New Mexico Natural History Museum

The New Mexico Natural History Museum is a source of awe and interesting information for Lobos of all ages! Located a ten-minute drive from the UNM Main Campus, the Natural History Museum is an excellent place to learn about the state’s rich environmental and geological history and phenomenon.

Museum visitors are greeted by two life-sized models of a triceratops and tyrannosaurus rex that have been meticulously constructed out of metal. Throughout the holiday season, they sport festive decor. The ground floor consists of two large, but temporary exhibits. During our adventure, we experienced an immersive Mars Rover exhibit. Just down the hall, we learned about the history of chocolate. As you take the stairs up to the second floor, you are presented with a split pathway. One side leads you into the biggest room in the museum with two giant dinosaur fossils that loom above you. The other, leads you through the early creation of the universe in a dimly lit tunnel. This path will take you through the complex and exciting geologic history of the Earth and New Mexico. Did you know that the New Mexico desert has been submerged under ocean water twice, meaning that you can find shark teeth, bivalves, and other ancient marine animals!?

After learning about the geology of New Mexico, you will find yourself in the presence of the dinosaur bones mentioned earlier. As you continue through the museum, you’ll see various marine animals that lived during different time periods in the past. Things really heat up as you reach the end and walk through the inside of a volcano. Glowing lava flows underneath you and in cracks in the walls. This is a great spot to learn about New Mexico’s rich volcanic history and how it is still active, and to play “the floor is lava”.

After you wrap up your museum visit, you’ll find restaurants less than a five-minute walk away at the Sawmill Market and a slightly further 10-minute walk to Old Town, where you can continue to experience New Mexico history with a glimpse of what Albuquerque was like back when it was a trading area. It’s also a great neighborhood filled with local goods that make the perfect gift for a friend, roommate, or family member back home.