HISTORY & CULTURE

The Living Past
New Mexico's culture isn't just preserved in museums—it's a part of everyday life. Descendants of ancient Native Americans and Spanish colonists pass along centuries-old traditions and language. The spirit of the American West is very much alive. Off the slopes, you'll find a wealth of choices for exploring our vibrant heritage.

Information
The New Mexico Vacation Guide, published by the State Tourism Department is a comprehensive source of information for the entire state. Order one by calling 1-800-SEE-NEW-MEX or visit their website at www.newmexico.org. Many resort communities have their own visitors guides. Check with local Chambers of Commerce or Convention & Visitors Bureaus.

American Indians
-The striking, multi-storied buildings at Taos Pueblo are world famous. But the Pueblo is often closed for ceremonies in February and March. Check before visiting.
-Several Pueblos are near Santa Fe and Los Alamos. Santa Clara and San Ildefonso are easy to find and are home to many artists who sell handmade pottery.
-There are Pueblos near Albuquerque or you can visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to experience all of them.
-Ski Apache is owned by the Mescalero Apache tribe and the town of Ruidoso is near the reservation. There is a small museum in the town of Mescalero.
-Many Pueblos have a museum or visitor’s center which will help you understand their history and culture. It is always a good idea to check rules before visiting. Pueblos keep certain areas off-limits and there are usually restrictions on photography.

Art and History
-New Mexico has always inspired artists. In Taos, visit the historic homes of two of them, Nicolai Fechin and E. L. Blumenschein. The Harwood Foundation features Southwestern art, including a collection by minimalist Agnes Martin, and the Van Vectin-Lineberry Taos Art Museum is a good place to see works from the famous Taos art colony. The Martinez Hacienda and the Kit Carson Home and Museum offer glimpses of life in historic times. The Millicent Rogers Museum has an important collection of Native American art.
-Santa Fe is full of museums—15 of them in all. Highlights include the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. The oldest government building in the United States, the Palace of the Governors is dedicated to New Mexico history and culture. There are also the Fine Arts Museum and SITE Santa Fe, which features cutting-edge contemporary art. Take in music, dance or theater at the beautifully renovated Lensic Performing Arts Center.
-In Albuquerque, explore the wonders of nature at the Museum of Natural History and Science with its theater, the Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoological Park and Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. They are in one area, so you can see them all in a day. The new National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque Museum of Art and History and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology also have many fascinating exhibits. For a more offbeat experience, visit the Rattlesnake Museum or the Turquoise Museum in Old Town.
-The Old West comes to life at the Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso. Enjoy year-round professional performances at the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts.
-In Los Alamos, spend a fascinating day at the Bradbury Science Museum learning about the Manhattan Project and other scientific discoveries.
-The Vietnam Veterans Memorial near Angel Fire and Red River is a moving tribute.

Archaeology
-Ancestors of today’s Pueblo Indians built spectacular cliff dwellings and villages. Bandelier National Monument is within easy driving distance of Santa Fe and Los Alamos and is well worth the trip.
-Once a thriving trade center, Pecos National Historic Park, north of Santa Fe, is an abandoned Pueblo with a 17th century mission church.
-You’ll be spellbound by the rock art created by ancient Indians. Walk the trails through Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque or Three Rivers Petroglyph National Recreation Site in southern New Mexico.

Road Trips
-The countryside made famous by artist Georgia O’Keeffe is only about an hour from Santa Fe. You can hike among the red bluffs at Ghost Ranch or visit her home in Abiquiu (advance reservations required). Take a picnic for lunch at scenic Abiquiu Lake.
-Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque for awesome views of the Rio Grande Valley and mountain wildlife.
-Don’t miss Lincoln, part of the National Historic Trust, in southern New Mexico. The perfectly preserved town was the scene of some of Billy the Kid’s most notorious escapades.