Welcome to Lincoln County

Once one of the wildest of all western towns, Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the most authentic old west town remaining in the United States. The single road through town was once described as "the most dangerous street in America". Among the many Lincoln landmarks is the Murphy / Dolan store- which became the Lincoln courthouse and jail- which became famous when Billy the Kid escaped in 1881, killing two deputies in the process. Legend has it - one of the bullet holes from Billy's gun still decorates the courthouse wall.
 



Attractions

print icon  Print Lincoln County Attractions

This National Historic Landmark was the center of the bloody Lincoln County War. This little hamlet was launched into the history books by a host of famous characters including Billy the Kid, Kit Carson, Pat Garrett, John Chisum and Lew Wallace. Today, as you take a relaxing stroll in their footsteps, you can visit six museums operated by the Lincoln State Monument and see numerous other historic buildings much as they looked in 1880. Extensive exhibits document the history of the region, focusing on the Lincoln County War (depicted in the movie "Young Guns", among many others). There are restaurants and gift shops to enjoy as well.

Old Lincoln Days (August)
Street vendors, food, parade and mountain man camp. 'Last Escape of Billy the Kid' pageant performances. Call for dates.

Arts in the Orchard (September)
Arts and crafts festival located next to the Dr. Woods house in Lincoln. Call for dates.

Christmas in Old Lincoln (December)
Christmas celebration with 1880's period costume contest. Visit with Santa, tour historic Lincoln, door prizes, fun for kids, carolers, merchants provide treats and entertainment. Great food and more! Call for dates.

Traditional lighting of the luminarias
Christmas Eve lighting of the luminarias along highway 380 at dusk and a Christmas eve church service at the Old San Juan Mission.

 May

7th Annual Smokey Bear Days 

Friday noon to dusk Arts and Crafts Marketplace. Friday night free DJ and Karaoke        contest. Saturday parade at 10am. Arts and crafts plus many other activities, 7-11pm. Free Street Dance at Smokey Bear Historic Park.  

Website  575-354-2273  

 

July

55th Smokey Bear Stampede 

The parade is 10 am on the Sat. the 4th. Applications are now being accepted for the parade. Nightly dances at the fairgrounds 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Youth Ranch Rodeo Friday July 3 at 1 p.m. Adult Ranch Rodeo July 4-5 12:30 p.m.   

Website  575-354-2202

5th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair 

Arts and Crafts Fair and Silent Auction, 116 S. Evergreen 9 am - 4 pm. 

575-258-2842 

Carrizozo Fireworks & Food 

Join us at the Carrizozo Golf Course for Ats and crafts, food, drinks and live music. Ruidoso's own "Home Grown Boys" will perform in the late afternoon. There will also be an area to shoot off personal fireworks. Then the  fireworks show will start about dusk. Bring your lawn chair or your blanket and enjoy!

575-648-2732 

Art Loop Tour 

A driving tour featuring 20 or so studios of scenic Lincoln County  

 Website  877-377-6576   E-mail: info@artloop.org  

 

August

Fort Stanton Live 

9 am til 4:30. Wild West Show with Civil War reenactments, Buffalo Soldiers, and Mountain Men. Vendors, food, and entertainment. --In conjunction with Lincoln Days! Admission is free. Donations accepted

Website   575-937-1897 or 575-430-1698  

Pony Express Trail Ride 

The Pony Express Trail Ride in Lincoln County commemorates the Pony Express, keeping the tradition alive by carrying the U.S. mail on horseback from White Oaks to Lincoln in three days. Buy a letter; join the ride; or just watch the Parade. Hosted by Lincoln County Sheriff's Posse. 

575-973-0117 

Old Lincoln Days

Street vendors, food, parade & mountain man camp. Activities happen throughout the day. Join us Friday and Saturday at 8:30pm and Sunday at 3:30pm for the “Last Escape of Billy the Kid” folk pageant.  This re-enactment was first presented in 1940 and centers around the life of the legendary outlaw, Billy the Kid.  

Website  575-653-4025  

 

September

3rd Annual Tour de Ruidoso

Starting at White Mountain Sports Complex and Beginning at 8 a.m. The Start/Finish Line for all events is the Recreation Area parking lot by the soccer field east of the Links at Sierra Blanca (access off Hull Rd.) Three events to choose from; Century Ride (100 miles), 100K (62 miles), and the Flat-20 Miler. This fundraiser is to benefit the Ruidoso Home Care and Hospice Foundation, providing end of life care for Lincoln County Residents. 

Website 575-258-0028  

 

October

Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium

At the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Cowboy poets, musicians, chuckwagon cooks/craftsmen and Larry Gatlin and the Texas Playboys on Friday for the dance. Admission on Sunday is free! 

Website 575-378-4431  E-mail: info@cowboysymposium.org  

 

November

Annual Painted Burro Sale & Auction 

In Carrizozo, NM Auction takes place at the Nike Dance Hall in Carrizozo: 1/2 mile West on Hwy 380 from crossroads of Hwy 380 and Hwy 54 in Carrizozo. Doors open at 5 p.m. Free Burrito Dinner 6. Auction at 7 pm.  

Website 575-648-2598  

FOL Walk Through Bethlehem Angus Church of the Nazarene

6-8 p.m. 45 minute interactive walk through a recreated village of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s Birth. Cast of over 60 live actors plus real animals.  Talk to the actors about the times they portray.

Website 575-336-8032  

 

December

Walk Through Bethlehem 

Angus Church of the Nazarene 6-8 pm on Friday the 4th and Sunday the 6th, reservations are strongly suggested. Matinee performance from 2 to 3:30 only on Saturday the 5th. Reservations ARE REQUIRED for the matinee.  45 minute interactive walk through a recreated village of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s Birth. Cast of over 60 live actors plus real animals. Talk to the actors about the times they portray.

Website 888-71-LIGHTS  

Christmas in Historic Lincoln 

Traditional lighting of luminarias along Hwy 380 at dusk 

575-653-4680 

Carrizozo Christmas Eve Celebration

Starts at dusk Luminarias, hay rides & open-house at some businesses

575-648-2732

Be Sure to Visit All These Great Locations
Fort Sumner Clovis Portales Carrizozo/White Oaks Roswell Capitan
Lincoln County Ruidoso Mescalero Cloudcroft Alamogordo
Artesia Hobbs Carlsbad
   
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