Did you know that New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin was the cradle of America’s space program? Or that Alamogordo hosts a world-class museum devoted to the history, science and technology of space travel? A visit to the New Mexico Museum of Space History rewards you with the sight of an authentic “moon rock” as well as rare replicas of the first man-made satellites, Sputnik and Explorer.
Permanent exhibits showcase the history of rocketry and its pioneers. The International Space Hall of Fame, an integral part of the museum, recognizes the accomplishments of people around the world who have contributed to the quest for space. Established in 1976, the institution inducts at least one person each fall. Past inductees include New Mexican astronauts Harrison Schmitt from Silver City and Edgar Mitchell from Artesia.
Museum Hours:
Open 10am to 5 pm Monday and Wednesday through Saturday; noon to 5pm Sunday. Closed Tuesday, Christmas and Thanksgiving
Phone: 575-437-2840 or 877-333-6589
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Let your imagination soar to new heights at this dazzling planetarium, named for the NASA spacecraft that recently flew past Pluto. Take in the vast beauty of the universe in the world’s first Spitz Scidome 4k Laser full-dome planetarium projection system, offering two digital planetarium shows daily as well as a live star show and giant screen films. Explore the solar system, stars and the universe with museum educators and learn the stories behind the constellations, the causes of the seasons and why planets appear to move backwards in the night sky.
Phone: (575) 437-2840 or 877-333-6589
The Tularosa Basin Museum of History showcases local history from Alamogordo, Tularosa, Ruidoso, and nearby communities. Exhibits cover early Native Americans, White Sands National Park, local railroads, La Luz pottery, ranching, and more, highlighting artifacts from early human history to the atomic and space ages.
Museum Hours
Open Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Sundays.
La Luz Pottery
The La Luz Pottery Factory, established in 1930 by Roland Hazard, produced over 90 pottery styles until its closure in 1949. Visitors can tour the property through the museum on Saturday mornings. Call to reserve your spot!
Phone: (575) 434-4438
If you miss the train at the Toy Train Depot, there’s another one just down the line. The small-scale train ride departs every 30 minutes and circles Alameda Parks. Inside the century-old depot you’ll find hundreds of scale models of train locomotives as well as passenger and freight cars, along with the world’s smallest scaled working train. A 1,000-square-foot HO layout depicts 1940s-era Alamogordo.
Museum Hours:
Open 11 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday
Open 12 pm to 4 pm Sundays
Phone: (575) 437-2855
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ToyTrainDepotNM
Visit the Shroud Exhibit and museum to see a life-size research grade color photograph of the famous Turin Shroud. You can also interact with a 3D model using the remarkable VP-8 Image Analyzer which led to the 1978 investigations. Hear the history, understand its age, and learn facts about this most intensely studied artifact.
This is an eye-opening tour into a true mystery connected to NM scientific discoveries and testing. No, the real Shroud is not here, however, stories, photographs, history, and 3D interactive displays are. There is also a 10-minute English and Spanish introductory video and a 30-minute video available in 20 different languages. Free Admission
Museum Hours:
Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 1 to 5pm, Sundays 2 to 4pm
Phone: 575-415-5206
The American Armed Forces Museum, Inc., was founded in August of 1997, registered with the state of New Mexico as a non-profit organization on 2 September 1997, and awarded tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on that same date.
The Museum was established to collect and preserve military memorabilia, represent all branches of service and commemorate all wars and military engagements in which American armed forces fought. With the primary focus on education, the Museum’s attractive historical displays dedicated to the memory of those who have served, help visitors better understand the service of the American military who willingly sacrifice of themselves, their families, and the comforts of home.
The Museum was established to collect and preserve military memorabilia, represent all branches of service and commemorate all wars and military engagements in which American armed forces fought. With the primary focus on education, the Museum’s attractive historical displays dedicated to the memory of those who have served, help visitors better understand the service of the American military who willingly sacrifice of themselves, their families, and the comforts of home.
To Preserve, Protect and Perpetuate the Honor of those who served
Museum Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am – 3 pm
Phone: 575-437-6000
“Our trip was everything we hoped for and more. We came for the adventure, but left with a deeper connection to Alamogordo’s history and natural wonders. The personal touch in every recommendation and the genuine care for our experience made this vacation truly unforgettable.”
Traveller
“Alamogordo’s charm caught us by surprise. From the serene beauty of the White Sands to the hidden gems we stumbled upon, every day brought new excitement. It felt like we were discovering a part of ourselves. A huge thank you to the team for guiding us through such a magical experience!”
Traveller
“Our family’s trip to Alamogordo was a dream come true! The landscapes were beyond breathtaking, and we felt so welcomed by every local. The trip was perfectly planned, with each stop offering something special. We’ll cherish the memories forever, and we can’t wait to return!”
Traveller
