to the historic area is $5 and there are guided tours available in the late summer. For more information, click here.
5. Jack Williamson Science Fiction Collection
The Jack Williamson Science Fiction Collection is the northernmost location on this list by about 90 miles, but is still a location worth visiting. Located at Golden Library at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, the Williamson Collection is one of the best in the world with thousands of books, including signed first-edition copies, and original manuscripts from Williams and several other writers. For more information, click here.
