Experience history brought to life at Fort Stanton Live, an annual summer event set within one of New Mexico’s most intact 19th-century military forts. Through live performances, demonstrations, and immersive storytelling, visitors can explore the people, cultures, and defining moments that shaped the region in a uniquely engaging outdoor setting.
Wear your costume and join us for trick-or-treating around the Fort Stanton parade grounds. The event is free, although some booths may offer food or items for sale. Local groups and businesses will distribute treats and host fun activities. Bring your goodie bags and costumes for a fun, spooky evening!
Join us at Fort Stanton Historic Site on Saturday, July 12, from 10 AM – 2 PM for Living History Day! Enjoy a flag raising, guided cemetery tour with Ranger Javier, and a 1 PM talk on fire ecology by Mary Lavin of Smokey Bear Historical Park. Admission is $7 for adults; free for kids 16 and under, NM foster families, disabled veterans, and members. Bring water, a hat, and sturdy shoes!
Step into New Mexico’s rich past on June 14. Enjoy a guided cemetery walk with Ranger Javier, uncover stories of early residents and Lincoln County War veterans, and learn about the Fort Stanton–Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area with Conservation Manager Warren Kasper. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | $7 adults | Free for eligible guests.
Celebrate Fort Stanton’s 170th anniversary by volunteering at Park Day on May 3, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Help maintain walking trails across this historic site, which has served as a military garrison, tuberculosis hospital, and WWII internment center. Volunteers should bring water and wear sun-safe clothing and sturdy shoes.
Hop on over to Fort Stanton for the Easter Bunny Hop! Kids of all ages can enjoy treats, prizes, and games at this fun-filled alternative to a traditional egg hunt. Bring your baskets to collect goodies from community booths, play lawn games, and picnic on the historic parade grounds. Free admission and fun for the whole family!
Experience history at Fort Stanton Historic Site on August 17, 10 AM-3 PM. Tour the old army cemetery and enjoy kids' crafts, vintage games, and living history demos. Adults $7, kids 16 and under free. A perfect family outing to explore 19th-century military life. Don't miss this chance to step back in time and discover New Mexico's rich past! Purchase Tickets
Celebrate the season at Fort Stanton Historic Site on December 14, 2024, from 1–2 PM, with a stunning opera performance by acclaimed soprano Karla Ramos. Held in the historic stone chapel, enjoy holiday classics in an unforgettable setting. Tickets: $10/adults, free for kids 16 and under (includes site admission). Reserve now at my.nmculture.org/33869/41939.
Although the gates are open every day for visitors, few people get to experience the fort after dark. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the grounds and buildings of Fort Stanton after dark. These tours are conducted by site rangers, historians, and the Paranormal Society. The cost is $20 per person (adults and children). Buy your tickets today >>
Illuminate history's secrets on this Fort Stanton Flashlight Tour. Venture into the shadows of history as you visit the chapel and hidden corners like the hospital's rear and building #4. Encounter the echoes of the past in a unique nighttime setting. Limited to 20 participants aged 12 and above. The ticket cost is $20, non-refundable. Flashlights are provided or bring your own. Buy Tickets >>
Illuminate history's secrets on this Fort Stanton Flashlight Tour. Venture into the shadows of history as you visit the chapel and hidden corners like the hospital's rear and building #4. Encounter the echoes of the past in a unique nighttime setting. Limited to 20 participants aged 12 and above. The ticket cost is $20, non-refundable. Flashlights are provided or bring your own. Buy Tickets >>
Enjoy an afternoon of tea and crafting the Fort Stanton Commanding Officer’s Quarters from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Learn the art of crocheting, used to create textiles, lacework, clothing, and more. The ticket cost is $25, including tea and crafting materials. Space is limited. Call us today at 575-354-0341 to reserve your spot.
Step back in time at the annual Fort Stanton LIVE on July 8, 2023, as we welcome costumed interpreters from the Civil War and Indian Wars era. Experience captivating cavalry and infantry demonstrations, engaging presentations, and live music. Discover the past through tours, games for kids, and encounters with talented authors, historians, photographers, and artists. Enjoy local cuisine and immerse yourself in a day of knowledge, food, and fun!
Although the gates are open every day for visitors, few people get to experience the fort after dark. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the grounds and buildings of Fort Stanton after dark. These tours are conducted by site rangers, historians, and the Paranormal Society. The cost is $10 per person (adults and children).
Travel back in time to the 19th century and get a taste of what military life was like at Fort Stanton, New Mexico. In addition to historic demonstrations, a tour of the Fort’s cemetery will be at 1:00 PM. The day’s Garrison activities will be included in the Fort Stanton Historic Site entry price ($7 for adults. Free for children 16 years and younger).
Due to the ongoing fire danger and closures of BLM lands and the Lincoln National Forest, we cannot host the Infantry drills, cannon blasts, walking tours, camping, and outdoor grilling, which are fundamental and beloved elements of Fort Stanton LIVE. Without them, we can’t imagine hosting this iconic and exciting event.
In lieu of LIVE, however, we invite you to join us in celebrating the opening of two new museum exhibits, two fascinating lectures, and an informative film.
Please stay tuned for details and we look forward to welcoming you to Fort Stanton.
Sorry! This event has been canceled to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. To learn more visit, https://www.discoverruidoso.com/covid-19-travel-advisory
Sorry! This event has been canceled to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. To learn more visit, https://www.discoverruidoso.com/covid-19-travel-advisory
Sorry! This event has been canceled to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. To learn more visit, https://www.discoverruidoso.com/covid-19-travel-advisory
Sorry! This event has been canceled to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. To learn more visit, https://www.discoverruidoso.com/covid-19-travel-advisory
Sorry! This event has been canceled to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. To learn more visit, https://www.discoverruidoso.com/covid-19-travel-advisory
Sorry! This event has been canceled to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. To learn more visit, https://cv.nmhealth.org/
Enjoy live folk music streamed online! As the nation adjusts to the new reality of life during the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve decided to take the 2nd Annual Rio Bonito Folk Festival online to share some musical joy during these unusual times. Stay tuned for more information on performers and viewing platforms, click here.
Sorry! This event has been canceled to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. To learn more visit, https://cv.nmhealth.org/
Sorry! This event has been canceled to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. To learn more visit, https://cv.nmhealth.org/
Monthly guided history trail rides led by the ranger on Fort Stanton/BLM lands.
Monthly guided history trail rides led by the ranger on Fort Stanton/BLM lands.
Monthly guided history trail rides led by the ranger on Fort Stanton/BLM lands.
Monthly guided history trail rides led by the ranger on Fort Stanton/BLM lands.
Confinement in the Land of Enchantment is a traveling exhibit which chronicles the experiences of people of Japanese descent who lived in New Mexico just before, during, and after World War II. The exhibit will be on display April 27, 2019, at the Fort Stanton Historic Site Visitor’s Center with a community forum and reception at 1:30 PM. Guest Speakers include: Dr. Roy Ebihara, Baca Camp Internee Tessa M. Cencula, Fort Stanton Historian Dr. Diane Ball, CLOE Educator.
Join us on the third weekend of each month for a Living History Encampment at Fort Stanton when the Living Historians of the Fort Stanton Garrison, re-enact the pre-Civil War Company K, 8th US Infantry (1858). The soldiers and frontier women set up camp at the Fort on Friday evening, and on Saturday present interactive historical interpretations from 10am to 4pm.
