Portales

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Portales, cultural and archaeological themes may influence your choice of destination. The range of options extends from the type site of the Clovis culture to natural history and historical collections, as well as exhibitions and a lecture series held annually in spring. Consider which of these topics interests you most before planning your trip.

Archaeology and Natural History

Blackwater Draw Locality 1 is the type site of the Clovis culture. The exhibits at the Blackwater Draw Museum offer another way to explore archaeology. They include stone tools, animal bones, Southwestern pottery, and Native American beadwork. Exhibit categories may change. The Blackwater Draw archaeological site has seasonal visitor hours: in spring, from April to May, and in fall, from September to October, it is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In summer, from June to August, these hours apply Thursday through Sunday. Check opening hours before you arrive.

The Dr. Antonio “Tony” Gennaro Natural History Museum features live native species as well as taxidermied bird and mammal specimens. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on campus holidays. The Miles Mineral Museum offers free admission and is located in the Roosevelt Science Center, Room 105, next to the Natural History Museum. Check admission and location before traveling there. The Miles Anthropology Museum displays Native American relics; you should also confirm visitor arrangements for this museum in advance.

Regional History and Collection Themes

The Roosevelt County Historical Museum is organized into three main galleries and one changing gallery. The subsidiary exhibits cover agriculture and industry, everyday life and Native American history, as well as military history. This presents several subject areas side by side rather than limiting regional history to a single focus. Visitors can choose between self-guided and guided tours, as well as tours focusing on specific periods. Confirm tour arrangements in advance; gallery content may change.

The Dalley Windmill Museum is located at the fairgrounds near the intersection of U.S. 70 and Lime Street in northeast Portales. The collection's history includes its donation by Portales residents Bill and Alta Dalley, who gave it to preserve it for future generations. If you plan to visit, check visitor arrangements in advance.

Exhibitions, Literature and Events

The Runnels Gallery hosts exhibitions throughout the year. Admission is free to the public during the Golden Student Success Center's opening hours; exhibition schedules may change. The Jack Williamson Science Fiction Library is on the second floor of this center. Check current visitor arrangements before visiting the library.

The Jack Williamson Lectureship brings writers, editors, artists, and other speakers together at Eastern New Mexico University each spring. The program includes author readings, book sales and signings, as well as panel discussions on a range of science fiction and fantasy topics. The program may vary from one edition to the next. If this event is important to your trip, check the dates and program for that year before making plans.

Landscape North of the City

Oasis State Park lies just north of Portales. Its landscape includes cottonwood trees, shifting sand dunes, and a small fishing lake. This contrast with the museums and cultural attractions gives you another, landscape-focused point of reference when deciding on Portales.

For the broader travel overview: Roosevelt.