Dora New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dora, New Mexico.
1. Blackwater Draw Museum
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES
Blackwater Draw Museum showcases archaeological discoveries from one of North America's most significant Paleoindian sites. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts that date back to the Clovis culture, approximately 13,000 years ago. The museum provides fascinating insights into the earliest human inhabitants of the region through authentic tools, weapons, and remnants of prehistoric life.
2. Enchantment Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Enchantment Vineyards offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience in the high desert of New Mexico. The vineyard produces a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes that thrive in the unique climate of the region. Guests can enjoy guided tastings while learning about the winemaking process and the distinctive terroir that gives these wines their special character.
3. Oasis State Park
DESERT RECREATION HAVEN
Oasis State Park serves as a refreshing natural retreat in the arid landscape surrounding Dora. The park features a 3-acre fishing lake stocked with rainbow trout and catfish, making it a popular destination for anglers. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities set among sand dunes and native vegetation.
4. Windrush Alpacas
FLUFFY FARM EXPERIENCE
Windrush Alpacas provides a unique opportunity to meet and learn about these gentle South American camelids. The farm offers educational tours where visitors can feed and interact with the alpacas while learning about their care, behavior, and the process of harvesting their luxurious fiber. The on-site shop sells a variety of handcrafted alpaca products including clothing, accessories, and toys.
5. Norman and Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum
LEGENDARY MUSIC HERITAGE
The Norman and Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum celebrates the legacy of the famous music producers who helped shape early rock and roll. The museum houses original recording equipment, memorabilia, and exhibits dedicated to Buddy Holly and other musicians who recorded at the Petty studios. Visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere where numerous hit songs were created during the golden age of rock and roll.
6. Clayton Lake State Park
DINOSAUR TRACKS PARADISE
Clayton Lake State Park features a remarkable collection of more than 500 dinosaur tracks dating back to the Cretaceous period. The park's boardwalk provides visitors with an excellent view of these prehistoric footprints, preserved in sandstone for over 100 million years. Beyond the paleontological wonders, the park offers fishing, camping, and bird watching opportunities around its scenic lake.
7. Herzstein Memorial Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Herzstein Memorial Museum presents the rich history of Union County through engaging exhibits housed in a historic 1919 building. Visitors can explore artifacts depicting pioneer life, Native American culture, and the development of the railroad in northeastern New Mexico. The museum's comprehensive collections include vintage photographs, period clothing, and agricultural implements that tell the story of the region's diverse heritage.
8. Capulin Volcano National Monument
ANCIENT VOLCANIC WONDER
Capulin Volcano National Monument preserves a well-formed cinder cone volcano that last erupted approximately 60,000 years ago. Visitors can drive to the rim and then hike the one-mile crater rim trail, offering spectacular views of four different states from various vantage points. The monument also features a visitor center with educational exhibits about the geology, ecology, and cultural history of this unique volcanic landscape.
9. Hotel Eklund Restaurant
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Hotel Eklund Restaurant serves classic American cuisine in a historic hotel dating back to 1892. The restaurant's vintage atmosphere is enhanced by original architectural details including a beautiful antique bar and period furnishings. Diners can enjoy hearty steaks, southwestern specialties, and homestyle cooking while surrounded by the charm of the Old West.
10. Mock's Crossroads Coffee Mill
COZY COFFEE CORNER
Mock's Crossroads Coffee Mill provides a welcoming atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts and hungry travelers in northeastern New Mexico. The café serves freshly brewed specialty coffees, homemade pastries, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items with vegetarian options available. Visitors appreciate the friendly service, comfortable seating, and the opportunity to relax while enjoying quality food and beverages.
11. Folsom Museum
FRONTIER HISTORY COLLECTION
The Folsom Museum chronicles the history of this small frontier town and the archaeological discoveries that made it famous. Housed in the historic 1915 Doherty Mercantile Building, the museum displays artifacts related to the Folsom Man archaeological site where distinctive spear points were found alongside extinct bison remains. Exhibits also cover local ranching history, the devastating 1908 flood, and everyday life in this remote community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
12. Black Mesa State Park
HIGHEST POINT ADVENTURE
Black Mesa State Park provides access to the highest point in New Mexico, rising to an elevation of 4,973 feet. The park offers hiking trails that lead to spectacular panoramic views across the rugged landscape of the high plains. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife, unique geological formations, and star-filled night skies in this remote and pristine natural area.
13. Wild Horse Grill and Steakhouse
PREMIER STEAK DESTINATION
Wild Horse Grill and Steakhouse serves premium cuts of beef and southwestern specialties in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its perfectly grilled steaks, fresh seafood options, and generous portions that satisfy hungry travelers and locals alike. Diners appreciate the attentive service and consistently high-quality meals that make this establishment a standout dining destination in northeastern New Mexico.
14. Capulin Country Store
RUSTIC ROADSIDE TREASURE
Capulin Country Store offers travelers a charming stop for souvenirs, snacks, and local products near the Capulin Volcano National Monument. The store features a variety of handcrafted items, regional foods, and practical necessities for visitors exploring northeastern New Mexico. Its rustic ambiance and friendly service provide a genuine taste of small-town hospitality and culture.
15. Dinosaur Quarry
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL SITE
The Dinosaur Quarry attracts paleontology enthusiasts with its significant fossil discoveries from the Late Jurassic period. Visitors can observe excavation sites and learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this region approximately 150 million years ago. The site includes informative displays that explain the scientific importance of these findings and the ongoing research that continues to reveal details about ancient ecosystems.