Alamogordo, New Mexico

1. White Sands National Monument

• What is White Sands National Monument?
  • White Sands National Monument is a unique preserved area containing the largest gypsum sand dune field in the world.
  • Massive sand dunes that resemble ocean waves cover 275 square miles of New Mexico’s desert.
  • Much of the sand dune field is contained within the National Monument.
• What wildlife can be found at White Sands National Monument?
  • The park provides an opportunity to see the unique plants and animals that call the area home.
• What activities are available at White Sands National Monument?
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
    • Camping in the backcountry
    • Bicycling
    • Driving the scenic drive
    • Hiking
    • Horseback riding
    • And much more
• Is there military activity in the area?
  • Yes, White Sands Missile Range occupies the area and conducts regularly scheduled missile tests.
• Are there road closures in White Sands National Monument?
  • Dunes Drive, which is the only way to access the dune field, may be closed for several hours with as little as a day’s notice.
  • Visitors should check for road closures before driving in.

2. New Mexico Museum of Space History

• What is the New Mexico Museum of Space History?
  • The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a Smithsonian-affiliated complex that includes a museum and planetarium.
  • It was created to preserve and display artifacts and exhibits related to the space age and the history of space flight.
• What does the museum complex include?
  • The museum consists of:
    • One main building
    • Several outbuildings
    • Multiple outdoor exhibits
• What exhibits are inside the main museum?
  • The main museum features exhibits on:
    • The Solar System
    • The history of space flight
    • The primates sent to space on early missions
• What attractions are near the museum?
  • Nearby, there is an IMAX Theater and Planetarium that screens daily films.
• What can be seen in the outdoor exhibit area?
  • The outdoor area features larger displays, including:
    • A memorial to the astronauts in the Challenger and Columbia space disasters
    • The burial site of the first chimpanzee in space
    • The Sonic Wind No. 1 rocket sled

3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-2840

3. Alameda Park Zoo

• What is the Alameda Park Zoo?
  • Alameda Park Zoo was built in 1898 and is considered the oldest zoo in the American Southwest.
• What conservation efforts is the zoo involved in?
  • The zoo is very involved in conservation efforts, making it a zoo you can feel good about visiting.
  • They participate in the Species Survival Plan for the Mexican wolf.
  • The zoo also helps rehabilitate injured birds of prey, many of which are later released into the wild.
• What animals can be found at Alameda Park Zoo?
  • The zoo is home to a number of species, including:
    • The Hawaiian goose
    • The Markhor goat
    • The White Sands pupfish
  • The lemur exhibit is also quite popular among visitors.
• Is Alameda Park Zoo really the oldest zoo in the Southwest?
  • While it’s debatable whether it is the oldest in the Southwest, it remains one of the region’s most historic zoos.
• Is Alameda Park Zoo worth visiting?
  • Absolutely! A day at the zoo makes for a great day out in Alamogordo.

1321 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-439-4290

4. The Toy Train Depot

• What is The Toy Train Depot?
  • The Toy Train Depot is a model train museum and toy store that operates in a retired train depot dating back to 1898.
• What historical features does the train depot retain?
  • The building still retains original features, including the dispatcher’s window and the stamped tin ceiling.
• What exhibits can be found in the museum?
  • The museum has a variety of scale models, including:
    • Passenger trains
    • Locomotives
    • Freight cars
• What is America’s Park Ride Train Museum?
  • America’s Park Ride Train Museum is located at the same site as The Toy Train Depot.
  • It operates a narrow gauge railway, offering rides to museum guests for a small fee.
• What other historical items are displayed at the museum?
  • In addition to train models, the museum contains:
    • Historical railroad artifacts
    • Equipment
    • Train-related ephemera

1991 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-2855

5. Tularosa Basin Museum of History

• What is the Tularosa Basin Museum of History?
  • The Tularosa Basin Museum of History is a history museum owned and maintained by the Tularosa Basin Historical Society.
• What does the museum’s collection include?
  • The museum’s collection contains artifacts, documents, and personal items from local history.
  • Items on display include:
    • A bison trophy head
    • Prehistoric Native American artifacts
    • More than 3,000 historical photographs
    • A pottery collection from the La Luz Pottery Factory
• What is the most prized item in the museum?
  • The most prized item in the museum is an extremely rare 47-star US flag.
  • The flag was never an official US state flag and is believed to have been created to celebrate New Mexico’s entry into the United States.

1004 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-434-4438

6. White Sands Missile Range Museum

• What is the White Sands Missile Range Museum?
  • The White Sands Missile Range Museum features displays related to the history of America’s missile and space activity.
• Whose work is showcased in the museum?
  • The museum highlights the work of various accomplished scientists, including:
    • Dr. Clyde Tombaugh
    • Dr. Wernher von Braun
• What is the missile park?
  • Outside the museum is a missile park featuring more than 50 missiles and rockets that have been tested at the White Sands Missile Range.
  • Many of the missiles are pointed skyward, giving visitors the impression that they are ready to be fired.
• What should visitors know before arriving?
  • The museum is located within an operational military compound.
  • Visitors should be prepared to go through security screening before entry.

Wsmr P Rt. 1, White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002, Phone: 575-678-2250

7. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

• What is Oliver Lee Memorial State Park?
  • Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is a state park that preserves the 19th-century ranch house of Oliver Lee as well as a canyon through the Sacramento Mountains.
• What outdoor activities are available at the park?
  • Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including:
    • Hiking
    • Camping
    • Viewing wildlife
    • Nature walks
    • Touring the historic ranch house
    • And more
• What is the most popular hiking trail in the park?
  • One of the most popular trails is the Dog Canyon National Recreational Trail.
  • The trail starts at the visitor center and covers a distance of 5.5 miles.
  • It climbs more than 3,000 feet up the canyon wall, offering a challenging but rewarding hike.
• What views can hikers enjoy from the trail?
  • Those who hike the trail will be able to enjoy gorgeous views of the Organ Mountains and the Tularosa Basin.

409 Dog Canyon Road, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-8284

8. Heart of the Desert/Eagle Ranch Pistachios Farm Tour

• What is the Heart of the Desert/Eagle Ranch Pistachios Farm Tour?
  • The Heart of the Desert/Eagle Ranch Pistachios Farm Tour is known for its award-winning, homemade pistachios.
  • The popular pistachio brand is based at Eagle Ranch, a self-contained pistachio farm and production facility.
• Are tours available at the farm?
  • Yes, the farm offers free guided tours.
  • Guests will have the chance to learn how pistachios are grown and processed.
• How long do the tours last?
  • Tour groups travel by foot through the farm, and the tour takes approximately 45 minutes.
• Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
  • Yes, the tours are wheelchair accessible, allowing a greater number of people to attend.
• What will visitors see during the tour?
  • During the tour, visitors will explore:
    • The processing plant
    • The pistachio field
    • The packaging and shipping areas
  • The tour provides a full overview of the pistachio production process.

7288 US-54, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-434-0035

9. International Space Hall of Fame

• What is the International Space Hall of Fame?
  • The International Space Hall of Fame honors individuals who have contributed effort, imagination, and hard work toward advancing space exploration and our knowledge of the universe.
• When was the International Space Hall of Fame established?
  • The program began in 1976.
• What makes the International Space Hall of Fame unique?
  • It is the only institution that recognizes both men and women from around the world who have played a significant role in space exploration.
• Who are some notable inductees?
  • Some prominent individuals who have been inducted include:
    • Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin
    • Yuri Gagarin
    • Sir Isaac Newton
• What other exhibits are part of the Hall of Fame?
  • The Hall of Fame is part of the New Mexico Museum of Space History, which contains other interesting exhibits related to space exploration.

3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-0318

10. Shroud Exhibit and Museum

• What is the Shroud Exhibit and Museum?
  • The Shroud Exhibit and Museum is a museum dedicated to the Shroud of Turin, which is thought by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus.
• Does the museum have the original Shroud of Turin?
  • No, the original shroud is held in Italy.
  • However, the museum has a realistic full-size photographic image of the 14’ x 3.5’ piece of cloth.
• What scientific research has been done on the shroud?
  • In a quest to determine the shroud’s authenticity, more than 50 scientists collaborated to analyze it.
  • Many of these scientists were from New Mexico.
• What was discovered about the shroud?
  • Scientists determined that the shroud and the photographic reproduction project a 3D image, which is a unique and interesting feature.
• What exhibits can be found in the museum?
  • There are many exhibits featuring:
    • Photographs related to the crucifixion of Christ
    • Research and scientific investigation surrounding the shroud

923 New York Avenue, Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310, Phone: 575-415-5206