This Scenic State Park In New Mexico Is Home To A Hidden Piece Of History
By E Jamar|Published February 23, 2019
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E Jamar
Author
E Jamar is a published writer based in Milwaukee, WI. Despite being a Midwesterner at heart, you can often find them trekking throughout the states and discovering new hidden gems. When they're not traveling, you can find them discussing disability issues, cuddling their pug puppy, and checking out new local spots.
When choosing a state park to explore in the Land of Enchantment, the options are plentiful. From national monuments to incredible forests, preserves, and oases, New Mexico is full of amazing nature spots to explore. Not only is this state park in Alamogordo home to amazing trails, plants, and backdrops, it also holds an interesting piece of history that you can see up close. Let’s explore this astounding state park and the fully preserved history within it.
Welcome to Oliver Lee Memorial State Park! This expansive park in Alamogordo is home to so many hidden treasures.
Eclipsed by the Sacramento Mountains, this park is truly a natural hidden wonder. At 640 acres, you can spend all day exploring the ins and outs of each trail and canyon.
The two tracts that make up the park preserve an ancient canyon. The Dog Canyon tract was used by Native Americans as a defensive base during their many battles with settlers.
However, that's not the only piece of history hidden within this park. Oliver Lee, a controversial citizen, and later, politician, built his house upon the land in 1893.
This house near the mouth of Dog Canyon has been reconstructed while still preserving most of the history. The interior holds furniture and displays that let you see a glimpse into the life of ranchers back in the early 1900s. Lee was a well-known rancher who later used his political influence to bring the railroad to Alamogordo.
Now, you can take a self-guided tour through Lee's house to see what it would've been like back then. In fact, there is also a house tour event on March 2nd, 2019, where a volunteer will be present to answer any questions you may have. To learn more about this event, click here.
Besides incredible history, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is home to some stunning plant life. Due to the springs that flow into the park, you'll find unexpected flowers, cacti, and other plants you won't often find elsewhere. Within the park is a short nature trail, or if you're feeling like taking on a challenge, the Dog Canyon National Recreation Trail will show you jaw-dropping views.
The Dog Canyon National Recreation Trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation in just 5.5 miles, so beginners might not want to take on this trail just yet.
If you want to make a whole trip out of your visit, this state park is also home to a huge campground with 44 campsites that feature incredible views. This campground features hookups as well as primitive spots.
While there are many state parks to choose from, this scenic state park near Alamogordo and White Sands National Monument is home to unforgettable nature and views into our state's past. Whether it's for a day, or a whole weekend, this state park needs to be on your to-do list.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is located at 409 Dog Canyon Rd., 8 miles south of Alamogordo, NM.
To learn more, you can visit the New Mexico State Parks website right here.
Have you ever toured Oliver Lee’s house? What was it like? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!
For another awesome sight to see, you’ll want to visit this massive state park that’s 704 football fields long!
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