Discover Portales: Museums, Archaeology and Nature

Portales is an exciting destination for anyone who wants to combine their stay with history, science, literature and nature. The cultural themes range from the Clovis culture and the history of Native Americans to minerals, the region's past and science fiction. This selection is complemented by Oasis State Park north of the city. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether you would primarily like to spend your days visiting museums, attending special events or enjoying the landscape.

Discover Archaeology and Natural History

A prominent highlight is Blackwater Draw. Blackwater Draw Locality 1 is considered the type site of the Clovis culture. The Blackwater Draw Museum features stone tools, animal bones, Southwestern pottery and Native American beadwork among its exhibits. The Blackwater Draw archaeological site is open in spring, namely in April and May, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In summer, from June to August, you can visit it from Thursday to Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. In autumn, in September and October, the opening hours are again Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This information will help you plan a suitable day for your trip.

Further insights are offered by natural history and anthropology collections. The Dr. Antonio “Tony” Gennaro Natural History Museum displays living native species as well as preserved bird and mammal specimens. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on campus holidays. The Miles Mineral Museum is located in Room 105 of the Roosevelt Science Center, next to the Natural History Museum; admission is free. At the Miles Anthropology Museum, you can see Native American artifacts. This allows you to combine interests in natural history, geology and archaeology.

History, Art and Special Collections

The Roosevelt County Historical Museum organizes its exhibition into three main galleries, a changing gallery and sub-exhibits. The themes include agriculture and industry, everyday life and the history of Native Americans, as well as military history. For your visit, you can choose between self-guided, guided and period-specific tours. The Runnels Gallery presents exhibitions year-round. Admission is free to the public during the opening hours of the Golden Student Success Center.

A distinctive detail of the city's history is the Dalley Windmill Museum. It is located at the fairgrounds near the intersection of U.S. 70 and Lime Street in northeastern Portales. The Dalley Windmill Collection was donated by Bill and Alta Dalley of Portales so that it could be preserved for future generations. Anyone interested in technology, regional development and historical working life will find a unique perspective on history here.

Literature and Landscape as Travel Highlights

Portales can also be explored through literary themes. Every spring, the Jack Williamson Lectureship brings writers, editors, artists and other speakers together at Eastern New Mexico University. The program includes author readings, book sales and signing sessions, as well as panel discussions on various topics in science fiction and fantasy. The Jack Williamson Science Fiction Library is located on the second floor of the Golden Student Success Center. This creates a contrast with the archaeological and historical collections: here, stories, ideas and visions of the future take center stage.

For a change of pace in nature, Oasis State Park is an excellent option. It is located directly north of Portales and lies among cottonwoods, shifting sand dunes and a small fishing lake. When choosing your holiday apartment, this contrast between cultural activities and experiences in the landscape can provide useful guidance. Decide whether you would prefer to move flexibly between different exhibitions or shape your stay around a natural highlight. Portales offers a variety of themes, so you do not have to limit your trip to just one area of interest.

For the overarching travel overview: Roosevelt.