Are you planning a trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico, and want to make it more fun by doing some fun things? Don’t look any further! This is the right place for you because we’re going to talk about the 26 best and most fun things to do in Ruidoso, NM. This will make your trip more interesting.
The town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, is in the middle of the Sierra Blanca mountain range and is full of exciting things to do. Aside from its beautiful scenery, this small mountain town has a lot to offer in the way of history, art, and adventure.
Along with the well-known Ski Apache Ski Resort, Ruidoso has many other interesting and fun things to do that will help you get the most out of your trip. You should also know when the best time is to go to Ruidoso, New Mexico so that you can get the most out of your trip.
26 Fun and Awesome Things To Do In Ruidoso, New Mexico (2024)
1. Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
The All American Futurity, the biggest quarter horse race in the world, takes place at Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino. This is where your trip to Ruidoso should start.
One of the best things to see in Ruidoso, New Mexico, is this amazing horse race. It has a great casino with both new and old games, restaurants, a lot of other facilities, and experienced rivals riding well-trained horses.
As part of the fun things to do this weekend in Ruidoso, NM, you can watch some of the fastest quarter horses in the world race. You can also check out The Billy the Kid Casino, which is right there and has a lot of different games.
26225 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, USA
2. Hubbard Museum Of The American West
The Hubbard Museum of the American West is one of the best things to do in Ruidoso, New Mexico. This museum has been around since 1992 and is all about the history of the American West.
The Anne C. Stradling Collection, which includes real buggies and wagons, equine items, Native American art, and Native Western artifacts, is kept at the museum. Another thing the museum shows is how horses have shaped Western history.
While you’re there, you should look around the museum and take a walk through the lovely sculpture park, which has seven life-size art pieces by Dave McGray. When you go with your kids, let them play in family-friendly areas like the Children’s Interactive Area or go to one of the free Summer Saturday events every month.
26301 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, USA
3. Grindstone Lake
One of the most famous places to relax in Ruidoso is Grindstone Lake. This beautiful 500-acre lake is just minutes from downtown Ruidoso and a great place to have fun outside.
People love to sail, kayak, swim, and fish for rainbow trout, catfish, and smallmouth bass in the lake. The nearby trail system is great for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback rides, and there are many places from which to see the lake.
One of the coolest things to do in Ruidoso with your family is to check out this beautiful lake and do fun things outside. The 27-hole disc golf course at Grindstone Lake is another place where you can play golf with family and friends.
111 Wiggins Way, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
4. Lincoln Historic Site
There are some interesting things to do near Ruidoso, NM. One is to visit the Lincoln Historic Site, which is only a short drive away. It is the most popular state monument in New Mexico.
There are 48 buildings in the historic area. The state of New Mexico owns 17 of them. There are museums in four of the houses all year, and two are only open during certain times of the year.
From the Wright House, the Curry Saloon, and the Tunstall Store, each building has its own story. The Torreon Store, the Old Courthouse, and the Montano Store, which was a tower to protect against Native American raids, are some examples.
Most people know the Lincoln Historic Site as the place where Billy the Kid, Pat Garett, and other important people lived. You can see what life was like in the 1870s and 1880s by taking a short drive to this historic spot.
Highway 380 Mm 97, 5, Lincoln, NM 88338, USA
5. Spencer Theater For The Performing Arts
At the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in Ruidoso, New Mexico, you can see a show tonight. A fun thing to do there.
There are performances in this 514-seat, state-of-the-art theater every 11 days of the year, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances. There are different summer and winter seasons.
The theater is a work of art, with its stunning architecture that covers 74 acres. The crystal entryway, with its Dale Chihuly chandelier, is a work of art in and of itself.
You can see your favorite play or performance at the theater, but you can also take a free tour of the building any time of the year and be amazed by its architecture.
108 Spencer Rd, Alto, NM 88312, USA
6. Ruidoso Winter Park
Going to Ruidoso Winter Park is a fun thing to do with your family in the winter. This park, which is in a valley surrounded by mountains, is a great place to do snow sports in the winter.
There are lots of fun things to do at the winter park, like summer and winter sledding, zip line rides, and a mountain coaster. The main draw at the park is snow tubing, which has several lanes and magic carpet lifts. There are also igloo tents and other snow activities.
During your visit, you can do many things, such as tubing in the snow or summer, taking a zip line, or going on a mountain coaster. You can also get cozy in an igloo tent, drink hot chocolate, or spend the night around a campfire.
121 Ski Run Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
7. Fort Stanton
Fort Stanton is one of the best places to visit near Ruidoso. From a military post during the Indian Wars to a prison camp during World War II, Fort Santon has had many roles since it was built in 1885.
The 240-acre site is now a live history museum where people can walk around, see the old hospital, and even watch historical events being reenacted.
The 24,000-acre Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, which has many outdoor activities, is all around the fort.
You can either go on your own or with a guide through the museum and visitors center, which has historical displays, an introductory movie, and a Gift Shop with books and Fort Stanton souvenirs.
The address is 104 Kit Carson Rd, Fort Stanton, NM 88323 In the United States
8. Flying J Ranch
The Flying J Ranch is a popular place for families to visit in Ruidoso. They are known for cooking ranch-style dinners and playing Western music.
Everyone in the family will have a great time at the Flying J Ranch. There are shooting reenactments, chuckwagon suppers (a hearty meal served from a wagon), pony rides, and a Western-style church service.
People can also go to the Ranch’s TeePee, which has Native American artifacts and a short audio presentation about the Mescalero tribe’s past.
1028 NM-48, Alto, NM 88312, USA
9. Ski Apache
One of the best places to visit in Ruidoso, New Mexico, is Ski Apache. Ski Apache, which was built in 1938 and is 11,500 feet high, is a winter wonderland for ski and snowboard fans.
It is the southernmost major ski area in the country and is run by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. You can ski on more than 55 runs and trails spread out over 750 acres of land. There are 11 lifts and slopes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced skiers.
In addition to the thrilling ski trails, you can also enjoy wide views of the nearby scenery, such as the White Sands of New Mexico. As long as you go during the summer, you can enjoy mountain biking paths and the Apache Wind Rider zipline tour.
1286 Ski Run Road Alto, New Mexico 88312, USA
10. Free Spirits At Noisy Water
Want to do something fun for free today in Ruidoso? After that, check out the Free Spirits at Noisy Water. The Free Spirits at Noisy Water is a tribute to the important role horses have played in history. It has eight bronze statues that are set in a natural setting and each shows a different type of horse.
Each of the eight horses, which weighs between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, stands on just nine legs, which is called an “engineering foot.”
There are seven American breeds shown on the memorial. They are the Thoroughbred, the Quarter horse, the Appaloosa, the Painte with Foal, the Arabian, the Morgan, and the Standardbred.
Look at these beautiful statues and enjoy the work of art as you walk around.
You can find us at 2342 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345:
11. Grindstone Stables
Horseback rides through the forest above Grindstone Lake with a guide are a fun thing to do in Ruidoso, New Mexico. One company that offers professional and experienced guides is the Grindstones Stable, which is a horseback riding business.
The guides will make sure you have a safe and fun ride, even if you’ve never been on a horse before. You can see Grindstone Lake and the mountains around it from the trail rides, which go through the beautiful Lincoln National Forest.
If horses aren’t your thing, Grindstone Stables also has carriage and sleigh rides that are great for a romantic evening or fun with the whole family.
523 Resort Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
12. Pillow’s Funtrackers
This is one of the best places in Ruidoso, New Mexico, for family fun. There are many fun things to do at the entertainment center.
There are 3 go-kart tracks, 18 holes of mini-golf, bumper boats, a maze, arcade games, and other fun things for people of all ages to do at this family leisure center.
People can go karting or play mini-golf on a course with obstacles that look like mountains. If you go during the winter, don’t miss the chance to play in the snow and have a snowball fight or build a snowman.
101 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
13. Smoky Bear Historical Park
The Smoky Bear Historical Park is one of the best places to visit in Ruidoso, New Mexico. It was built in 1976 to honor Smokey Bear, Capitan’s favorite son.
This park in Capitan, close to Ruidoso, is where the famous bear cub that became a national symbol for preventing forest fires was born and where it was laid to rest.
There are interesting displays at the Visitor’s Center about forest health and wildfires, as well as the science of fire ecology and the history of preventing forest fires. There is also a small theater in the park that shows a short film about how fires and healthy forests affect people.
When you come with your family, you can check out the playground for kids, which has a fire tower, a climbing wall, a fire engine, swings, and a picnic area. You can also see the old train depot.
118 Smokey Bear Blvd, Capitan, NM 88316, USA
14. Mescalero Apache Cultural Center And Museum
At the Mescalero Apache Cultural Center and Museum, you can learn about the past of the Mescalero Apache tribe. This is one of the most interesting things to do near Ruidoso, NM.
The museum gives a good picture of the Lipan, Chiricahua, and Mescalero Apache groups. People who go to the cultural center can learn about the tribe’s history, customs, and daily life. You will also see guns, clothes, tools, and a lot of beautiful baskets made by the Apache in the past.
The yearly ceremonial dances and interesting displays about their creation story make a trip to this cultural center a deep chance to learn about the tribe’s spiritual connection to the land and its history.
181 Chiricahua Plaza, Mescalero, NM 88340, USA
15. Ruidoso River Museum
Visit the Ruidoso River Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Ruidoso, NM. This is another one-of-a-kind thing to do in Ruidoso.
The museum’s collection includes items, photos, and papers related to famous people from the Old West and the Lincoln County War. These people include sheriffs William Brady and Pat Garrett, who were with Billy the Kid, as well as lawyer and businessman Alexander McSween.
There are also a lot of things about Billy the Kid and Pat Garret at the Ruidoso River Museum. It also has a lot of artifacts from archaeology and items related to famous people.
Know more about the city’s past and culture by going on a tour of the museum with a guide.
101 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
16. Wingfield Park
Wingfield Park is right in the middle of Ruidoso and is one of the best places for families to have fun in Ruidoso. Because it has green lawns and winding walks, this park is a gathering place for both locals and tourists.
Wingfield Park has a playground, picnic tables, a disc golf course, a walking path that is half a mile long, and an 8-acre open area that can be used for events. This is where a lot of neighborhood festivals happen, like the Ruidoso Art Festival and the Festival of Lights.
If you’re there in the summer, you have to go to the weekly “Movies in the Park” series. Spend some time in the park, watch a movie with other people, and enjoy the stars.
300 Center Street, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
17. Perk Canyon Trail
The Perk Canyon Trail is one of the best ways to see the beautiful nature that makes Ruidoso famous. The moderate difficulty level of this 4.7-mile trail makes it great for a day walk.
You can hike, ride horses, or ride mountain bikes on the Perk Canyon Trail. It also has streams with trees over them and open views of the Sierra Blanca peak in all directions.
As you stroll through the thick forest, keep an eye out for animals like deer and many types of birds.
Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345, USA
18. Eagle Creek Sports Complex
Fans of sports can have a good time this weekend in Ruidoso, NM, by going to the Eagle Creek Sports Complex.
Events and leagues for lacrosse, soccer, and baseball that are the biggest in Eagle County take place at the site. This building has two full-size baseball and softball fields and two fields that can be used for baseball, soccer, and lacrosse.
The tennis and basketball courts are kept in good shape and are fun for players of all levels. You will enjoy the new playgrounds if you are coming with your children. There are also places to have a picnic, so it’s a great place for a family day trip.
500 W New Mexico Road 523, Alto, NM 88312, USA
19. Ruidoso Bowling Center
Are you looking for something fun to do tonight in Ruidoso, New Mexico? You should then go to the Ruidoso Bowling Center. Both locals and tourists can have fun with their families at this recreation center.
There are 10 bowling lanes, 4 pool tables, 4 standard dart boards, arcade games, a diner, and a lounge for events and parties at the entertainment center.
You can have a great time with your family at the Ruidoso Bowling Center. They have a restaurant and bar inside that serve tasty food and cool drinks, so it’s a great place for the whole family to have fun.
1202 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
20. Bonito Lake
Going to Bonito Lake is one of the many things you can do in Ruidoso, NM. High up in the Sierra Blanca mountains, northwest of Ruidoso, this man-made lake is a peaceful haven.
The lake is a favorite place to fish, hike, and camp, but it is currently closed because of the damage from the Little Bear Fire. Due to its high elevation, the lake stays cold all year, and it is home to many rainbow fish.
That the Lincoln National Forest is all around this lake makes it a great spot to take the kids. You can camp, fish, hike, or just relax at Bonito Lake.
Highway 37, Alamogordo, NM 88341, USA
21. Monjeau Lookout
The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Monjeau Lookout in 1936. It has a wide view of the White Mountains and Ruidoso. This tower was built to keep an eye out for forest fires and is in Lincoln National Forest.
The drive up to Monjeau is just as exciting as the view from the top. Several hiking trails lead to the lookout. In the spring, these trails go through dense woods and meadows full of wildflowers.
Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345, USA
22. Adventure Mountain
Visit Adventure Mountain Family Fun Center in Ruidoso. It’s one of the best things to do with kids. There are many indoor and outdoor events at the fun center.
A glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, a bazooka ball, a ropes course, a climbing wall, arcade games, a laser maze, and kid rides are all at the site.
You can do a lot of different things during your visit, like ice skating, rock climbing, crossing a rope course, hitting balls at the batting cages, and more.
1056 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
23. Casino Apache Travel Center
Even though it’s not the most famous casino in the world, the Casino Apache Travel Center gives you a taste of how people gamble in New Mexico.
There is a casino, restaurant, car wash, convenience store, and more at this famous tourist spot. There are many slot machines, table games, and bingo rooms, so there is something for every player. The place also has live music every week, which makes the atmosphere lively and lively.
Visit the Casino Apache Travel Center and play fun games at the casino. This is one of the fun things to do in Ruidoso.
The address is S High St, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA.
24. Ruidoso Escape Rooms
Want to do something fun with your family and friends in Ruidoso? Then, go to Ruidoso Escape Rooms for an adventure that will pull you in and keep you guessing.
Ruidoso Escape Rooms opened in 2019 and has two rooms with puzzles and other tasks that you can solve together. In less than an hour, participants have the chance to complete a set of tasks and puzzles. Mystery Cabin and The Ol’ Water’n Hole are two escape rooms that you can visit.
The address is 2809 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA.
25. Noisy Water Winery
New Mexico’s wine is something you have to try on your trip to Ruidoso. Noisy Water Winery has been around since 2009 and has two tasting rooms with a huge selection of fine wine.
Their tasting room in the middle of Ruidoso has a great selection of wines, from bold reds to crisp whites.
When people go to the beautiful winery, they can try all of their cheeses and wines with some of Noisy Waters’ olive oils and balsamic vinegar they have for taste.
The address is 2331 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA.
26. Links At Sierra Blanca
This weekend, one fun thing to do in Ruidoso, New Mexico, is to play golf at Links at Sierra Blanca Golf Course.
This 18-hole championship course, which opened in 1991, is a great mix of traditional mountain golf and golf played in the Scottish way. The course is 6,900 feet long and has a 40,000-square-foot driving range tee and an 18,000-square-foot putting green with chipping and hole areas. These are great for practicing or just getting warmed up.
In addition to golf, the course has a food bar where you can get cold drinks and tasty snacks like breakfast burritos and sandwiches.
105 Sierra Blanca Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
Get ready for your trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico.
The city of Ruidoso in New Mexico is very pretty and has a lot of history, culture, and scenery. Every place to visit and thing to do, from the lush trails and snow-capped mountains to the busy markets and informative museums, gives tourists a chance to enter a world that is both timeless and always changing.
This town will give you memories that will last long after your trip is over if you decide to visit. We hope that this guide gives you a good place to start learning about this exciting city.