The White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of rocketry, space exploration, and military technology. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Getting There
White Sands Missile Range Museum is located just inside the gate of the White Sands Missile Range off US-70, approximately 45 miles north of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and 30 miles east of Alamogordo, New Mexico.
The museum is free of charge and is open Monday through Saturday 9am-4pm. The adjacent missile park is open every day of the week from dawn to dusk.
Security on Base
White Sands Missile Range is an active military installation, so security measures are in place. Here’s what you need to know:
There is a small visitor center just to the right of the entrance gate called the “Las Cruces Gate Visitor Control Center”. If you are arriving between the hours of 6am and 2pm Monday-Friday you should go to this building to check in rather than to the main gate. After hours and on Saturdays you should go directly to the main gate security.
All visitors 18 years and older must present a valid government-issued photo ID for a background check. The background check will take less than 10 minutes.
The museum advertises that members of the public are not permitted to drive onto WSMR. Visitors with medical conditions may request an exception to this policy at the Visitor Control Center. We visited on a Saturday morning and the security team at the gate was willing to let us drive to the museum because we had kids in the car with us. However, in doing so, they needed to do a full vehicle inspection and with all of our suitcases and everything else in the car, we opted to park at the visitor center and walk the short distance to the museum entrance.
What’s in the Museum
The White Sands Missile Range Museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of missile testing and space exploration, with a wide range of exhibits and artifacts.
History of White Sands: There is plenty to learn about the origins of the missile range, its role during World War II, and its evolution into a premier testing facility for the U.S. military.
Missile Development: The museum has multiple exhibits that display the development and testing of various missiles and rockets, including the famous V-2 rocket, which was the first ballistic missile and a precursor to modern space exploration.
Space Exploration: We were shocked to learn how much the missile range has contributed to space exploration, including tests conducted for NASA’s Apollo missions and other space programs.
Military Technology: You can view exhibits on radar technology, communications systems, and other advancements in military technology that have been developed and tested at White Sands.
Interactive Displays: Our kids immediately found the iPads that were loaded with an application that allows you to build your own rocket. It was a pretty extensive app and we likely would have been there all day had we not dragged them out of the museum to see the missile park!
Missile Park
Adjacent to the museum, the Missile Park features an impressive outdoor display of missiles, rockets, and military vehicles. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in military history and technology. Here’s what you’ll find in the Missile Park:
Missile and Rocket Displays: The park showcases a wide variety of missiles and rockets, from early prototypes to modern designs. Highlights include the Pershing II, Patriot, and Nike Hercules missiles.
Aircraft and Vehicles: In addition to missiles, the park also features military aircraft and vehicles, offering a comprehensive look at the equipment used in testing and operations at White Sands.
Each exhibit is accompanied by an informational plaque that provides details about the history, specifications, and significance of the displayed item. Unfortunately, many of them have been weathered over time and are hard to read. But even without knowing all of the information about them, there is plenty to look at and learn!
Time
Though it takes a few minutes to get through security and walk to the museum, it is well worth the stop! Plan on spending at least an hour here with a loop through the museum and then head out to the missile park!
Final Note:
Because White Sands Missile Range is active, there are times when the highway to the base is closed for up to an hour. Though it is not a regular event, it can happen – so be prepared just in case!
