Springer: Santa Fe Trail, Railroad, and Historic Sites

Santa Fe Trail and Railroad History

Springer’s history is connected to two themes: the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad. The Santa Fe Trail Museum is located along the trail and offers exhibits and information about it. As a regional center, it shares the history of the trail and early railroads. The Santa Fe Trail is one of America’s first major trade routes. The museum is housed in the former Colfax County Court House, a building constructed in 1881.

Springer was established in 1879 with the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroads. The BNSF rail line still runs through Springer. Visitors interested in the development of trade routes and rail travel will find several historical points of interest here.

Historic Sites and Buildings

The Point of Rocks Historic District in Springer, New Mexico, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994. The year refers to its listing on the register. Immanuel Lutheran Church was built in 1938 by a predominantly German congregation. The Mills House stands on the outskirts of Springer in Colfax County, New Mexico, on a slight rise near Cimarron Creek.

Routes and Nature Experiences

The Santa Fe Trail route begins in Springer at the intersection of NM-21 and Maxwell Avenue. The byway’s direction is a separate matter: along the Santa Fe Trail, the byway branches south and east at Springer. The first detail identifies a starting point; the second describes the directions in which it branches. Check current road conditions before traveling.

Springer Lake is four miles outside Springer. Fishing opportunities include pike, catfish, and bass; the lake is especially known for pike fishing. Camping is also an option there. Fish populations and rules at the site may change. So check current advisories before fishing.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is about 12 miles north of Springer via I-25. Wildlife can be observed there year-round; camping, picnicking, and hiking are also offered. Check current facilities before you go. While Springer Lake is known for fishing, wildlife viewing and hiking are other nature-focused activities available here.

Choose the Right Focus

When looking for a vacation rental in Springer, you can start by considering which experiences matter to your travel group: trail and local history, fishing, or wildlife viewing. For a group with varied interests, this comparison makes planning more concrete than a general ranking of attractions. The lake is four miles outside town, and the refuge is about 12 miles to the north; these distances help put the different destinations into perspective.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Raton.

Go to the parent travel overview: Colfax.