Posted in New Mexico Nature April 16, 2016 by

10 Of The Most Enchanting Man Made Wonders In New Mexico

There are many natural wonders in the Land of Enchantment, from supervolcanoes to massive gorgeous, deep dark caverns, and everything in between. However, humans have made their own impressive marks on our state as well. These 10 impressive man made landmarks in New Mexico will fill you with a sense of wonder and should be added to any travel bucket list!

1. Spaceport America, near Truth or Consequences
Flickr/kristi welton-kidder
Spaceport America, the world's first purpose-built, commercial spaceport, is definitely a wonder. The State of New Mexico actually owns the facility, although Virgin Galactic is the anchor tenant, with a 20 year lease. As impressive man made landmarks in New Mexico go, this one definitely fits the bill!
Spaceport America Boulevard, Spaceport America Blvd, New Mexico 87901, USA
2. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, near Taos
Flickr/Bart Hanlon
While nature is responsible for the astounding gorge views, humans maximized them with this marvel of engineering. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, New Mexico 87529, USA
3. Taos Pueblo, Taos
Flickr/Dan Costin
There aren't many sites in the U.S. where people have been living for roughly a thousand. In fact, the adobe structures at Taos Pueblo date back to between 1000 and 450 A.D. Estimates vary, but it is believed that there are roughly 150 full-time inhabitants who continue to live in these buildings today.
Taos Pueblo, NM, USA
4. Chaco Culture National Historic Park, near Nageezi
Flickr/mksfca
The Chacoans were extremely organized, creating a center of civilization that contained the tallest buildings in this country until the 19th century! At the Chaco Culture National Historic Park, one of the most most beautiful places in New Mexico, you get a sensse of the scale of the original buildings whiich are awe-inspiring, given the date of construction. Pueblo Bonito was four stories high and had hundreds of rooms. Even the roads leading into Chaco were massive for the time; they were 30 feet wide.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park Visitor Center, 1808 County Road 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037, USA
5. Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque
Mike McBey/Flickr
The well-known and loved Sandia Peak Tramway is 2.7 miles long and the ride lasts for 15 minutes. Cars carry passengers over plunging canyons until they reach the Sandia Peak, which is at an altitude of 10,378 feet. The logistics required to construct this tramway are mind-blowing, making it one of the most impressive man made landmarks in New Mexico.
Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA
6. The town of La Mesilla, near Las Cruces
Flickr/Jasperdo
Flickr/Jasperdo
New Mexico has a number of well-preserved towns that feel frozen in time, and the town of La Mesilla is one of the most charming hidden gems in New Mexico. The town was founded around 1848 and the Mesilla Plaza is actually a national historic landmark.
Mesilla, NM, USA
7. Elephant Butte Lake and Dam, Elephant Butte
Flickr/Tim Kuzdrowski
Elephant Butte Lake and Dam are together a national historic civil engineering landmark. The Lake is actually the largest lake in New Mexico, offering a wide array of activities year-round.
Elephant Butte Reservoir, New Mexico 87901, USA
8. Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe
Flickr/Rennett Stowe
Although New Mexico is filled with beautiful churches, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of most impressive religious buildings in the state. The current building is not the first church to stand on this site, but its Romanesque architecture is both attractive and imposing. Due to cash flow issues, the cathedral has never had spires. A chapel within the basilica houses the oldest Madonna statue in the nation!
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
9. Earthships, near Taos
Flickr/R0Ng
These off-the-grid homes are both captivating and eco-friendly. Earthships have been around since the 1970s but their sustainable architecture stands the test of time. If you're looking for magnificent man made landmarks in New Mexico, they don't get any more grandiose than these.
Earthship Biotecture, 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
10. Tinkertown, Sandia Park
Flickr/Pam Falcioni
Forget building codes and embrace whimsy at the Tinkertown Museum in Sandia Park, a folk art edifice turned tourist attraction. This is architecture at its most entertaining!
Tinkertown Museum, 121 Sandia Crest Rd, Sandia Park, NM 87047, USA

Have you visited any of these man made landmarks in New Mexico? Which impressed you the most? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences!

If you’d like to delve more into the mystery and beauty that is New Mexico, check out this article sharing some of the natural wonders dotted all over the state.

Address: Spaceport America Boulevard, Spaceport America Blvd, New Mexico 87901, USA
Address: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Address: Earthship Biotecture, 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
Address: Mesilla, NM, USA
Address: Elephant Butte Reservoir, New Mexico 87901, USA
Address: Chaco Culture National Historical Park Visitor Center, 1808 County Road 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037, USA
Address: Taos Pueblo, NM, USA
Address: Tinkertown Museum, 121 Sandia Crest Rd, Sandia Park, NM 87047, USA
Address: Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, New Mexico 87529, USA
Address: Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Man Made Landmarks in New Mexico

July 22, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin

When is the best time to visit Taos?

Taos is one of the most beautiful towns in New Mexico. Featuring four full seasons, anytime, really, is the “best time” to visit. In the winter the town attracts scores of skiers and snowboarders from all across the country, and in spring the wildflowers are picture perfect for photographers. Although it’s hot in summer, there are a wealth of things to do (indoors and out). And in the fall, you’ll experience some of the most beautiful multihued foliage you can imagine.

I want to know more about the hot springs in Truth or Consequences.

Truth or Consequences is well-known and beloved for its amazing hot springs. The healing waters in this historic small town attract New Mexico residents and tourist alike for day and weekend excursions. One of the most popular places here is the La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa. Encompassing three different natural bathhouses, the property is simply beautiful and a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate – mind, body, and spirit.

What is the best steakhouse in Santa Fe?

That answer, of course, depends on who you talk to in the capital city, which is brimming with amazing restaurants and great steakhouses. Not to leave any of them off of this list, but one of the most popular is called Dinner for Two. Family-owned and frequented by people from all walks of life, the restaurant serves up some of the finest steaks in Santa Fe. The ambiance is inviting and beautiful as well, and a great place to celebrate a special occasion. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Address: Spaceport America Boulevard, Spaceport America Blvd, New Mexico 87901, USA
Address: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Address: Earthship Biotecture, 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
Address: Mesilla, NM, USA
Address: Elephant Butte Reservoir, New Mexico 87901, USA
Address: Chaco Culture National Historical Park Visitor Center, 1808 County Road 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037, USA
Address: Taos Pueblo, NM, USA
Address: Tinkertown Museum, 121 Sandia Crest Rd, Sandia Park, NM 87047, USA
Address: Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, New Mexico 87529, USA
Address: Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.