Site Seeing/Museums
Historic Walking Tour
Take a leisurely stroll touring our historic district. You can print a tour guide (e-brochure) from our home page or you can pick one up at the Socorro Heritage and Visitor Center, 217 Fisher Avenue, just west of the Historic Plaza. Take along this handy guide to some of the many historical buildings around Socorro. A map and summary of what you will see are included in this guide, and we suggest you begin your tour at the plaza.
Gran Quivera
Gran Quivera is part of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 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. Two churches, excavated Indian structures, museum exhibits, and a 40-minute video are highlights of the site. For more info, call (575) 847-2770.
Link: http://www.nps.gov/sapu
Fort Craig
Fort Craig, established in 1854, was one of the largest and most important frontier forts in the West and also played a crucial role in Indian campaigns and the Civil War. The Fort has a rich multicultural history, full of stories of courage, honor, and sacrifice. Travel about 35 miles south of Socorro on I-25 to the San Miguel Exit, then east over the Interstate, and south on old Highway 1 (about 11 miles). Then follow the signs to Ft. Craig. For more information or a brochure, call (575) 835-0412.
Link: http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/fort_craig_nat_historic_site.htm
El Camino Real International Heritage Center
El Camino Real International Heritage Center is one of the most important legacies of the Spanish settlers, who arrived in New Mexico in 1598. The Heritage Center houses a theater, classroom, gift shop, outdoor patios, an amphitheater, and an observation deck. The natural setting is ideal for interpretation, nature walks, horseback riding, living history presentations, multi-cultural exchange, entertainment, and recreation. Located 30 miles south of Socorro on I-25, take Exit 115 and head east to Highway 1 Frontage Road, then south 1.4 miles; turn east onto County Road 1598, 2.7 miles from Center. Call (575) 854-3600 or (575) 835-8927.
Link: http://www.caminorealheritage.org/
Trinity Site
The first atomic bomb was tested at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time on July 16, 1945 at Trinity Site. The 19-kiloton explosion not only led to a quick end to the war in the Pacific but also ushered the world into the atomic age. This site is open to the public only twice a year, the first Saturday in April and the first Saturday in October. A shuttle service to the site from Socorro is provided by our local Chamber of Commerce (575) 835-0424. For more information, call (575) 678-1134.
Link: http://www.wsmr.army.mil/pao/TrinitySite/trinst.htm
The Mineral Museum
The Mineral Museum established in 1889, houses the collection of 15,000 mineral specimens and was assembled to assist with the education of the engineers and geologists and has grown to be one of the largest. Located at the NM Tech Campus; from California, turn west onto Bullock and keep driving west until you’re on Olive Lane (same street, the name just changes). The NM Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources will be on your left hand side.
Link: http://www.geoinfo.nmt.edu
The Hammel Museum
The Hammel Museum started as a beer garden and, in the intervening century, became successively a brewery, an ice plant, a soda bottling plant, and finally ended as an active industry still making ice. The ice plant closed in the mid-1950’s and is now preserved and managed by the Socorro County Historical Society as a museum. The Hammel Museum is open every Saturday from 9am-noon and is located on 6th Street and Otero.
Link: http://www.rootsweb.com/~nmschs/hammel.html
