7 Quirky Facts About New Mexico That Sound Fake but Are 100% True

Whether you've lived in New Mexico your entire life or just moved here, you'll likely agree that the state is a beautiful, yet interesting place. Between the annual duck races, hot air balloons filling up the morning skies, and stunning canyons that stretch as far as the eye can see, it's safe to say The Land of Enchantment is full of interesting facts.

Read on the learn some fun facts about New Mexico that sound made up but are 100 percent true. You might be surprised to learn a thing or two about your home state.

1. There's a Town That Hosts a Live Duck Race Each Year

The Great American Duck Race is held annually in Deming, New Mexico, and uses real live ducks. The tradition has been going on for more than 40 years and is a super exciting event for locals. You can enter a duck to race in the wet or dry track, and then visit a bunch of local food vendors and amusement park-style games.

2. The State Is Home to the Largest Hot Air Balloon Festival in the World

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Held in early October, it's a bucket list-worthy event that everyone should attend at least once. If you're not one of the passengers in the vibrant balloons, you can still enjoy the view from the ground, along with a bunch of other fun activities, like amusement park rides and delicious concessions.

3. Santa Fe Is the Country's Highest State Capital

Due to its location in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, at nearly 7,200 feet above sea level, Santa Fe is the highest state capital in the U.S. It also happens to be the third-oldest city in the country. One stroll through the downtown area will lead you past beautiful terra cotta buildings and historic landmarks.

4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park Has More Than 100 Caves

In fact, there are 119 caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. And yes, there are hundreds of thousands of bats in these caves. Visit the National Park website to reserve a time, get tickets, and learn more about a visit to this natural wonder.

5. The Atomic Bomb Was Invented in New Mexico

The atomic bomb was developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the 1940s by the Manhattan Project. A successful detonation test was done in Alamagordo. This site continues to be a center for nuclear and scientific research, and is a must-see destination for many tourists.

6. A UFO Sighting Happened in Roswell

Okay, this one might not necessarily be 100 percent true... But a UFO was spotted and crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, and is commonly known as the "Roswell Incident." Supposedly, the sighting was just debris from a military balloon crash, but that's still up for debate. Many people still think it was an actual UFO. Will we ever find out?

7. The Largest Gypsum Desert in the World Is Here

White Sands National Monument has 275 square miles of pure white sand made of gypsum—a soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. It's easily considered one of the most amazing natural wonders in New Mexico. Visitors can step out onto the soft sand and feel like they've been transported to another planet.

Did you know about some of these fun facts about New Mexico? What other unbelievable facts about the state do you know? Discover more for yourself by taking a trip to the Land of Enchantment, using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your journey.