House New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near House, New Mexico.
1. Bandelier National Monument
ANCIENT CLIFF DWELLINGS
Bandelier National Monument offers a glimpse into the lives of the Pueblo people through its ancient cliff dwellings and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore numerous archaeological sites, including cave dwellings carved into soft rock and petroglyphs dating back centuries. The monument features over 70 miles of hiking trails through beautiful canyons and mesas.
2. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
STUNNING ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge spans dramatically across the Rio Grande River, offering breathtaking views of the deep gorge below. Standing at 650 feet above the river, it ranks as the seventh highest bridge in the United States and has been featured in several films. Visitors can walk across the pedestrian walkway and visit nearby vendors selling local crafts.
3. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi stands as a magnificent example of Romanesque Revival architecture in the heart of Santa Fe. Built between 1869 and 1886, it features stunning stained glass windows from France and an impressive stone facade. The cathedral continues to serve as an active parish while welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
4. Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
AMERICAN MODERNIST ART
The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum celebrates the artistic legacy of one of America's most significant modernist painters. The museum houses over 3,000 works comprising paintings, drawings, and sculptures created by O'Keeffe throughout her career. Visitors can immerse themselves in O'Keeffe's world, exploring her art, personal history, and connection to the New Mexico landscape that inspired much of her work.
5. Palace of the Governors
OLDEST PUBLIC BUILDING
The Palace of the Governors stands as the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States, dating back to 1610. This adobe structure served as the seat of government for centuries under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing the rich cultural history of New Mexico through artifacts and exhibitions.
6. Salinas Pueblo Missions
ANCIENT TRADING CENTERS
The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument preserves the ruins of three Spanish missions established in the 17th century among thriving Native American trade communities. These missions at Quarai, Gran Quivira, and Abó represent the cultural crossroads where Pueblo, Spanish, and Plains cultures intersected. Visitors can explore the impressive stone ruins and learn about the complex cultural interactions that shaped the region's history.
7. Mesalands Dinosaur Museum
PREHISTORIC DESERT DISCOVERIES
The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum houses an impressive collection of bronze cast dinosaur skeletons and genuine fossils discovered in the surrounding region. As part of Mesalands Community College, the museum offers educational programs alongside its extensive exhibit of prehistoric life. Visitors can observe paleontology students at work in the connected laboratory where real fossils are processed and studied.
8. Blue Hole
CRYSTAL CLEAR DIVING
The Blue Hole is a bell-shaped natural spring and popular diving destination with remarkably clear blue water maintaining a constant 64°F temperature year-round. This 80-foot deep artesian spring pumps out 3,000 gallons of water per minute, creating perfect conditions for diving certification classes and recreation. The site includes surrounding facilities with picnic areas and is considered one of the most unique geological features in eastern New Mexico.
9. Del's Restaurant
AUTHENTIC NEW MEXICAN CUISINE
Del's Restaurant has been serving authentic New Mexican cuisine to locals and travelers since 1956. The family-owned establishment is known for its generous portions of enchiladas, sopapillas, and chile rellenos prepared with traditional recipes. Its vintage atmosphere and convenient location near Route 66 make it a popular stop for those exploring eastern New Mexico.
10. Watson's BBQ
SMALL TOWN SMOKEHOUSE
Watson's BBQ offers slow-smoked meats and homestyle sides in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. This family-owned establishment specializes in Texas-style brisket, ribs, and pulled pork that have earned a loyal following among locals and travelers alike. Visitors appreciate the authentic small-town dining experience and generous portions at reasonable prices.
11. Tucumcari Historical Museum
ROUTE 66 HERITAGE
The Tucumcari Historical Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of this iconic Route 66 town through an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Housed in a 1903 schoolhouse, the museum features everything from Native American artifacts to pioneer implements and Route 66 memorabilia. Visitors can explore room after room of carefully curated displays that tell the story of eastern New Mexico's settlement and development.
12. Ute Lake State Park
EASTERN NEW MEXICO RECREATION
Ute Lake State Park offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping around a scenic 8,200-acre reservoir. The park features multiple campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, boat ramps, and sandy beaches for swimming. Visitors can enjoy catching walleye, bass, and catfish while taking in views of the surrounding mesas and grasslands.
13. Tee Pee Curios
ICONIC ROUTE 66 SHOP
Tee Pee Curios is a beloved Route 66 landmark housed in a distinctive teepee-shaped building that has been drawing travelers since 1944. Inside, visitors find an eclectic mix of souvenirs, Native American crafts, vintage memorabilia, and Route 66 collectibles. The shop's iconic neon sign and unique architecture make it one of the most photographed stops along the Mother Road in eastern New Mexico.
14. Oasis State Park
DESERT FISHING OASIS
Oasis State Park centers around a 3-acre fishing pond fed by natural springs amid sand dunes and native vegetation. The park offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails through the distinctive eastern New Mexico landscape. Visitors can fish for rainbow trout (stocked seasonally), observe local wildlife, or simply enjoy the contrast between the water and surrounding arid environment.
15. Roosevelt County Museum
LOCAL PIONEER HISTORY
The Roosevelt County Museum chronicles the settlement and development of eastern New Mexico through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits focused on pioneer life. Located on the Eastern New Mexico University campus, the museum houses collections ranging from prehistoric fossils to early 20th century homesteading implements. Visitors can explore recreated period rooms and learn about the agricultural heritage that remains important to the region today.