Fort Sumner New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
1. Billy the Kid Museum
WILD WEST HISTORY
Billy the Kid Museum offers visitors a trip through New Mexico's past during the 1800's and early 1900's. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to the infamous outlaw and the Wild West era. Summer hours run from May 15th through October 1st, with the museum open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
2. Bosque Redondo Memorial
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site preserves the tragic history of the Navajo and Mescalero Apache internment. The site offers educational exhibits about this important chapter in American history that's often overlooked. New Mexico seniors 60+ are admitted free on Wednesdays, and visitors can use the New Mexico CulturePass for entry.
3. Billy the Kid's Grave
LEGENDARY OUTLAW'S RESTING PLACE
Billy the Kid's Grave marks the final resting place of the legendary outlaw who was killed by Pat Garrett. The grave is located in the old military cemetery in Fort Sumner, making it a popular historical stop for visitors. Many travelers consider it worth a side trip while passing through Fort Sumner.
4. Sumner Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Sumner Lake State Park offers visitors a variety of water-based recreational activities including fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. The park also features swimming areas and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of southeastern New Mexico. The surrounding area is worth exploring for its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
5. Old Fort Sumner Museum
REGIONAL HISTORICAL EXHIBITS
Old Fort Sumner Museum showcases the rich history of the fort that was established in the 1860s and later sold to Lucien Maxwell in 1870. The museum contains artifacts and exhibits related to the military history of the region and its transformation over time. Visitors can learn about the fort's connection to famous historical figures including Billy the Kid and Lucien Maxwell.
6. Fort Sumner Municipal Airport
HISTORIC AVIATION SITE
Fort Sumner Municipal Airport was originally built in the 1920s by the Transcontinental Air Transport airline as part of its coast-to-coast air passenger network. During World War II, the site was reopened by the Army Air Corps as a training base before becoming a municipal airport after the war. The airport now serves as a launch site for NASA's high altitude balloon program, adding scientific significance to its historical importance.
7. Bosque Redondo Lake
SERENE WATER RETREAT
Bosque Redondo Lake provides a peaceful setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation near Fort Sumner. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings throughout the year. The area is particularly scenic after rainfall when the landscape comes alive with renewed vibrancy.
8. Dallas Park
LOCAL COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Dallas Park serves as a central community space for residents and visitors of Fort Sumner. The park offers recreational facilities and green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities. It provides a pleasant spot for picnics and family gatherings while enjoying the New Mexico climate.
9. Fort Sumner State Monument
PRESERVED HISTORICAL SITE
Fort Sumner State Monument commemorates the significant historical events that took place at this location in New Mexico's past. The monument preserves structures and grounds related to both the military fort and the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation period. Visitors can explore the site to gain insights into the complex history of territorial New Mexico and its impact on Native American peoples.
10. Lucien Maxwell House Site
HISTORIC TERRITORIAL LANDMARK
The Lucien Maxwell House Site marks the location where prominent New Mexico landowner Lucien Maxwell lived after purchasing Fort Sumner in 1870. This historic site is significant as the house where Billy the Kid was killed by Pat Garrett, connecting it to one of the Wild West's most famous stories. The site provides visitors with a tangible link to New Mexico's territorial period and the region's colorful past.
11. Pecos River Valley
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
The Pecos River Valley near Fort Sumner offers stunning landscapes and natural beauty characteristic of southeastern New Mexico. Visitors can enjoy views of the river cutting through the terrain, creating a green ribbon in the otherwise arid landscape. The valley has played an important role in the region's history, serving as a lifeline for communities and wildlife alike.
12. Fort Sumner Village Museum
LOCAL CULTURAL HERITAGE
Fort Sumner Village Museum showcases the everyday life and cultural heritage of the area's residents throughout different historical periods. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the community's development from frontier settlement to modern town. Visitors gain insight into how local residents lived, worked, and built their community in this unique corner of New Mexico.
13. Stagecoach Restaurant & Saloon
WESTERN-THEMED DINING EXPERIENCE
Stagecoach Restaurant & Saloon offers visitors an authentic Western-themed dining experience in Fort Sumner. The establishment serves regional cuisine in a setting that evokes the spirit of the Old West, complementing the area's historical attractions. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals while immersing themselves in the ambiance of New Mexico's frontier past.
14. De Baca County Historical Society
REGIONAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
De Baca County Historical Society works to preserve and share the rich history of Fort Sumner and the surrounding region. The organization maintains historical records, photographs, and artifacts that document the area's development from Native American settlements through the Spanish colonial period and into modern times. Visitors can learn about local genealogy, architecture, and cultural traditions that have shaped this part of New Mexico.
15. Fort Sumner Main Street
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Fort Sumner Main Street features historic buildings and local businesses that showcase the community's character and heritage. Visitors can stroll through the downtown area to shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and interact with friendly residents. The district offers a glimpse into small-town New Mexico life while providing necessary services for travelers exploring the region's attractions.