Things to Do in Ruidoso, New Mexico

Renting a condo in Innsbrook Village in Ruidoso gives you exclusive access to a smorgasbord of things to do and places to see.

From the comfort of your own vacation rental, you can take a dip in our heated swimming pool, fish in the rainbow trout pond, or unwind on the beautiful 9-hole par 3 golf course that is practically in your own backyard.

But that’s not all…

Check out all there is to do in Ruidoso!

Ruidoso Attractions:

In this city, you won’t find yourself feeling bored. With all the attractions surrounding Ruidoso, you’ll have no problem filling up your itinerary!

Inn of the Mountain Gods

mountains and forest in Ruidoso New MexicoJust outside of Ruidoso is this premier mountain resort, offering fresh mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and exciting entertainment.

Equipped with a beautiful and challenging championship golf course and a smorgasbord of restaurants, the Inn of Mountain Gods has something for everyone.

The resort is home to one of New Mexico’s top casinos, offering your favorite games and poker tournaments to test your luck at.

The food is to die for, with several different options right on the resort. Indulge in a delicious buffet or enjoy some drinks in one of the lounges.

Check out their event calendar for upcoming concerts and events that you won’t want to miss!

Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts

This state-of-the-art hall holds 514 guests, giving you the feel of a big theater, but in a powerful and intimate setting. Several world class performers have taken the stage at Spencer Theater over the years, earning the adoration of many in New Mexico.

Set high on a mesa just outside of Ruidoso, the Spencer Theater hosts Broadway shows, dance troupes, and musical performances from around the world adding to the diverse arts and culture we have been able to nourish here in this village.

Ruidoso Down Race Track & Billy the Kid Casino

The Ruidoso Down Race Track brings tradition to the modern age. Since the day it opened in 1930, Ruidoso Downs has seen world-class racing at its best.

Horse racing at Ruidoso Down Race TrackCome on down to the track every weekend starting Memorial Day for some live quarter horse racing and thoroughbred racing—they’ll have you on the edge of your seat!

Ruidoso Downs is home of the world’s richest quarter horse race, The All-American Futurity.

Every year on Labor Day, jockeys, trainers, and owners flock to the track to witness some of New Mexico’s most impressive horse racing!

Simulcast wagering is available if you can’t be at the track or would rather be testing your luck with the slots at Billy The Kid Casino.

With over 300 slot machines, a buffet that’s open year-round, and summer concerts, what more could you ask for?

Flying J Ranch

Flying J Ranch and the Flying J Wranglers have become a staple in Ruidoso.

They’ve been serving up a delicious chuck wagon meal and entertaining guests from all over the world with their authentic blend of cowboy music and humor since 1982.

You’ll want to get to the Flying J Ranch early to enjoy the gunfights, western village, pony rides, and gold panning.

Billy the Kid National BywayBilly The Kid National Byway

New Mexico’s Billy the Kid Trail received a Scenic Historic Byway designation from the Federal Highway Commission in June of 1995 and in June of ’98, was upgraded to a National Scenic Byway.

Rich in history, this byway will take you back to the trenches of the Lincoln County War.
It’ll have you exploring the lifestyle of the Mescalero Apache tribe.

As you travel, learn more about Kit Carson, the story of “Black Jack” Pershing, and the Buffalo Soldiers.

And as we said before, Ruidoso is home to the world’s richest Quarter Horse race and Smokey Bear!

The Hubbard Museum of the American West

If you truly want to dive into the history of Ruidoso, your first stop should be the Hubbard
Museum of the American West.

Originally called, the Museum of the Horse, the Hubbard opened its doors in 1992.

As one of the most respected museums in New Mexico, the museum houses an extensive permanent collection and ever-changing schedule of shows and activities—perfect for the family!

If you’re not a big history buff and are looking for a more artistic attraction, Ruidoso, New Mexico has plenty of art galleries to fulfill that creative exploration, too.

Events in Ruidoso:

This city hosts so many exciting events throughout the year, making it a destination for many families and spring break-goers.

From wine festivals to antique shows, here are just a few of our favorite Ruidoso events:

  • Aspencash Motorcycle Run & Trade Show
  • Spring Fling Rod Run Car Show
  • Mountain Blues Festival
  • Pony Express Trail Ride
  • All-American Gun & Western Collectible Show
  • Ruidoso Antique Show
  • Annual Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally
  • Annual Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium
  • Christmas Jubilee
  • Festival of Lights Parade

Click here for a full list of annual events in the Ruidoso and Lincoln Country area!

Ruidoso Activities:

When you need a break from relaxing and reading a book on the deck of your condo or town home or using the free amenities at Innsbrook, Ruidoso and the surrounding area has a lot of fun things to offer.

Ski Apache

Child Skiing in Ruidoso, NM Area

There are several ways to explore the area around Ruidoso—how about skiing?

Enjoy a skiing adventure on the Sierra Blanca and Southern Rocky Mountains at the Ski Apache area, a great place for experienced or brand-new skiers and snowboarders alike to enjoy incredible slopes.

You can also take advantage of the Ski Apache mountain biking and hiking trails and so much more, with breathtaking scenery wherever you turn.

Fishing

Filled to the brim with lakes and streams, any angler will find a fisherman’s paradise in Ruidoso.

The public fishing waters include:

  • Alto Lake
  • Bonito Lake
  • Bonito Creek
  • Carrizo Creek
  • Eagle Creek
  • Grindstone Reservoir
  • Rio Ruidoso River
  • Tularosa Creek

Be sure to get your New Mexico fishing license, your pole and bait and we’ll see you out on the water!

Hiking and Camping

Hiking & Camping in Ruidoso, NM

The Lincoln National Forest and two wilderness areas provide opportunity for hiking, backpacking, and camping in terrain that ranges from the easily accessible to remote and rugged wilderness.

Discover the beauty of New Mexico first hand as you explore the canyons and small streams of the Sacramento Mountains.

Horseback Riding

In the Village of Ruidoso, horseback riding offers a classically Western way to travel.

Take a trip back in time as you ride through the village or the Lincoln National Forest that surrounds the village, allowing you and your family to feel just like the frontiersmen who originally explored the Wild West.

Mountain Biking

The mountain biking trails around Ruidoso cover a wide range of difficulty for cyclists of all experience levels, including the Cedar Creek Trails across from the Smokey Bear Ranger Station.

Mountain Biking in Ruidoso, NM

Along with many miles of hiking and biking trails, the Cedar Creek Trail system boasts a new 1.3-mile, black diamond, single track, downhill mountain bike trail to delight the thrill seeker in you.

There is also a nationally recognized Top-10 trail near Cloudcroft.

Click Here to learn more about the mountain biking trails around Ruidoso.


At the end of your day of thrilling activities and unbelievable attractions, it’s essential that you have a comfortable place to rest your head.

After all, adventuring can be exhausting.

Consider the condos and vacation rentals at Innsbrook Country Club and Resort, perfect for your weekend getaway or family vacation.

Give us a call at 800-284-0294 today to learn more about booking with us!

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