Ruidoso, New Mexico

1. Fort Stanton

In 1855, Fort Stanton was built as a military garrison, and served as such for over 40 years. Later, it became a hospital for tuberculosis patients, a CCC camp during the Great Depression, and a German Internment Camp during the war. The unique and storied history of Fort Stanton has been carefully preserved and displayed at the Fort Stanton Museum, which visitors can explore and tour to learn some of the stories and history behind the fort and the people who lived and worked there over the decades. Admission is free, though donations are always accepted.

104 Kit Carson Rd Fort Stanton, NM 88323

2. Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area

This National Conservation Area was created in 2009, but the protection of the land is the only thing that’s recent about the ancient cave system found here beneath the Sierra Blancas. Fort Stanton Cave contains over 31 miles of caverns and is one of the longest caves in New Mexico and the United States. Many of the caves are currently closed to recreational caving to protect the many species of bats which live in them, but visitors can explore some of the cave formations and also go hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or camping in the aboveground natural areas, which are full of trails, mountains, and gorgeous scenery.

Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, Fort Stanton, NM 88323, Phone: 575-627-0272

3. Grindstone Lake

Grindstone Lake is a scenic lake up in the mountains. Visitors can make use of over 18 miles of trails by foot, bike, or horse, and the lake is great for swimming, kayaking or canoeing, boating, and fishing, with an abundant population of rainbow trout, catfish, and smallmouth bass. There is even a 27 hole disc golf course at Grindstone Lake, where friends and families can navigate the heavily wooded course for a fun game. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and also in the water of the lake, and Grindstone Lake also has plenty of parking as well as public bathrooms available for visitors.

4. Monjeau Lookout

In 1936, Monjeau Lookout was built in Lincoln National Forest as a lookout tower for forest fires. Today, this tower is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for visitors during the summer months due to some steep and seasonal roads.

From the tower, visitors can get an amazing view of the surrounding forests and ridged mountain formations. It’s a great spot to get a 360 degree panoramic view, and is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. Monjeau Lookout is accessible by car, but there are also several scenic hiking trails that lead to the top for the more adventurous visitors looking for a hike.

5. Adventure Mountain

Whether you’re bonding with family, celebrating a birthday with friends, or going on a date, thrilling activities await you at Adventure Mountain. This popular entertainment spot offers several entertaining indoor and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages to safely enjoy.

Outside, the park has activities such as batting cages, a rock-climbing wall, along with a ropes course suspended 12 feet off the ground. Inside, park-goers can play unique games such as Bazooka ball—a hybrid game of laser tag and paintball. Other indoor activities include a 9-hole miniature golf course with black lighting, a mirror maze, and flipping bumper cars. The park also has an arcade filled with games to play to your heart’s content.

1056 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345, Phone: 575-808-8773

6. Ruidoso Winter Park

Every year during the snowy months, Ruidoso Winter Park provides a fun and exciting place for visitors to spend a day and play in a winter wonderland. Up to six guests can zip down snowy, wooded trails and hills in a giant inflatable tube, or a linked train of tubes that can get as long as your imagination and determination allows it. There’s also a great zip line experience so guests can see the slopes from a different perspective, and a Kidz Korral with gentle slopes for little ones and beginners. Groups of up to six can rent a VIP igloo for the day, which provides a warm respite from the chilly outdoors, with seating, pizza, hot cocoa, and even marshmallows for roasting.

121 Ski Run Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345, Phone: 575-336-7079

7. Ski Apache

When people visitors head to Ruidoso, Ski Apache is probably one of the first items on their list of things to do, depending on the season. This huge resort is the southernmost ski area in the United States, and it’s a great place to get some warm weather skiing in. With over 55 runs and trails over 750 skiable acres of land, 11 lifts, and slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers, and also experts, Ski Apache has something for everyone. During the summer, visitors can still get in on the fun by taking a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, or taking a zip line tour on the way down, starting at over 11,000 feet. There are also some amazing trails for hiking and mountain biking.

1286 Ski Run Rd, Alto, NM 88312

8. Have lunch at The Village Buttery

The Village Buttery is a classic Ruidoso spot to enjoy a meal.

This comfortable and laid back restaurant and cafe offers delicious sandwiches, soups, and quiches to its customers, and it has been named the Best Lunch in Lincoln County many times by a number of sources. It’s a favorite for tourists and locals alike, and features a delectable selection of not only entrees, but also homemade desserts and baked goods such as pies, cookies, cakes, and more. They are best known for Granny Guthrie’s Buttermilk Pie, but their sticky caramel pecan cheesecake and perfectly baked gourmet cookies are fantastic as well.

2107 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345, Phone: 575-257-9251