Location: Las Cruces
Top Things to do in Las Cruces
- 1. New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
- 2. Dripping Springs Natural Area
- 3. Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
- 4. Old Mesilla Village
- 5. The Zuhl Museum
- 6. Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
- 7. New Mexico State University
- 8. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
- 9. San Albino Church
- 10. Basilica of San Albino
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What to do and see in Las Cruces, United States: The Best Places and Tips
With the majestic Organ Mountains to the east and the mighty Rio Grande to the west, Las Cruces stands as an oasis at the junction of the I-10 and I-25. New Mexico State University makes its home here, among fine art galleries, informative museums, a lively theater scene and high desert terrain. The sun almost always seems to be shining in Las Cruces, which enjoys on average 350 days of clear blue skies per year, making it the perfect base to explore the breathtaking surrounding area.
Restaurants in Las Cruces
1. New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
MexicoFor at least 4,000 years, people have been growing food in this region and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum tells this incredible story through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, oral histories, objects, and educational programs. In 2017-18, the Museum is celebrating 20 years of sharing this remarkable story of survival, ingenuity, and hope. It connects generations and weaves together people from various cultures that are uniquely New Mexico. Visitors from around the world have enjoyed the Museum, one of the region’s top attractions. The 47-acre campus in Las Cruces features several barns, animals, a greenhouse, play areas for children, an amphitheater, the Heritage Garden and much more. Permanent and changing exhibits, as well as a theater, library, gift shop, snack bar, and meeting rooms are located in the 100,000-square-feet, ranch-style main building, named after Bruce King, New Mexico’s only three-term governor and rancher.
Reviewed By delited - United States
We went during a rock show exhibit which included a museum ticket. It was a neat little place to walk around. It’s put together nicely.Thank you for attending the rock show and experiencing the museum. We are glad to have you.
2. Dripping Springs Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Reviewed By BostonBakedBean2015 - Santa Fe, New Mexico
Definitely wear your comfortable athletic or hiking shoes. The dirt path is wide and groomed. Incline on the way up is gradual but constant, and that means the return trip is a piece of cake in comparison :-) We enjoyed viewing the wild, brushy terrain, the magestic organ mountains and the remnants of the old structures.
3. Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
We are a world-class Market in the heart of Main Street Downtown Las Cruces. We have over 300 members who are skilled artisans, farmers, bakers, food trucks and talented local musicians. All of the goods are handmade, right here in Dona Ana County and grown right here in New Mexico.
Reviewed By UKVISIT - Arizona
Different from a farmers market I think of where it's primarily fruits and vegetables, but still good. There was limited veggies when we were there but maybe it was the time of year. They had a couple of grass fed meat places, honey and jams. Then mostly crafts type things and a few food trucks. But worth a visit if in the area.
4. Old Mesilla Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 841 reviews
Reviewed By carolr583 - Shepherd, Montana, USA
The day we spent here we attended church at the Basilica, then they had a market in the square. Vendors with crafts and products lined the square, large variety of items. Stores around the square have a great variety of New Mexico art and wine. Double Eagle restaurant was very popular.
5. The Zuhl Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 73 reviews
The Zuhl Museum: Where Rocks Come Alive! Part art gallery, part natural history museum, the Zuhl collection at NMSU showcases thousands of beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. The Zuhl Collection, on display in the Zuhl Museum in the east wing gallery of the New Mexico State University Alumni and Visitors Center, contains petrified wood, fossils, rocks and minerals. This gallery is easily accessible to local citizens, school groups and visitors to the university and southern New Mexico. Additional items from the collection are displayed in the Zuhl Library, located four blocks east near the center of campus.
Reviewed By Crystal R - Rockwall, Texas
Have you ever heard of the phrase, "small but mighty"? Well, this phrase definitely applies to the Zuhl Museum located on the NM State University University in Las Cruces, NM. The museum isn't a large place, but the extensive collection certainly packs a punch. It is full of interesting, beautiful artifacts. The museum is currently undergoing an expansion to be completed in September, 2017. The museum will be closing August 14, 2017, and reopen on October 2, 2017, so factor these dates into your visit!
If you are an art gallery buff or interested in natural history, this place is for you. Even if you're not into either, you can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the 1800+ specimens located here. The museum is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except for their holiday schedule) and every second Saturday of the month from 12-5 p.m. and the price is right...it's FREE!
In the year 2000, Herb and Joan Zuhl allowed their collection to be displayed at the NM State University and in 2004, the museum became a reality. Herb Zuhl is considered the "Father" of the petrified wood cutting and polishing industry and the museum's furniture displays reflect the natural beauty of the polished petrified wood. (If you're interested in purchasing petrified wood furniture, I found this website during my research, Russell-Zuhl Petrified Wood.) Last, but not least, the museum boasts a beautiful fossil and mineral collection as well.
So if you're near Las Cruces, or this blogpost has piqued your interest, go visit the Zuhl Museum, the price is right!
6. Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
7. New Mexico State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
MexicoReviewed By gblack7205 - South Lyon, Michigan
We attended the Garth Brooks concert at the NMSU Pan American Center. It is an excellent venue. All the basics were there from ease of access and egress to having enough bathrooms for a 13000 seat arena. I'm sure that many organizations worked together to make the experience a great one. I am sure it was a stretch to accommodate 5 concerts when original booking was one.
8. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By GARY G - Rochester
Hiked several trails while in Las Cruces at this park. One trail, Dripping Springs, leads to an old hotel that was erected in the early 1900's. A 5 mile hike round trip. Several other hikes go to various points of interest in the park. Admission is $5. Beautiful views of the mountains are all around. Check in at the visitors center for maps and information.
9. San Albino Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By theresasiow617 - Anaheim, California
Small church with welcoming parishioners, the Monsignor said Mass, parking was not issue and the Gift Shop has nice items
10. Basilica of San Albino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By M J - Austin, Texas
My husband and I went to the old Mesilla Village to see the San Albino Church. We wanted to see the inside but it was locked up. We walked around the building to view the outside. There were cameras all over the church. The church takes up the entire block on the north side the historical Mesilla Village square. There was plenty of parking on the Monday afternoon that we visited. The square is beautiful as well. There were small shops, a park in the square and restaurants within a block. The church itself is not worth a trip to the area but the old Mesilla Village square is certainly worth a short stop.
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