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!
Guided Tour
Tours are a fun and exciting way to see the museum and learn about our collections and current exhibitions. You will be amazed as New Mexico’s history of farming, ranching and rural life comes to life through both indoor and outdoor exhibits that include live animals and demonstrations.
Specially trained docents are often available to lead groups of visitors through our galleries. School groups and organizations can request a tour for 10 or more with a two week advance notice. (See below for applicable rates.)
In addition, the museum has daily scheduled cart tours of its livestock. Please call the museum to schedule your tour at (575) 522-4100.
Adult Group Tours
You’re never too old to learn something new! These tours are designed to be both fun and informative. Adult tours are conducted Mondays through Saturdays and last about 90 minutes. The cost is $4 per person for companies or organizations who book in advance and bring more than nine people. (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.
Special demonstrations are offered upon request, depending on the availability of the demonstrators. They include living history, salsa making, blacksmithing, weaving, sewing or dowsing. Also, the gift shop offers free wine tasting.
School Tours
The world is a classroom! Teachers are encouraged to bring their students to the museum. Tours of the museum extend the resources available in the classroom, compliment classroom curriculum, and expand and reinforce concepts that are being taught. Tours can help awaken the curiosity of your students. 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:- Self-Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours are offered to teachers who want to lead their own classes through the museum. We will send you a tour booklet in advance to help you prepare for your visit. $3 per student. Accompanying parents pay $4.
- Guided Tours
Guided Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. Groups will be led by specially trained guides that will introduce them to the museum and its exhibitions. These tours can be focused on the interests of the classes. Demonstrations are included. $3 per person for students and $4 for accompanying parents.
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.)
- 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.
To inquire about a pre-visit, contact Instructional Coordinator Paul Steward at (575) 314-1931.
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.
All Aboard the Ag Wagon!
The Ag Wagon is a program for children covering a wide variety of agriculture based topics. The program is on Saturdays from 10:00 am to noon. It is held at the museum each Saturday, except the 3rd Saturday each month, when it is at the Farmers Market. We also have a specific theme for each month. Our goal is to create interactive activities that can be modified to best suit all kids.
To inquire about upcoming classes contact the museum at (575) 522-4100.
