Attractions

Watch Video Click the coin to view our 14-minute video featuring highlights of a 5-Day Journey through Socorro County and Sierra County - two neighboring counties with numerous assets!
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Each season, the Bosque del Apache offers unique bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. Peak visitation occurs in winter when bald eagles and thousand of sandhill cranes and snow geese flock to the fields and marshes.

Very Large Array
The Very Large Array (VLA) comprises 27 radio telescopes in a “Y” pattern spread across the plains of San Agustin 50 miles west of Socorro. The VLA has been used by more astronomers and has been mentioned in more scientific papers than any other radio telescope in the world.

NM Tech Performing Arts Series
Enjoy high-quality touring performances in popular and classical music, theater, dance and family entertainment, in the intimate Macey Center Theater at an amazingly affordable price.

San Miguel Mission
The historic church, a few blocks from the Plaza, was built in 1891 and stands on the site of the original mission that was built in 1627.

New Mexico Tech
New Mexico Tech is an undergraduate and graduate university specializing in science and engineering education and research. Tech divisions and departments include world-class research programs in hydrology, geophysics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, explosives research, anti-terrorism technology, information technology and security, and many others.

Mineral Museum
Established in 1889, the collection of 15,000 mineral specimens was assembled to assist with the education of engineers and geologists and grew to be one of the finest in the world.

Joseph R. Skeen Library
More than 600,000 books, periodicals, government documents, microforms, maps, videos and computer files are held in the 54,000-square foot, three-story library building on the northeast corner on the campus.

Frank T. Etscorn Campus Observatory
Dedicated April 25, 1993, this observatory is one of the sites of the annual Enchanted Skies Star Party. In addition, many public and private star parties are held here throughout the year.

Golf Course
The golf course is an uncrowned, 18-hole championship layout of rolling hills, dramatic elevation changes and dynamic views of the Rio Grande Valley.

Macey Center
Available for conferences, meetings, parties, weddings, special events and performances, Macey Center offers elegant catering services by Chartwells, a lovely upper lobby art gallery and scenic mountain views.

Gran Quivira
Part of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Gran Quivira was an important trade center before and after the Spanish entrada. Apache raids, drought and famine caused the Pueblo Indians to abandon the site in 1672.

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
Although the majority of the refuge is closed to public use, a few areas are open for public enjoyment, including the visitor center.

Quebradas Backcountry Byway
Enjoy a 24-mile drive along scenic colored cliffs, arroyos and rock formations.

Water Canyon Campground
Enjoy hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping at the foot of the Magdalena Mountains, 21 miles west of Socorro on US 60.

Escondida Lake Park
This lake park offers fishing and camping, RV hookups, tent sites, bathrooms and potable water.

San Lorenzo Canyon
Hike and explore the Chihuahuan Desert’s plant and animal life at this photogenic canyon.

Socorro Fat Tire Trails
Mountain bikers will find that Socorro is a gateway to all year adventure.

Box Canyon
“The Box” is a popular site for rock climbing, hiking and camping, and attacts locals and knowledgeable visitors.

Parks and Recreation
City of Socorro Parks and Recreation provides leisure activities for the entire family.

Socorro’s Historic Plaza
The idea of a plaza as a geographic center of a community dates back to ancient times, making Socorro’s Plaza a testimony to historic custom an culture.

Trinity Site
The world’s first atomic bomb was detonated in the Jornada del Muerto in 1945 at the Trinity Site.

El Camino Real International Heritage Center
During the colonial times, the area now known as New Mexico was tied to the outside world by a trial that descended the Rio Grande Valley from Santa Fe to Mexico City.

Farmers Market
Buy fresh, locally-grown produce direct from the farmer. Featuring occasional entertainment, this friendly gathering is open July through October on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings on the Historic Plaza

Socorro Community Theater
Making its debut in the spring of 1994, Socorro Community Theatre usually produces two fall shows-one during the Festival of the Cranes-and in the spring and summer.

Alamo Mercantile and Gallery
More than 25 artists create in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, and fiber arts.

Fullingim, Isenhour & Leard Galleries
Visit artist Sharon Fullingim, Natasha Isenhour, Skeeter Leard and Margi Lucena for relaxing and unique art experience.

Socorro Heritage and Visitor Center
The mission of the City of Socorro Heritage and Visitor Center is to create a publicly owned facility to preserve, display, and maintain valuable items of historical significance; therefore, our heritage. This is being accomplished by encouraging the locals of the area to bring forth historical items to add to our collection.