Alamogordo is a large city in the New Mexico state, and as well the county seat of Otero County. This area is thought to be one of the oldest in the country, as humans were living in the Alamogordo region even 11.000 years ago. However, Alamogordo was founded in 1989. Since then, Alamogordo developed hugely, and now it has a population of nearly 36.000, according to the 2000 census. Alamogordo has an excellent economy, which was developed primarily by the retail and tourism industry. Many visitors choose to come here every year, because Alamogordo provides beautiful cultural places, as well as numerous entertainment possibilities.
Alameda Park Zoo is one of the greatest zoos in the U.S., with a tradition of more than 110 years. Since its foundation, in 1898, the zoo has known a tremendous popularity and is still the choice of many people who want to spend a beautiful day surrounded by the wide range of animals, while also learning interesting facts about them.
The White Sands National Monument is considered a U.S. National Monument, as you cannot see this kind of place everywhere. Only 16 miles away from Alamogordo, you should not miss seeing it since you are already here.
The Tularosa Basin is an impressive area of the Otero County, where you can find deserts, historic trails, volcanoes and many other interesting sites. The basin is also home to the above mentioned monument.
The New Mexico Museum of Space History is one of the facilities that the Alamogordo residents take a lot of pride in. Figures show that since its establishment, in 1976, more than 100.000 people have been visiting it every year. The International Space Hall of Fame can also be found here, as well as numerous artefacts and exhibits dedicated to everything that has to do with the space.
Flickinger Center for Performing Arts defines the beautiful theatre found here, but also the non-profit organization which runs it. The center is looking to emphasize as many entertainment options as possible, like concerts, performances, plays, recitals, pageants and musicals.
Alamogordo, meaning “fat cottonwood” in Spanish is in New Mexico. Its fame lies in the fact that first atom bomb testing was done here and also that the first chimp to go to space was born here.
1. Visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History: The museum exhibits early rocket experiments of Robert Goddard to a mock up of the International Space station. It also has an IMAX theater, the only one in New Mexico. Pay a tribute to the astronauts of challenger and Columbia in the Astronaut Memorial Garden and visit the grave of Ham, the first chimpanzee in space.
2. See the local history: Visit the Tularosa Basin Historical Society Museum to see the unique 47 star US flag, everyday use articles of the Mescalero Apache women and photographs of the old city. The admission is free and it is open throughout the week.
3. Take a ride in the Toy Train: The Toy Train Depot Inc is a museum featuring America's Park Ride Train and scale models of train locomotives, passengers and freight cars. There is a working 16” gauge track rail line that you can ride; the fee is nominal.
4. Visit the historical Oliver Lee Memorial State Park: Named after Oliver Milton Lee, this park exhibit a fully restored 19th century ranch house and has a varied plants and animals from desert plants to plants and animals associated with flowing water.
5. Visit Alamogordo Zoo: The oldest zoo in the south west, it features exotic and southwestern animals.
