Location: Ruidoso
Top Things to do in Ruidoso
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Ruidoso, United States
Situated ideally at the center between the Lincoln National Forest to the south and the northeast and the Valley of Fires State Park to the northwest, Ruidoso is a still-sleepy mountain town despite its recent growth and popularity with tourists. The majestic Sierra Blanca towers over the city, tempting snow bunnies to the slopes of nearby Ski Apache. The race track at Ruidoso Downs and the casino at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort promise chance and adventure of a different sort.
Restaurants in Ruidoso
1. Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 121 reviews
A 514-seat landmark performing arts center near Ruidoso, NM, designed by Antoine Predock featuring a major touring Broadway, dance or musical performance, on the average, every 11 days year round. Four major glass installations by Dale Chihuly. Tours Tue & Thu at 10 a.m.
Reviewed By SAElle - San Antonio, TX
The Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts stands majestically with its white limestone walls, amidst the junipers, just outside of Ruidoso, NM. It attracts top quality performers and was state-of-the-art when constructed twenty years ago, with special attention to the acoustics. It seats just over 500 people and has the ambience of intimacy for the plays, concerts, dance features, and other performing artists it hosts year-round. My husband and I have been many times and have enjoyed all the shows.
2. Lincoln National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
This vast 1.1 million-acre forest region is comprised of separate recreational sections including Ruidoso Valley, Cloudcroft and Carlsbad, which are all located throughout the southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico.
Reviewed By Julie D
So many hikes...depending on what you are seeking. Big Bonito, Little Bonita and Argentina trails are some favorites: beautiful soaring pines overhead, some water crossings, wildflowers in the spring, easy to moderate out and backs. Driving to the trailhead takes some time and includes some gravel and dirt. Mills Canyon trailhead is easier to access and has some easy epsections, or can be done as a multiday undertaking that is strenuous in some parts but rewards with incredible vistas. We've seen bear and elk on some of the longer hikes. Crest Trail runs all over the place...the hike to Nogal Peak on Crest is high elevation, woods then open green mountaintops...gorgeous. Look for horny toads everywhere in the spring.
3. Ruidoso Downs
Overall Ratings
4 based on 211 reviews
Racetrack that is the home to the world's richest quarter-horse race.
Reviewed By marigoldchantel - New Mexico
Two days of exciting horse racing, plenty of space to enjoy the day. Concession stands with cold beer and wine. Sunshine, fun people, and lots of action...fun for the whole family or a great date.
4. Noisy Water Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
A true Ruidoso Experience, Come in to try our World Famous Relleno Brothers line of Wines(Don't forget to try the famous Green Chile Wine) along with our Artisan crafted New Mexico cheeses! (Including the worlds hottest cheese, Made with the Ghost Pepper!) Try other great New Mexico products and hit up our gift shop to get all those great Ruidoso Souvenirs and Apparel. Noisy Water is a must stop for anyone traveling to The Cool Pines and our friendly and fun staff can't wait to share our experience with you and all of your friends and family!Established in 1993 Noisy Water has been operating in Ruidoso for over 20 years now. With many remembering us before we took the leap into wine and cheese in the late 2000's. A family business that has grown and changed to meet the needs of Ruidoso's ever changing community. We love Ruidoso and all of its great guests and look forward to having people come see us on their visits to our gorgeous mountain town.
Reviewed By work2travelTexas - Texas
Overall, great selection of dry reds and sweet whites. I don't like the others so my review wouldn't be fair to those. One of the tasting rooms has more of the "reserve" type wines. It has seating out front for enjoying the weather and your glass of wine. Had a kiddy coloring corner and some snacks for them to try in their sample trays. Good set up.
The other one looks likes it in the back room of another store and has more of their general wines. A little cramped and not so much of a tasting room feel to it.
5. Museum of the Horse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
This unique museum has an amazing collection of all things related to the horse.
Reviewed By Wanderer790 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
We searched high and low for the museum of the horse until we figured out that they had changed the name. The museum is located right next to the race track since it was started by a racing family; the Hubbards. We enjoyed the horse sculptures in front of the building, the building itself which is beautiful and new, and all of the carriages and other antiques that were displayed. They have wonderful commentaries on all of the displays which is missing from a lot of museums. We paid $5 for seniors and $7 for adults. Well worth it!! Tour the sculpture garden and the Billy the Kid information center next door (free). We would visit this place again.
6. Free Spirits at Noisy Water
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
This monumental outdoor sculpture depicts eight bronze horses, each weighing 3,000-5,000 pounds, running majestically through a wild landscape.
Reviewed By Susan2904 - Las Cruces, New Mexico
Small museum, not open daily - call before going - brochures and website are wrong. Great collections of Western Americana plus a changing exhibit ADA compliant.Walking around "Free Spirits" alone is worth the trip. South on Rt 70 heading toward Tularosa.
7. Pillow's Funtrackers
Overall Ratings
4 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Bafarmerswife - Amarillo, Texas, United States
We visited Funtrackers on a family vacation and had a great time. We did the bumper cars, which were a BLAST and not like your regular bumper cars. We also visited the arcade, played mini golf and rode all 3 go kart tracks. They also have a maze and bumper boats, but we didn't try those this trip. There was lots to do and we had a great time. The only draw back was that each activity was $30-$35 for our family. A day spent there is easily $150-$200, so plan for the cost.
8. Casino Apache
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 164 reviews
Casino offering poker, craps and slots.
Reviewed By TimeTraveler_800 - Santa Fe, New Mexico
Gaming best done in the morning or early afternoon here. Too crowded and too smokey at night - especially weekends. Same owners as the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Player card points works for both. Gas station prices and Car Wash worth dropping by.
9. Grindstone Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By LJ C - Alamogordo, New Mexico
This place is a short drive from downtown Ruidoso. Our goal was to enjoy a scenic hike. We were delighted with the turquoise water of the lake. Our hike took us half way around. We saw people enjoying the water by fishing and kayaking,
10. Grindstone Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderer790 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
We found this beautiful lake when we were driving around aimlessly admiring huge houses that we can't afford. The lake is formed by a dam that looks really new. There were people swimming and boating in it. Plus, we saw a few fishermen on the banks. The trail itself is very popular with mountain bikes so keep that in mind if you go. It is in a wonderful location with lots of ponderosas and alligator junipers. We didn't get there until 5pm so the crowd was thinning out. The noise level was reasonable except for some teens with a boombox (weren't those an 80's thing?). Otherwise, it was a very peaceful place. We would visit it again.
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