Cimarron New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cimarron, New Mexico.
1. Philmont Scout Ranch
LARGEST SCOUT RANCH WORLDWIDE
Philmont Scout Ranch is the largest Scout ranch in the world and BSA's National Training Center and premier High Adventure Base. Nearly 25,000 Scouts, explorers, and leaders visit this impressive facility annually. The ranch offers various outdoor activities and learning experiences in a beautiful natural setting.
2. Aztec Mill
HISTORIC FLOUR MILL MUSEUM
The Aztec Mill, built in 1864, originally ground flour for Fort Union and the Ute and Apache Indians. Today, this historic landmark houses a large collection of photographs and artifacts that interpret local history. The museum is free to visit, making it an accessible attraction for anyone interested in the area's rich past.
3. Old Town Cimarron
HISTORIC WESTERN DISTRICT
Old Town Cimarron features 14 historical sites that transport visitors back to the Wild West era. Visitors can pick up a Walking Tour guide from the Visitor Center to take a self-guided stroll through this historic area. Each site offers a glimpse into the town's colorful past and its role in western expansion.
4. Villa Philmonte
HISTORIC MANSION TOUR
Villa Philmonte is a stunning historic mansion located at the Philmont Scout Ranch. The villa serves as a window into the region's past and the history of scouting in America. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved interiors and learn about the property's significance to both local history and the Boy Scouts of America.
5. National Scouting Museum - Philmont Scout Ranch
SCOUTING HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The National Scouting Museum at Philmont Scout Ranch preserves and displays the rich heritage of the Boy Scouts of America. Exhibits showcase scouting memorabilia, historical artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of scouting's impact on American youth. The museum is open to the public and offers insight into this influential youth organization.
6. Cimarron Canyon State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR PARADISE
Cimarron Canyon State Park is part of the 33,116-acre Colin Neblett Wildlife Area, the largest state wildlife area in New Mexico. The park features the Cimarron River flowing past the sheer cliffs of the Palisades, creating breathtaking scenery for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching in this natural wonderland.
7. Old Mill Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Old Mill Museum preserves Cimarron's rich cultural heritage through its collection of historical artifacts and photographs. Located in a historic building, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of earlier residents and significant events that shaped the region. The museum is a key stop on the Old Town walking tour and provides context for understanding Cimarron's development.
8. Kit Carson Historic Sites
FRONTIER LEGEND LANDMARKS
Kit Carson Historic Sites in Cimarron commemorate the famous frontiersman who played a significant role in the American West. These sites highlight Carson's connections to the area and his contributions to western expansion. Visitors can learn about his adventures, controversies, and lasting legacy in shaping the frontier.
9. Clear Creek Trail
HISTORIC HIKING PATH
Clear Creek Trail offers a combination of natural beauty and fascinating history located near mile marker 292 along Highway 64. The trail was the site of a notorious 1875 murder that sparked the Colfax County War, adding historical intrigue to the outdoor experience. Hikers can enjoy scenic views while contemplating the area's turbulent past.
10. Local Art Galleries
WESTERN ARTS SHOWCASE
Cimarron's local art galleries showcase the work of talented regional artists inspired by the area's stunning landscapes and rich history. These galleries feature a variety of media including paintings, pottery, sculpture, and jewelry with southwestern and western themes. Visitors can purchase unique pieces as memorable souvenirs of their time in this historic western town.
11. Western Clothing Shops
AUTHENTIC FRONTIER ATTIRE
Western Clothing Shops in Cimarron offer authentic western attire for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of frontier fashion. These specialty retailers provide high-quality boots, hats, belts, and apparel that reflect the region's cowboy heritage. Shopping at these establishments allows visitors to bring home functional souvenirs that connect them to the Wild West atmosphere of Cimarron.
12. Southwestern Style Restaurants
LOCAL CULINARY DELIGHTS
Southwestern Style Restaurants in Cimarron serve hearty meals that reflect the region's unique culinary traditions. These eateries offer dishes featuring local ingredients and New Mexican flavors, often incorporating the state's famous chile peppers. Visitors can start their day with a satisfying breakfast before heading out to explore the many attractions in and around Cimarron.
13. Capulin Volcano National Monument
ANCIENT VOLCANIC WONDER
Capulin Volcano National Monument preserves an extinct cinder cone volcano that last erupted over 60,000 years ago. Visitors can drive to the rim of the crater and enjoy hiking trails that offer panoramic views of four states - New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. This natural landmark is a short drive from Cimarron and makes for an excellent day trip destination.
14. Fort Union National Monument
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Union National Monument preserves the ruins of a key 19th-century military fort along the Santa Fe Trail. Established in 1851, the fort played a crucial role in military operations and western expansion during its 40-year history. Visitors can explore the adobe ruins and learn about life at this frontier outpost through interpretive exhibits and ranger programs.
15. Eagle Nest Lake State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE
Eagle Nest Lake State Park features a 2,400-acre lake nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just west of Cimarron Canyon. The park is renowned for excellent fishing, with rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon attracting anglers year-round. Visitors can also enjoy boating, camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.