EP2007 - Attractions Guide

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El Paso

Border Patrol Museum:
Covers more than 70 years of Border Patrol history. 4315 Transmountain Rd, (915) 759-6060.

Concordia Cemetery:
John Wesley Hardin is buried here along with other notable gunslingers of the old Southwest. (915) 842-8200.

El Paso Star:
Known for years as Sun City, El Paso exhibits a night version of the sun 365 days a year. To have the star lit in honor or in memory of someone, call the El Paso Chamber of Commerce (915) 534-0500.

El Paso Centennial Museum:
Exhibition of the history of the region, including pottery, stone tools, and shell jewelry of prehistoric Mexico. UTEP Campus, (915) 747-8994.

El Paso Museum of Archaeology at Wilderness Park:
Ancient artifacts showing the roots of the community. Emphasis on preserving El Paso’s past. Dioramas, exhibits, and nature trails. 4301 Transmountain Rd., (915) 755-4332.

El Paso Museum of History:
Four centuries of the history of El Paso and surrounding region. Displays tell the story of the Indian, the conquistador, the vaquero, the cowboy, and the U.S. cavalryman. 501 N. Oregon, (915) 351-3588.

Fort Bliss Replica Museum:
Depiction of life at Fort Bliss in 1857 viewed from a bicultural standpoint. Exhibits cover the history of Fort Bliss from 1849 to present. Building 5051, Fort Bliss, (915) 568-4518.

Fort Bliss Air Defense/Artillery Museum:
The history of air defense from 1917 to the present. Building 5000, Fort Bliss, (915) 568-5412.

Franklin Mountain State Park:
The Franklin Mountains provide El Paso’s stunning backdrop. It is the largest urban park in the nation, covering around 37 square miles, all within El Paso city limits. Activities include picnicking, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain bike riding. (915) 566-6441.

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site:
This area got its name from the huge basin-shaped rocks that catch and hold the area’s less-than-abundant rainfall. Drawings on cave walls date back as far as 1500 B.C. Hueco Tanks, 20 miles east of El Paso, offers excellent rock climbing, hiking, picnicking, and camping. (915) 857-1135.

Magoffin Homestead:
Built in 1875 by pioneer Joseph Magoffin, this 19-room adobe is a prime example of territorial-style architecture. It is filled with the original furnishings and decorative arts. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, guided tours available. The Casa Magoffin Companeros (Friends of the Magoffin Home) hosts several annual events. 1120 Magoffin Ave., (915) 533-5147.

Mission Trail:
Three historic churches lie within eight miles of each other in the Lower Valley:
• Spanish and Tiqua Indian refugees from New Mexico founded Mission Ysleta in the 1680s. (915) 859-9848.
• Mission Socorro was first built in 1682, later destroyed by floods and rebuilt in 1843. (915) 859-7718.
• San Elizario Chapel was established in 1789 as a Spanish fort to protect the Camino Réal. (915) 851-2333.
Information for all missions available at the Mission Trail Association, (915) 534-0630.

Mount Cristo Rey:
Mount Cristo Rey looms above El Paso. Christ the King, the striking 42-foot statue, sits atop the peak. It was sculpted in 1937 by Urbici Soler. On the last Sunday of October, devotees gather at the foot of the mountain for the pilgrimage to the top, where Mass is held.

Scenic Drive:
Winds around the Franklin Mountains overlooking three states and two nations, providing a great view of El Paso.

Tigua Cultural Center:
The museum covers 350 years of history of the Tigua Tribe. 305 Yaya Rd., (915) 859-7913.

Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park:
The tramway has a view of 7,000 square miles, two countries and three states from the 5,632-foot elevation. (915) 566-6622.

Juárez

Juárez City Market:
A two-story building open from sun-up to sundown, displaying a variety of merchandise. Avenida 16 de Septiembre, near downtown.

Museo de El Chamizal de Arqueologia:
Sculpture garden and photography collection. Chamizal, (01152656) 11-10-48.

Museo Historico de la Ex-Aduana:
An architectural jewel once occupied by the Mexican Border Customs, it is now a museum of Juárez history. (01152656) 12-47-07.

For Kids

El Paso Zoo:
The zoo has 12 acres of exhibits in a lush park setting, and it’s growing. More than 240 species of animals, many critically endangered. Elephants, orangutans, spectacled and sun bears, reptiles, fish, and even a spider monkey island. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, 25 and 31, Jan 1. Winter hours: daily: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., in summer open Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 4001 E. Paisano, El Paso, (915) 521-1850. 

Insights – Science Museum:
A hands-on science museum with more than 80 exhibits for young and old alike. 505 Santa Fe Ave., El Paso, (915) 534-0000.

Western Playland Amusement Park:
1249 Futurity Dr.
Sunland Park, NM 88063
(505) 589-3410
Western Playland Amusement Park, a tradition for family fun for more than 47 years! Western Playland has moved to a new location! We are located across the street from Sunland Park Race Track & Casino. Come see the new amusement park opening summer 2007 with 25+ acres of extreme family fun. This is the #1 amusement park in the Southwest area that is packed with great family thrill rides and attractions. Experience the new rides for 2007 along with the popular steel roller coaster El Bandido, The Drop Zone, and family rides, like Pharaoh’s Fury, Bumper Cars, Yo-Yo, Tilt-A-Whirl, and Scrambler! For a great time at an affordable price, you can’t beat Western Playland! Great food, games and rides. From I-10, take the Sunland Park exit 13 and head south to 1249 Futurity Dr.

Wet N’Wild Waterworld:
An oasis in the desert. This aquatic amusement park is fashioned around a huge volcanic garden theme, mammoth water slides, shady picnic areas, restaurant, and snack bar. Open May to September. In Anthony, north of El Paso. (915) 886-2222.

Sports

Ascarate Park:
This 440-acre facility has a 44-acre manmade lake stocked with bass, catfish, and trout for year-round fishing. The park has eight softball diamonds, a baseball field, an aquatic center with an Olympic-size pool, and a 21-hole golf course. El Paso, (915) 772-3941.

El Paso Diablos:
The El Paso Diablos is one of the newest members of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. Cohen Stadium in northeast El Paso holds up to 10,000  and is one of the most fan-friendly parks in the country. El Paso, (915) 755-2000.

El Paso Patriots Soccer Team:
A USISL select division professional soccer organization since 1990. El Paso, (915) 771-6620.

Ruidoso Downs Race Track:
Enjoy quarter horse and thoroughbred racing throughout the summer, including the All American Futurity. Ruidoso, NM, (505) 378-4431.

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino:
1200 Futurity Dr.
Sunland Park, NM 88063
(505) 874-5200
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino is the Southwest’s premier entertainment venue. The casino features state-of-the-art slot machines and is open daily 9:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m. with extended hours until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Live Horse racing season runs from December to April with simulcast wagering available everyday. Ventanas, our Las Vegas-style buffet, features a daily Lunch Buffet from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dinner Buffet from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. If you are looking for something light, try one of our two snack bar areas. Franklin’s lounge opens daily at 10 a.m. with live entertainment Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat., and Sun. nights. Mariachis perform Sunday afternoon. Take I-10 to exit 13, then head one mile south. Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — Where the Winners Play!

Butterfield Trail Golf Club
1858 Cottonwoods
El Paso, Texas 79906
(915) 772-1031
Butterfield Trail Golf Club, designed by world-renowned architect Tom Fazio is sure to inspire an unforgettable golf experience for the golf enthusiast. Our clubhouse will feature indoor and outdoor patio seating which will cater to groups consisting of golf events, quinceneras, weddings, corporate events, business meetings, and much more. Dining at our Salida del Sol Restaurant is an experience in itself, featuring a full-service restaurant and bar in a relaxing and amiable setting.

Spas

'N Dulge Salon and Day Spa
3950 Doniphan Dr., Suites A & B
El Paso, Texas 79922
(915) 833-0464
Luxurious ancient lifestyles included extended stays at places like the hot springs villages of Spa in Belgium, the Roman built village of Bath in southwest England, Vichy in central France, and locations throughout the Mediterranean. Enjoy the healing and relaxing benefits of traditional spa treatments like aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, massage and acupuncture at ‘N Dulge. ‘N Dulge … your mind, body, and spirit with specialty services such as pregnancy massage, reflexology, hot stone therapy, and Reiki. Expert hair and nail care as well as waxing, facials, and detoxifying body wraps are available. A private aromatherapy steam, infrared sauna, mud bath or Shirodhara Therapy can complete your Day of ‘N Dulgence! Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Gift certificates and gift baskets available.

Southern New Mexico

Aguirre Springs:
About 45 minutes from El Paso, just over the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces, New Mexico, this park features streams that run year-round and shade trees along hiking trails. Camping and picnic sites are available. (505) 525-4300.

Callahan’s Auto Museum:
The only automobile museum in New Mexico. 410 Cedar St., Truth or Consequences, call for appointment, (505) 894-6900.

Carlsbad Caverns:
One of the wonders of the world, the caverns are so huge that four Astrodomes could fit inside. As you descend, you will be struck by the displays of stalactites, stalagmites, and clear limestone pools of water. In the evening, a million Mexican bats soar out of the cave to forage for food. (505) 785-2232.

City of Rocks State Park:
A giant’s playground created by volcanic violence and carved by thousands of years of wind and rain. The rocks, ranging in height from six to 50 feet, are perfect for amateur rock climbing. Thirty miles from Silver City and Deming, (505) 536-2800.

Deming Luna Mimbres Museum:
Once called “the Smithsonian of the West,” this museum houses huge collections of Mimbres pottery and other artifacts. 301 S. Silver, Deming, (505) 546-2382.

Elephant Butte State Park:
Reservoir covering 36,000 acres; the largest body of water in the El Paso region. Camping, fishing, hiking and swimming. On I-25, 120 miles north of El Paso, (505) 744-5421.

Fort Selden State Monument:
Built in 1865, Fort Selden housed the famous black cavalry, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, who protected Mesilla Valley from Indian attacks. It was also the boyhood home of General Douglas MacArthur. Fifteen miles north of Las Cruces, (505) 526-8911.

Gadsden Museum:
Indian and Spanish artifacts, local history exhibits. La Mesilla, (505) 526-6293.

Geronimo Springs Museum:
Local history and mineral exhibits. 211 Main St., Truth or Consequences, (505) 894-6600.

Gila National Forest:
This recreational area covers 3.3 million acres of wilderness. Hunting, fishing, horse riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, camping, and bird watching are available. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument protects seven caves that were inhabited by Indians around 1280 A.D. (505) 388-8201.

Historic Lincoln:
Site of Billy the Kid’s last escape, contains several buildings as well as a visitor center/museum. Lincoln, (505) 653-4025.

Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico:
Captures the history of Roswell and provides insight into the rich heritage of the early New Mexican pioneers. 200 North Lee, Roswell, (505) 622-8333.

Hubbard Museum of the American West:
The Hubbard Museum of the American West is a monument to times and places that are not quite as far off as you may think. It is a place where the visitor can experience the West and actually participate. The Hubbard Museum of the American West provides an entertaining and educational look into our past and the spectacle of the American West as it was in pioneer days and even before. March 21-August 21, 2007 exhibit is Wyatt Earp Goes to the Movies…One mile east of Ruidoso Downs off Hwy. 70 E., Ruidoso Downs, (505) 378-4142.

International UFO Museum and Research Center:
A premier museum on extraterrestrial phenomena and UFOs. 400 N. Main, Roswell, (505) 625-9495, (800) 822-3545.

Las Cruces Museum of Natural History:
Changing exhibits on the Southwest’s natural history. Classes, workshops and special events all year. 700 Telshor Blvd., Mesilla Valley Mall, Las Cruces, (505) 522-3120.

Lincoln National Forest:
Rugged, spectacular high country. The White Mountain Wilderness peaks at 11,500 feet at the tip of Sierra Blanca and is home to elk, deer, wild turkey, cougar, and other species. Bonito Lake is famous for fishing and is stocked with trout annually. Many horse trails, shared with hikers, lead to the Rim Trail overlooking the desert floor from 10,000 feet. Alamogordo, (505) 434-7200.

Living Desert Zoological and Botanical State Park:
This 40-acre park displays Chihuahuan Desert wildlife during an easy 90-minute walk. Outside of Carlsbad, (505) 887-5516.

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum:
Exhibits on farming and ranching, Southwestern art exhibits. 4100 Dripping Springs Rd., Las Cruces, (505) 522-4100.

New Mexico Museum of Space History:
From the rocket sled outside the entrance to the space artifacts inside the International Space Hall of Fame, this museum will amaze you. The five-story structure houses technological discoveries and personal stories of those who made space travel possible. Alamogordo, (505) 437-2840, (877) 333-6589.

New Mexico State University Museum:
A journey through time, illustrating the technological and cultural changes in the Southwest. Kent Hall, University at Solano, (505) 646-3739.

Roswell Museum and Art Center/Robert H. Goddard Planetarium:
Fine art including works by Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth. A rocket-science exhibit features the work of Dr. Robert Goddard. 100 West 11th, (505) 624-6744.

Sacramento Mountains Historical Society and Pioneer Village:
Local history exhibits from 1880 to present. Hwy. 2, Cloudcroft, (505) 682-2932.

Sacramento Peak National Solar Observatory:
Rising 13 stories above the ground, the vacuum telescope, designed to cut through the atmosphere, sits on the edge of Sacramento Peak. This is the premier solar observatory in the Americas and is open to the public. Near Alamogordo, (505) 434-7000.

Silver City Museum:
Trace the history of this area from prehistoric Indians to present while exploring the beautiful H. B. Ailman Victorian home. 312 W. Broadway, Silver City, (505) 538-5921.

Ski Apache:
Owned and operated by the Mescalero Apaches, Ski Apache is on the north shoulder of Sierra Blanca Peak, sacred mountain of the tribe. The peak rises over 12,000 feet and provides slopes with a challenge for every ability. It has some of the best warm-weather powder skiing in the world. (505) 464-3600.

Smokey Bear Museum:
Rumor has it the real Smokey Bear was found by a New Mexico game warden in 1950 clinging to a charred tree after a forest fire. Smokey is buried in the Smokey Bear State Historical Park in Capitan, which houses a museum and gift shop. (505) 354-2298.

Toy Trains Depot:
Train depot built in 1898. More than 1,200 feet of operating model railroad, all scales and 2.2 miles of outdoor railroad. N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo, (888) 207-3564.

The Very Large Array (VLA) Telescope:
On the plains of St. Augustin, sits the world’s largest radio telescope listening for sounds from deep space. The array is comprised of 27 movable 210-ton dish antennas on three 12-mile rails. They are period-ically arranged in different formations to cover diverse parts of the universe. (505) 835-7000.

Western New Mexico University Museum:
The multicultural history of southwestern New Mexico, including the largest permanent exhibit of Mimbres pottery in the world. At WNMU, Silver City. Under renovation in early 2007; call for updates. (505) 538-6386.

White Sands National Monument:
One of the great wonders of the world, these sparkling white gypsum sands cover more than 275 square miles. The park stays open on full moon nights for special evening programs. (505) 679-2599.

West Texas

Balmorhea State Park:
On the way to Fort Davis is one of the largest pools in the United States. More than 25 million gallons of refreshing cool water from San Salmon Springs cover the natural rock bottom pool. You can swim in the pool or snorkel to watch the fish. (432) 375-2370.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,500 feet, has a spectacular view. McKittrick Canyon’s blazing fall colors rival East Coast brilliance. (915) 828-3251.

McDonald Observatory:
The University of Texas located this observatory at 6,800 feet on Mount Lock’s summit because the air is so clear that at night the stars seem to be within reach. You can see the astronomy exhibit and several telescopes that range in size from a 30-inch to a 107-inch lens. Near Ft. Davis, (432) 426-3640, (877) 984-7827.

Chihuahua

Basaseachi National Park:
The largest waterfall in Mexico is the key attraction of this park. Magnificent hiking trails are a feature of Candamena Canyon where, after hiking up the canyon, you can cool off with a swim in the river. (01152656) 16-21-06.

Copper Canyon National Park:
Tarahumara Indians, the oldest known native residents in North America, live in this canyon that rivals the Grand Canyon in splendor and size. Located in the Sierra Madre Mountains at 8,000 feet, Copper Canyon is one of the most beautiful in North America. (01152656) 16-21-06.