Visitors rated the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces higher than any other museums in the area. Now, I know why. Aside from the gallery exhibits and artifacts to enjoy, the museum has so much things to offer both for the young and old. From ranching and farming history, to seeing cows getting milked, to watching sheep dogs being trained, to hands-on exhibits that kids love, Western artists, life in the old days — it is a great place to unwind!
When I visited the museum, it happened that there was an ongoing event — the 2015 Cowboy Day! So, with just a $5 entrance fee, I was in for a nice treat.
Live cowboy music outside and inside the building.
Kids enjoying a carriage ride…
And a mechanical bull ride.
Historic Green Bridge. It is considered the oldest and longest Pratt through-truss bridge in New Mexico. Spanning 133 feet and 16 feet wide, it is also the second-oldest surviving highway bridge in the state, and the state’s oldest steel highway bridge.
At the sheep barn, learn about the different types of wool (oftentimes there are people in there spinning).
They’ll teach you how to train dogs to become sheep dogs.
VIDEO
The most interesting of all? The bull pen. What’s a Cowboy Day without real cowboys calming an angry bull?
Meet the aggressive 11-year-old bull and her 3-week-old calf.
VIDEO
Then there’s this beauty that just couldn’t stop pawing dirt and blowing snot! He seemed to be always in a fighting mode.
VIDEO
This 600-lb beast is the coolest of them all. He got mad when the guy stopped patting his back with the stick.
VIDEO
Inside the Heritage museum is a wide array of 19th and early 20th century farming and ranching equipment.
The fancy saddles of the early 1900s.
This old dwelling, made of dirt and wooden supports.
How the dwelling looks in the inside.
A display of New Mexico’s colonial homes.
A wooden wagon from the colonial times.
And more cargo hauling vehicles in the 1900s.
This water system looks very familiar. My Filipino friends can attest that this still exists in many parts in the Philippines.
What about this plow and weed cultivator?
The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is a true local treasure and a definite must-see when you are in Las Cruces!
Note: Displays change and new material is presented on a regular basis. So keep visiting the museum.
Address: 4100 Dripping Springs Road
Las Cruces, NM 88011
Directions: Exit 1 off of Interstate 25 in Las Cruces and go east 1.5 miles
Museum Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9-5.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Phone: 575.522.4100
Admission rates:
Adults: $5
Senior citizens (60 and over): $3
Children 5-17: $2
Children 4 and under, all active U.S. military, veterans, and Museum Friend members: Free*
*except for special events
Where to stay.
Find your hotel accommodation using this link: Find the Best Deals at hotels.com!
See more of my New Mexico travels.
See also: My other travel adventures.
2 comments