Ruidoso New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ruidoso, New Mexico.
1. Lincoln National Forest
WILDERNESS AND SCENIC VIEWS
Lincoln National Forest offers breathtaking natural beauty with elevations ranging from 5,400 to 11,580 feet. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and year-round outdoor recreation in two stunning wilderness areas. The forest's Smokey Bear District provides a perfect escape into nature for those seeking adventure or tranquility.
2. Ski Apache
PREMIER MOUNTAIN SKIING
Ski Apache is a popular winter destination offering exceptional skiing and snowboarding experiences in the mountains near Ruidoso. The resort features multiple runs for all skill levels, stunning panoramic views, and modern facilities for winter sports enthusiasts. During summer months, Ski Apache transforms to offer zip lining, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides.
3. Free Spirits at Noisy Water
MONUMENTAL HORSE SCULPTURE
Free Spirits at Noisy Water is an impressive outdoor sculpture depicting eight bronze horses running majestically through a wild landscape. Each horse weighs between 3,000-5,000 pounds, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail. The monument has become an iconic landmark and popular photo spot for visitors to Ruidoso.
4. Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCE VENUE
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts is a 514-seat landmark designed by renowned architect Antoine Predock. The venue hosts major touring Broadway shows, dance performances, and musical events approximately every 11 days year-round. Its exceptional acoustics and innovative design make it one of the premier cultural destinations in southern New Mexico.
5. Noisy Water Winery
AWARD-WINNING LOCAL WINES
Noisy Water Winery offers visitors a true Ruidoso experience with their world-famous wine selections, including the unique Green Chile Wine. The winery pairs their artisan crafted New Mexico wines with locally produced cheeses for a complete tasting experience. Visitors can enjoy the warm atmosphere while sampling distinctive flavors that capture the essence of the region.
6. Grindstone Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Grindstone Lake is a scenic destination offering multiple outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can explore the surrounding multi-use trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The lake's beautiful setting makes it ideal for picnics and peaceful nature escapes throughout the year.
7. Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino
RACING AND GAMING
Ruidoso Downs Race Track features thrilling live horse racing every summer weekend, showcasing some of the fastest quarter horses in the world. The track is home to the world's richest quarter horse race, the All American Futurity, running from mid-May through Labor Day. When racing season ends, visitors can try their luck at the adjacent Billy the Kid Casino with various gaming options.
8. Pillow's Funtrackers
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Pillow's Funtrackers provides family-friendly entertainment with three exciting go-kart tracks for different age groups and skill levels. The facility features an 18-hole mini-golf course, challenging maze, refreshing bumper boats, and an arcade with both classic and modern games. This attraction offers hours of fun for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for families in Ruidoso.
9. Fort Stanton Historic Site
RICH MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Stanton Historic Site is a must-see attraction nestled along Highway 220 on the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway. Few sites in the nation encompass the breadth of history seen at this fort, which has served multiple purposes throughout its existence. Visitors can explore preserved buildings and exhibits that showcase the fort's significance in New Mexico's past.
10. Lincoln Historic Site
OLD WEST TIME CAPSULE
Lincoln Historic Site is the most widely visited historic location in New Mexico, featuring a community frozen in time from the 1870s and 1880s. The site includes 17 structures and outbuildings, with several open as museums year-round or seasonally. Visitors can walk the same streets once traveled by Billy the Kid and other notable figures from the Lincoln County War.
11. Wingfield Heritage House Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Wingfield Heritage House Museum is a beautifully restored 1920s home showcasing Ruidoso's rich historical heritage. Once serving as both a family residence and business hub, the museum now features curated exhibits on early settlers, Native cultures, and the town's evolution. Visitors can explore preserved rooms and connect with the stories that shaped Ruidoso's past and present.
12. White Sands National Park
MAJESTIC DESERT LANDSCAPE
White Sands National Park features the world's largest gypsum dune field, creating a stunning landscape of brilliant white sand that stretches for miles. Visitors can explore the otherworldly terrain through hiking trails, sledding down dunes, or driving the scenic route through the heart of the park. Located within day-trip distance from Ruidoso, this natural wonder offers unparalleled photography opportunities and a unique desert experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
13. Three Rivers Petroglyph Site
ANCIENT ROCK ART
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site contains over 21,000 ancient Native American petroglyphs dating back 600-1,000 years. The site features one of the largest and most accessible concentrations of prehistoric rock art in the Southwest, created by the Jornada Mogollon people. Visitors can walk interpretive trails to view these remarkable carvings while enjoying spectacular views of the Tularosa Basin and surrounding mountains.
14. UFO Museum
EXTRATERRESTRIAL ENCOUNTERS EXPLORED
The UFO Museum in Roswell examines the famous 1947 Roswell Incident and other unexplained phenomena through exhibits, documentation, and research materials. Visitors can explore displays featuring firsthand accounts, historical documents, and interpretations of extraterrestrial encounters. The museum has become an iconic destination for those interested in UFO lore, drawing curious travelers from around the world to this unique attraction within driving distance of Ruidoso.
15. Truth or Consequences Hot Springs
HEALING MINERAL WATERS
Truth or Consequences Hot Springs offers visitors access to natural geothermal waters known for their healing and relaxing properties. The town features multiple bathhouses and spas where guests can soak in mineral-rich waters that maintain a constant temperature between 98-115 degrees Fahrenheit. These historic hot springs, once a sacred site for indigenous peoples, now provide a rejuvenating experience for travelers seeking wellness and relaxation within day-trip distance from Ruidoso.