Local Area Attractions Near Las Vegas, New Mexico KOA Journey

Historic Las Vegas

Historic Las Vegas

By the mid 1800's the plaza of Las Vegas Grandes en el Rio de las Gallinas (the large meadows on the Turkey River) had been laid out according to the Spanish and Mexican Custom, and the first waves of traders and pioneers had ventured westward across the plains on the Santa Fe Trail. Las Vegas, rich with history and architecture boasts a legacy of New Mexico's original architecture and is considered one of the best preserved "outdoor museums" in the country. With over 900 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors can view Adobe, Folk Victorian, Queen Anne, Romanesque, Territorial, Richardsonian Romanesque, Eastlake, Italian Villa, Italianate and Folk Renaissance Revival styles.

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

William Becknell left Old Franklin, Missouri in September, 1821, heading west to trade with the Indians. However, in New Mexico he encountered Spanish dragoons who, instead of taking him prisoner for having entered Spanish colonial territory illegally, urged him to bring his goods to Santa Fe. Becknell quickly sold his goods and organized another expedition. thus was born the Santa Fe Trail. The largest visible network of Santa Fe Trail ruts can be seen at Fort Union National Monument.

Fort Union National Monument

Fort Union National Monument

Adobe ruins and Santa Fe Trail ruts mark what was once the largest military post in the American Southwest (1851-1891). Stroll amid the time-worn walls of Fort Union established to guard wagon trains and traders from attack along the Santa Fe Trail.

Pecos National Historical Park

Pecos National Historical Park

Pecos National Historic Park is a window to the past of Pueblo, Spanish and Anglo peoples whose centuries of interaction have molded New Mexico. Take the ruins trail walk (1-1/4 miles round trip). It will take you through 500 years of history . . . winding up the hill past vistas of meadows and the ancient walls that marked the boundaries of the pueblo. Take a ladder down into a Kiva that once served as the Indians' sacred place of meeting and ritual and then walk thru the ruins of two Spanish mission churches from 1625 and 1717.

Pendaries Golf Course

Pendaries Golf Course

Located near the tiny mountain settlement of Rociada, Pendaries is one of the best kept secrets in the Rockies. The expertly manicured 6,080 yards, par 72, 18-hole golf course begins at 7500 feet in the clear, fresh mountain air. Breathtaking scenery and the tranquil valley beckon visitors each year to this hideaway in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rockies.

Local Area Recreation Near Las Vegas, New Mexico KOA Journey

Fishing and Hiking

Fishing and Hiking

Areas include Gallinas River, Morphy Lake and Pecos.

Fort Union

Fort Union

Enjoy a walk around Fort Union.  This is an old Civil War Fort.  Park Rangers will walk you around and talk about interesting facts during the Civil War.  Watch videos along the way.
Just 25 miles north of Las Vegas off of I25.

Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge

Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy a hike and learn about some native birds at the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge.  Just 15 minutes from the Las Vegas NM KOA

Museums

Museums

Come and enjoy the Teddy Roosevelt Rough Riders Museum located in Las Vegas NM.  
Lots of interesting facts.