Tours and Classes
Museum tours are a great way to learn about the history of farming, ranching and rural life in New Mexico. Enhance your visit by experiencing the Museum’s exciting exhibits, live animals, and demonstrations with one of the Museum’s specially-trained docents!
School groups and organizations can request a tour for 10 or more with a two week advance notice. (Guided tours are subject to availability. See below for applicable rates.)
To book a tour, contact the education department at (575) 522-4100.
School Tours
The world is a classroom! From pre-K to college, tours of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum enhance the learning experience. A visit to the Museum extends the resources available in the classroom, compliments classroom curriculum, and reinforces important concepts. Tours can help awaken the curiosity of your students and often serve as the beginning of school projects. Tours can also act as the summation of a semester of focused study.
Please request your tour at least two weeks in advance. We recommend that you book spring tours in the fall! We will accept a purchase order, check, or cash. There are several options to choose from:
Guided Tours
Guided Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Groups are led by trained guides who will introduce students to the Museum’s varied exhibitions and livestock. These tours can be focused on the interests of classes. Demonstrations are included. See demonstration schedule for specific offerings. The cost is $3 per person. Teachers also pay $3 and parents accompanying the group pay $4. Note: The Museum has a capacity of 120 students. If you would like to bring a grade level that exceeds this capacity please call about special arrangements.
Self-Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours are offered to teachers who want to lead their own classes through the Museum. Out of necessity, self-guided tours are offered to groups who are booking with short notice. We will send you a tour booklet in advance to help you prepare for your visit. The cost is $3 per person.
Museum pre-visits
Museum educators and volunteers are available to come to your classroom before a scheduled field trip and introduce your students to the Museum. These hands-on sessions will help your students learn what to expect and what the Museum is all about. Pre-visits are limited to schools in southern New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. These visits are subject to scheduling availability and must coincide with a confirmed tour booking.
Call LuAnn Kilday at (575) 522-4100 ext. 103 to inquire about a pre-visit.
Adult Group Tours
It’s always exciting to learn something new! These tours are designed to be both fun and informative. Adult tours are conducted Mondays through Saturdays and last 90 minutes. The cost is $4 per person. (A minimum charge of $40.00 applies.)
Please schedule your tour at least two weeks in advance. Guided tours are unavailable on certain dates. Tours for informal groups or tours arranged less than two weeks in advance are subject to regular Museum admission. We accept purchase orders, checks, cash and credit cards.
Livestock tours
Motorized golf cart tours of the Museum’s livestock area (the South 20) are available on most days. Trained docents transport visitors around the South 20, offering interpretation of the numerous livestock breeds and the modern facilities. The tours last twenty minutes and are scheduled on the half hour during busy days. Please inquire about scheduling and availability when you arrive.
Children’s classes are offered year round. The Museum offers an amazing variety of learning opportunities for children and families.
Summer camps
The Museum offers 2 to 3 day summer camps beginning in June. Children can explore a wide variety of topics including gardening, historical performance, fiber arts and archaeology.
The camps are taught by Museum staff members or Museum volunteers who are experienced in teaching the topic.
Saturday Camps
Throughout the school year, the Museum offers Saturday classes that engage children in a variety of topics. From holiday-themed family workshops to specialized weaving classes, there’s a Saturday camp for everyone.
To inquire about upcoming classes contact the education department at (575) 522-4100.
