20 Fun Things To Do In Ruidoso, New Mexico

1. Savor The Flavors At Noisy Water Winery

Every group has that one friend who has to try wine while visiting a new city. It's interesting and helps create new experiences as well as make good memories in the process.

While on a visit to Ruidoso New Mexico, a great stop is the Noisy Water Winery which houses award-winning wine and hand-crafted cheeses.

From red and white to chili-infused, sweet, and dry wines, Noisy Water Winery stands out for its unique New Mexican chili wines. These wines are crafted with love and care from the exceptional grapes of New Mexico.

2. Explore The Majestic Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Every national park has its importance and specialty; likewise, the majestic Carlsbad Caverns National Park is world-famous. It is one of the perfect additions to a Ruidoso day trip.

To explore the park in depth, visitors can choose from two main trails. The easier option is the Big Room Trail, which is paved and leads through a large limestone chamber filled with impressive rock formations and sculptures.

For those who want to challenge themselves, the Natural Entrance Trail offers a more demanding hike. Moreover, visitors can drive the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive to experience the wildlife and scenic beauty of this New Mexico landmark.

3. Relax And Fish At Seeping Springs Trout Lake

Fishing is not allowed at every lake, but fortunately, it is allowed at Seeping Springs Trout Lake in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Visitors can try fishing even if they are beginners, along with their kids

Rainbow trout are stocked at the lake, and the average catch includes 10-inch trout using fishing poles, baits, and buckets. The lake prohibits the use of outside equipment to keep the pond clean.

For those wanting to stay overnight at the lake, 50 full-hookup sites are available for camping, including water, sewer, electricity, and cable.

4. Have Fun At Pillow’s Funtrackers

For a family traveling with kids to Ruidoso, New Mexico, Pillow's Funtrackers can be the best option to have fun and adventure at the same time. This famous amusement park has been providing entertainment for over twenty years.

Excitement will have no boundaries when kids get to play with the seasonal and yearly attractions like three go-kart tracks, an 18-hole mini-golf, an arcade, bumper boats, a mountain maze, and panning for gemstones.

This park is open only on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tickets can be grabbed at the office located on the east side of the parking lot, with one ticket required per ride.

5. Feel The Rush At Apache Eagle ZipLiner

Every feeling has its own enjoyment and value; likewise, the thrill is something that many people like to experience. This can be enjoyed at Apache Eagle ZipLiner, which soars over the waters of beautiful Lake Mescalero at speeds up to 55 mph.

Except on Saturdays, this zipline operates every day from 10 am to 4 pm, but sometimes zip tours may be canceled due to wind or fog. We recommend that visitors check the weather beforehand and confirm with the center if it is operating on the scheduled day.

6. Discover History At Carrizozo Museum

Even though the building of Carrizozo Museum was constructed in 1940, it opened as a museum 63 years later. It features historical exhibits and collections, educational programs, and events. This place is a good option to visit for those who are interested in history and culture.

From a 1930s kitchen and an old country schoolroom to a 1905 barbershop and a homesteader's log cabin, this museum focuses on railroad and ranching history.

After strolling through the museum, if curiosity doesn't end, books reflecting local history, New Mexico cuisine, and Southwest cooking can be purchased at the gift shop.

7. Embrace The Thrills Of Ruidoso Winter Park

Sometimes, taking a break from work and going on a family trip can be so needed to nurture relationships as well as to recharge the mind and body. Ruidoso Winter Park in New Mexico can be the perfect family-fun destination that offers everything from tubing to a snow play area.

Even if natural snowfall is low, this park produces a significant amount of artificial snow to ensure consistent and excellent skiing conditions throughout the winter season.

For those with an entire day free, the VIP Igloos Package is available. This includes tables, chairs, handmade pizza, beverages, zip line tickets, and unlimited snow tubing, making it perfect for families.

8. Day Trip To White Sands National Park

Traveling to a new city without exploring its national park feels like an incomplete task. Hence, a visit to Ruidoso in the state of New Mexico should warrant a drop-by at the highly visible White Sands National Park.

Here, you get more than sixty miles of dunes that are open and backed up by rugged mountains, a barren desert, and a huge stretch of extremely blue sky. Before starting your journey in the national park, gather information about the area, its local history, and maps at the visitor center.

The guides will suggest hiking as the best way to discover the park and help you choose from the five available trails. For those wanting to enjoy desert and mountain vistas, a stroll along the Interdune Boardwalk until sunset is the highlight of the trip to White Sands.

9. Discover Art on the Ruidoso Mural Tour

Preserving and appreciating real art in real life is becoming rare these days due to the ease of access to art on social media. However, along the streets of Midtown Ruidoso, incredible works of art created by local artists and the Ruidoso Midtown Association have been preserved for a long time.

Visitors are encouraged to take the Ruidoso Mural Tour, where they can witness buildings decorated with ten colorful murals. The tour can also include a visit to the Happy Trails Gift Shop and Hall of Flame Burgers, which are great stops when feeling hungry after the tour.

10. Explore Lincoln National Forest

The Lincoln National Forest in southern Ruidoso, New Mexico, is a must-see destination. Visitors should definitely check it out to experience its awe-inspiring peaks, valleys, rugged canyons, and pine-covered foothills.

There are plenty of activities one is able to undertake in the forest in terms of recreation. It has nineteen developed camping locations for camping, horseback riding, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, and many others.

The area has over 200 miles of trails for hikers. This can classified based on the difficulty from the Trestle Trail, Three Rivers Trail, the South Fork Trail, and Crest Trail.

11. Enjoy Every Sip At Zocca Coffee & Tea

Sipping the first cup of coffee wakes up the soul and gives a kickstart to the day. While on a trip to New Mexico, a morning coffee at Zocca Coffee and Tea is the perfect way to recharge and get a caffeine boost.

This cafe opens every day from 7 AM to 2 PM, serving delicious sandwiches, grilled breakfast burritos, grilled lunch paninis, and other types of burritos.

It is a budget-friendly cafe that offers generous portions, making it worth the money. The cafe is not just limited to coffee, tea, or non-veg items; it also has plenty of vegetarian options.

12. Experience the Serenity of Grindstone Lake

Many visitors prefer outdoor adventure activities over indoor exploration, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and hiking. While visiting New Mexico, the serenity of Grindstone Lake is worth the trip for creating cherished family moments.

To feel like part of nature and wake up to the beautiful view of the lake in the morning, visitors can camp in a tent at Grindstone Lake Campground. The campground provides necessary amenities like restrooms with running water, a shower, a sink, and toilets.

13. Enjoy Top Horse Racing At Ruidoso Downs Race Track

If someone wants to watch horse racing when in Ruidoso, New Mexico then it is possible at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

It provides horse racing lovers with exciting races and has facilities for food and amusement besides entertaining programs throughout the year including All American Futurity. Taking pictures and videos is highly recommended to cherish memories in the future.

This will add sparkle to the whole trip, as cheering for the teams and seeing the races live is truly exhilarating. Taking pictures and videos is highly recommended to cherish memories in the future.  Also, enjoy regional cuisine at nearby restaurants to try the local dishes.

14. Shop And Stroll Through Ruidoso Downtown Corridor

To buy a present for family or friends as a memory from a trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico, explore the unique boutiques in the Ruidoso Downtown Corridor. These shops also offer cute, vintage-designed clothes for a bit of self-pampering.

There are traditional handicrafts and memorabilia representing other local artisans in this place if you want something different to purchase.

Visitors can then choose from an array of restaurants, ranging from simple take-out joints to high-end gourmet dining, thus enjoying the rich tastes and dishes that define the area.

15. Relish Freshly Baked Goods At The Village Buttery

To enjoy delicious food in Ruidoso, New Mexico, after a whole day of exploring, visitors should try the famous lunch spot called The Village Buttery.

This place has been operating since 1994 and has won the title of Best Lunch in Lincoln County several times. Their famous Granny Guthrie's Buttermilk Pie is highly recommended, along with other gourmet desserts, pies, and cookies.

From sandwiches and salads to flavorful soups, quiches, and special hot dishes, this restaurant offers a delicious menu. The food can be enjoyed on the Aspen patio or inside the comfy dining room.

16. Soak In The Views At Monjeau Lookout

No matter how much modern buildings or shows attract visitors, natural places full of beautiful views and greenery have a special place in every visitor's heart.

To get the best view of Lincoln National Forest, visitors should head to Monjeau Lookout, which is north of Ruidoso. After parking the vehicle at the parking area, the steep trail begins, which can be slippery during winter, so the whole site may be closed at that time.

Being aware of summer thunderstorms is advised, and it is important to drive carefully on the curvy and rough roads.

17. Escape To Tranquility At Bonito Lake

Finding tranquility is the best feeling while traveling. It can be achieved by visiting Bonito Lake during a trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Visitors can enjoy fishing and camping opportunities, along with great hiking trails and streams, at this popular alpine reservoir. However, a New Mexico fishing license is required for fishing and can be obtained at any sports store.

For drinking water and restrooms, visitors can go to the Westlake Campground. To maintain safety, fires are not allowed except in designated fire pits, and camping at the lake shores is prohibited.

18. Catch The Latest Films At Ruidoso Movie Theater

While traveling, visitors might miss the latest films at their favorite theaters. In Ruidoso, New Mexico, the Ruidoso Movie Theater is always there to catch up on new releases.

It has a selection of new movie releases, including the latest hits and kid-friendly fare. The way a movie should be seen, where you see it, is also just as important to the amount of stadium seats in a theater and what view they have across an auditorium

Visitors can enjoy a friendly atmosphere and convenient amenities at this theater, with classic favorite popcorn with extra cheese often being a highlight of the movie experience.

19. Saddle Up At Grindstone Stables

For those who want more than just watching horse racing, Grindstone Stables offers a hands-on experience. Live out the cowboy or cowgirl dream.

From beginners to individuals with special needs, this place makes it possible for everyone to ride a horse according to their ability level. Visitors are recommended to make reservations to secure their spot, although walk-ins pending availability are also possible.

While making the road trip to reach this place, many scenic trails will be seen along the way, where visitors can stretch their legs, get out of the car, and take some pictures of the view.

20. Visit The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino

Playing at a casino is not just about money but a habit and experience. Those interested in trying their luck can visit the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Under one roof a wide range of slot machines, table games, and poker are available, along with dining options and live entertainment. It is an excellent choice for a weekend in Ruidoso.

For those wishing to stay overnight, luxurious accommodation options are also available at the resort, along with a golf course and a variety of recreational activities.