Las Cruces NM Attractions
Whether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll love this place for its unique charm and rich history. This quaint town offers a wide range of attractions, from the historic Branigan Cultural Center to the winery and day use area in Soledad Canyon.
Old Mesilla is haunted by miners
Among the many ghosts in Las Cruces, New Mexico are those of Old Mesilla. This is a century-and-a-half-old adobe village in the Rio Grande Valley. It was established in the 1840s. The town was a commercial and agricultural hub. It also was the territorial capital of New Mexico.
Mesilla was the site of Billy the Kid’s escape from jail. The town was also the location of one of the largest battles of the Apache Wars. It was a popular destination for legends like Kit Carson and Pat Garrett.
Old Mesilla isn’t the only ghost town in New Mexico. In fact, there are several places that have been discovered to have haunted spirits. There’s the KiMo Theatre, Grant Corner Inn, and the Laguna Pueblo Mission.
Old Mesilla’s plaza is home to a beautiful church that was built in 1906. There are stained-glass windows and a gazebo. The building is reportedly haunted by former residents.
Branigan Cultural Center
Located in the heart of downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico, the Branigan Cultural Center is part of a revitalized city. This historic 1935 Pueblo Revival building features a variety of cultural exhibitions and activities. It is housed in the National and State registries of historic buildings, and the staff is dedicated to maintaining the center’s significance to the community.
The center also serves as a performance space for a variety of community events. The center has a growing number of educational demonstrations, classes and lectures. It is also home to the museum of art and the Mexican guest worker initiative.
The “Cleared for Take Off” exhibit explores the history of aviation in southern New Mexico and its impact on the region. The exhibit includes historic objects, photographs and oral histories.
Winery
Located on Highway 28 south of Las Cruces, Mesilla Winery was established in 1977. In 1993, it was bought by Ken and Denise Stark. They added a larger outdoor dance floor, sod, landscaping and privacy curtains. They also have a wonderful selection of gourmet foods, candies, wines and spirits.
The winery has several events throughout the year. It also offers tours on weekends. It is open on weekdays till 8pm and on weekends till 10pm. It can accommodate up to 500 people.
The Amaro Winery is located near historic downtown Las Cruces. It offers a wide variety of red and white wines. It also has live music on weekends. It also has karaoke. They offer salsa lessons. It also has private tastings and group meetings.
Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
Located at the junction of Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon, the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is an excellent spot to explore nature and wildlife in the Organ Mountains. The area is also ideal for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. There are several trails to choose from.
The Bar Canyon Trail is a three mile loop with scenic views of the central and southern Mesilla Valley. The hike also offers great views of the Organ Mountains.
The Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is open year-round, and the trail is easy to navigate. There are many surprising finds along the way. The best part of this trail is that it is also a great place to spot native birds.
The Soledad Canyon Day Use area also features a three mile loop trail known as the Bar Canyon Trail. This loop trail is perfect for anyone looking for a great hike. It is also perfect for beginners. It offers a waterfall halfway through the hike.
Water tank murals
Throughout the Las Cruces area, water tank murals are painted on the side of water tanks. These murals tell the stories of the area’s rich history and share the culture and lifestyle of the people who live here. They are usually painted in earth tones, which change as people walk around them. They also are decorated with native plants and animals.
One of the most well-known water tank murals is the “Recycled Roadrunner,” a mural that is a landmark for the city of Las Cruces. It is located near the Interstate 10 rest stop and U.S. 70 rest stop. It has been restored several times and is still a favorite attraction.
Another mural is the “Journey to the Sacred Springs,” a tribute to healing hot springs. The mural features three Apache Indians on horseback. It is surrounded by vertical lines that look like basket weave.
