Zooming by historic towns in New Mexico on the highway, it’s surprisingly easy to blink and miss a good number of them. However, you are missing out if you don’t stop to visit at least once. Each is filled with personality that can only be experienced firsthand by walking its historic streets, grabbing a bite in its diners, or trekking nearby trails.

Socorro is one example of what can seem like a dusty little town that is easy to pass up on the highway.
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However, you would be missing out on some great history tucked away here.
Socorro's roots trace back to the 1600s when Spanish settlers trekked through the area and eventually settled in the area around 1626.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The first mission was established around that time, as well as mines, but was abandoned during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The area sat dormant for over 130 years until it was resettled in 1815.

The oldest surviving building in Socorro is the San Miguel Church, which was constructed shortly after the town was resettled.
Through the rest of Socorro in New Mexico, you'll find a mixture of historic Territorial buildings that date back to the town's early days.
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One example is the Juan Jose Baca House. Built in 1870 as a store and home for the town's second mayor, the building has survived the years as other businesses, such as a pizza parlor and brewery.

Other historic buildings include the Garcia Opera House, built in 1884. While it never seemed to actually host operas, it did serve as a community cultural center through the decades.

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There are many more things to do in Socorro. The town also has several small museums dedicated to detailing its history.
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Among them is the Hammel Museum which was originally an early brewery. These days, the museum houses collections that showcase the brewery's history, as well as items from the town's early days.

Another can't-miss stop is the Socorro Heritage Museum. Here, you'll find a museum that houses collections of Socorro's long history and simultaneously acts as the town visitor center.
Plus, those natural views surrounding Socorro are sights you won't want to miss.
Scott Butner/Flickr
The town is flanked by the Rio Grande and the Magdalena Mountains, so hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful. Within a short drive, you'll find wildlife refuges like the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and the Socorro Nature Area.
And, when you get hungry, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from.
Jonathan Miller/Google Reviews
One example is the El Camino Restaurant & Lounge, a landmark family-style diner that serves a little bit of everything. Other notable places to grab a meal include the Owl Bar Cafe and Jackson Ranch Steakhouse.
Socorro is located in central New Mexico, approximately one hour south of Albuquerque via Interstate 25.
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Socorro is located in central New Mexico, approximately one hour south of Albuquerque via Interstate 25. Plan a day trip to Socorro to explore this charming town for yourself. Or, book a weekend getaway at this lovely restored farmhouse.

Looking for another cool little town to visit in the Land of Enchantment? You will also fall in love with the charming Cerrillos, one of our favorite historic towns in New Mexico near Santa Fe.

Plan A Trip To Cerrillos, One Of New Mexico’s Most Charming Historic Towns

Another fascinating slice of New Mexico history is in Los Alamos where the atomic bomb was created as part of the Manhattan Project. Learn more in this quick video:

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Socorro, NM 87801, USA