This Historic Park Is One Of New Mexico’s Best Kept Secrets

The Land of Enchantment may be known for its fiery chiles and scenic vistas, but much of New Mexico's allure is its rich history, as well. Our state has an amazing number of historic areas - both impeccably well-preserved and in varying states of dilapidation - that depict how life has changed for New Mexicans over the years. One such example? Los Luceros Historic Site, a historic park and ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, that dates all the way back to the 1700s.

Los Luceros sits isolated along the Rio Grande north of Santa Fe.

Los Luceros as a historic site is fairly new; it only obtained its status in 2019 and still easily flies under the radar for most New Mexicans. However, one look at the grounds of this home and you'll instantly want to visit.

The ranch is best known for being one of the best-preserved and most complete 18th-century haciendas in the state.

The entire site contains a total of five buildings on its 148-acre property. The main building - the hacienda itself - is a stunning example of the blend in regional adobe building styles and a more classical architecture.

The ranch house dates to the late 1700s and is named after a prominent family who called it home.

Some parts of the buildings are believed to date to the early 1600s during the Spanish occupation of the area and Indigenous pottery sherds from as early as 1150 have been found on the property.

Also on the property: a small cottage from the Victorian era, a guest house, a chapel, and another adobe building that is rumored to have served as a community jail.

The chapel is also known as Capilla de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe and is a lovely example of the small churches found on large family properties like Los Luceros.

One of the most enchanting features of Los Luceros, though, is its picturesque setting.

The ranch sits just a few hundred feet from the Rio Grande, so the property is rich in greenery and transforms into an autumnal paradise once fall rolls around. Today, you'll see some of this historic New Mexico park still operating as a ranch, with livestock roaming the grounds and apple orchards ripe for picking.

Today, you'll see some of this historic New Mexico park still operating as a ranch, with livestock roaming the grounds and apple orchards ripe for picking. The lush grounds alone are worth a visit as a respite on a hot summer day!

Admission to Los Luceros is free, though donations are accepted. For additional information on this historic park in New Mexico, visit the NPS or New Mexico Cultural Affairs website .

Have you heard of or visited this little, hidden gem park in New Mexico? If not, when do you plan to pay a visit?

Looking for more opportunities to check out some of New Mexico's historic sites and buildings? The city of Las Vegas, NM is home to an extraordinary number of historic buildings: more than 900! Read about these storied buildings and the city's restoration efforts. Or, since you're pretty close to Santa Fe, make a day (or weekend) of exploring everything the city has to offer - including the dining scene!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/nm-historic-buildings/