Cultural, Historical, & Scientific
Discover centuries of Native American, Spanish, & Western history…
brought to life through our historic sites, museums, and cultural festivals. From exploring ancient petroglyphs to witnessing cutting-edge space science technology in action at the Very Large Array (VLA), Socorro promises an unforgettable journey through time and discovery.
Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation
The Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation is truly a step back in time. Navajo culture abounds in this remote community which is located 29 miles north of Magdalena.
Culinary Delights: Famous Green Chile Cheeseburgers
The Socorro area is known for some of the most famous green chile cheeseburgers in the country?
El Camino Real Historic Trail Site (Temporarily Closed)
El Camino Real Historic Trail Site is one of the most important legacies of the Spanish settlers, who arrived in New Mexico in 1598. The Site houses a theater, classroom, gift shop, outdoor patios, an amphitheater, and an observation deck.
El Camino Real National Scenic Byway
El Camino Royal de Tierra Adentro, The Royal Road to the Interior, threaded 1,500 miles northward from Zacatecas, Mexico to the far edges of known Spanish world.
Elfego Baca Heritage Park
Flanking the Plaza in Socorro’s historic district, the beautiful Elfego Baca Heritage Park is a great spot to learn about local history as it has several monuments relaying stories of Socorro, as well as a beautiful art history wheel.
Etscorn Observatory
The observatory is located on the New Mexico Tech campus. On every 1st Saturday of each month you are invited to a Guided Night Sky Stargazing at the observatory.
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.
Garcia Opera House
The Garcia Opera House is located at 110 Abeyta Avenue West in Socorro, NM. It is a National Historic Site and is owned and operated by the Garcia Opera House Foundation.
Genealogy: Searching for Ancestral Roots
Where do we come from? A timeless question. If your search for your ancestral roots has led you to Socorro we can help.
Ghost Towns of Socorro County
Ghost Towns found in Socorro County are Fort Craig, Kelly, Riley (Santa Rita), Rosedale and San Marcial. Articles Published by Paul Harden: Ghost Towns of Socorro County Part 1 Part 2 Ghost Town Guide
Gran Quivera
Part of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Gran Quivera 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.
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 of the Tech campus.
Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA)
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.
Lady of the Mountain
Legend says that, in the 1500s, a Spanish soldier saw the face of Mary Magdalene on the north side of the mountain. The village at the base of that mountain was named Magdalena in her honor.
Macey Center
The spectacular Macey Center houses art of all kinds. Home to the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series it is host to live performances from national acts which hail from all over the country.
Mineral Museum
The Mineral Museum houses the collection of 15,000 mineral specimens and was assembled to assist with the education of the engineers and geologists.
Mission Churches of Socorro County
Beginning in the 1500’s Spanish colonists journeyed up the Rio Grande Valley and established settlements and mission churches along the way.
Navajo Fine Jewelry and Collectibles
Navajo Fine Jewelry and Collectibles offers a wide variety of local, handmade products.
New Mexico Tech
New Mexico Tech is an undergraduate and graduate university specializing in science and engineering education and research.
New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series
A slate of high-quality touring performances – popular and classical music, theater, dance and family entertainment – held in the intimate Macey Center Theater on the New Mexico Tech campus.
Performing Arts: Live for Your Enjoyment
Socorro is blessed with a culture of live entertainment! Nothing seems to get the crowd going like the many entertaining live shows and performances taking place throughout the year.
San Marcial
San Marcial is a small town about 30 miles south of Socorro. San Marcial was once home to over 2,500 people.
San Miguel Mission
The historic church celebrates its 400th Anniversary in 2015. Located a few blocks from the Plaza, the original mission was built between 1615 and 1627.
Science and Technology: Living on the Cutting Edge
Things evolve so quickly and we are lucky to be on the cutting edge.
Socorro Community Theater
The Socorro Community Theatre usually produces two fall shows per year, one in the fall during Festival of the Cranes, and another in spring/summer.
Socorro County Arts Gallery
Socorro County Arts is dedicated to promoting the visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and creative crafts in Socorro County, New Mexico.
Socorro County Chile Growers
There is nothing better than fresh New Mexico chile produced in the rich farm lands of the Rio Grande, and the Socorro area has many local family farmers who raise more than five varieties of green chile.
Socorro Heritage Museum
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.
Socorro Historical District Scenic Byway
The history of Socorro is told in its architecture, and the Socorro Historical District Scenic Byway is the visual embodiment of that history.
Socorro Landing: A UFO Story
Read about one of the best-documented UFO sightings in U.S. history – an event that was witnessed by City of Socorro Police Officer Lonnie Zamora, and investigated by many top scientists.
Socorro Picture Framing and Art Gallery
Socorro Picture Framing & Art Gallery is a full service custom framing shop and fine art gallery displaying works of local and national artists.
Trinity Site
The first atomic bomb was tested at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time on July 16, 1945 at Trinity Site.