Artesia Local Links

Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center

This unique residence was built for Charles and Anna Moore in 1904 and 1905. The cobblestones used in its construction were hauled here from the Rio Penasco, a small stream just south of town. The house was entered in the New Mexico State Register of Cultural properties in June 1976 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This interesting bit of history is located at 505 W. Richardson Avenue and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free admission.

White Sands National Monument

Marvel at the world’s largest deposit of gypsum sand, located 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo on U.S. Highway 70.

International Space Hall of Fame

Lose yourself in the wonders of space. The Space Center features a salute to space pioneers, U.S. and Soviet space capsules and satellites. Other items of interest including moon rocks, outdoor displays, and a sky watch program.

Clyde W. Tombaugh Planetarium

The Planetarium features “you are there” Omnimax movies in addition to laser light shows, planetarium, and other educational programs. Located in the International Space Hall of Fame complex. Admission fee.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Located 26 miles southwest of Carlsbad, the world famous Caverns is New Mexico’s only National Park. The park is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, and features continuous tours daily. This is an underground wonderland that has to be seen to be believed. Also enjoy New Cave, a primitive caving experience, by reservation only, and a nine-mile scenic loop road drive.

Living Desert State Park

Located just north of Carlsbad, the park is a zoological and botanical masterpiece interpreting the natural history of the Chihuahua Desert. Exhibits contain more than 60 animal species and 1,000 plant species.

National Solar Observatory

Located about 18 miles south of Cloudcroft on Forest Road 64, Sunspot has a telescope and other equipment to monitor the sun. Beautiful drive and vistas.

Lincoln National Forest

There are many beautiful and serene locations where you can kick off your shoes, lie back, and let the world go by. Camping, hiking, etc

Sacramento Mountains Historical Museum

Journey into the past at the log cabin across from the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce at Zenith Park on U.S. Highway 82.

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Home to migratory waterfowl, the Refuge is open daily one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset, unless otherwise posted. Enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, etc., as permitted. Go north on U.S. Highway 285, turn right on East Second Street (U.S. highway 380), go about 5 miles, turn left at the sign and follow the signs to the Refuge. Free admission.

UFO International Museum

Located at 110 N. Main in Roswell, the primary theme of the museum begins with the timeframe of July 1947. However, the museum has other exhibits, and a research library is also available. Paintings by local artists are for sale. The museum is open 7 days a week, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Normal hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for Memorial Day through Labor Day the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. No admission fee, donations are accepted.

Brantley Lake State Park

This newest state park located midway between Artesia and Carlsbad, offers various water sports, developed and primitive camping areas (fee charged), volleyball and horseshoe areas, and a playground. Admission fee.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Located approximately 90 miles southwest of Artesia, this unique national park boasts the highest peak in Texas, El Capitan. Enjoy beautiful hiking trails, diverse vegetation, and geological features.