Silver City New Mexico isn't a large city, though visitors should find that it is big on interesting things to do and see. For starters, this city in southwestern New Mexico has a fascinating history, and its enticing historic district that was the fist district of its kind to be added to the National Register. Billy the Kid actually lived in Silver City during his younger years, and the grave of his mother, Catherine McCarty, can be found at the town cemetery. You can also see the site of Billy the Kid's cabin in Silver City. It is found on the east side of the Big Ditch just one mile north of the city's Broadway Bridge. The Big Ditch is a chasm-like part of town that was created by an 1895 flood. Today, it is essentially one big park and can be found in the center of the city.

When looking for things to do in Silver City, you might start out with a visit to the Silver City Museum. Found at 312 West Broadway, this museum offers wonderful insight into the history of both the city and the region. Among the objects that are on display at the Silver City Museum are things that relate to Silver City's mining history, and you can also learn about Native American cultures and Southwestern culture in general on a visit. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Silver City Museum offers walking tours that highlight the city's historic district, and also worth noting is the fact that admission to the museum itself is free.

Another museum that you might add to your list of Silver City attractions is the Western New Mexico University Museum. Prehistoric pottery, ancient jewelry, and old photographs are just some of the things that you can expect to see at this delightful museum at 1000 West College Ave, and admission is free. When you're not spending time at these inviting cultural institutions during your trip to Silver City, checking out the local shops and art galleries can be a rewarding pursuit. Many artists call Silver City home, so galleries are relatively plentiful, and the shops around town sell all kinds of interesting things.

New Mexico Map

You don't have to limit yourself to the city itself when looking for fun things to do in Silver City. The region is home to some excellent attractions, and these attractions include the famed Gila Cliff Dwellings. Part of the larger Gila Wilderness Area, these spectacular cliff dwellings were created by the Mogollon people more than 700 years ago, and should you by venturing over to take a look, there is a museum and visitor center at the monument. Guided tours of the cliff dwellings are offered by volunteers, and they can also provide insight into what you will encounter. These tours start at the cliff dwellings site at 1 p.m., and you might make note of the fact that it takes about 30 minutes to get from the trailhead to the dwellings site.

Checking out the Gila Cliff Dwellings isn't the only activity that can be enjoyed in the Gila Wilderness Area. This area, which was the first designated wilderness area in the world, offers all kinds of recreational opportunities. You can go fishing or horseback riding, for example, and the hiking is about as good as hiking gets. The campsites in this wilderness area are mostly basic, offering little more than vault toilets, grills, and tables. They are also free and are available throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis. Outdoor enthusiasts who are visiting the Silver City New Mexico area might also reserve some time for City of Rocks State Park. Found approximately 25 miles south of Silver City, this park boasts some amazing volcanic rock formations, and you can camp overnight.

If you aren't up for camping while visiting the Silver City area, there are other accommodations options to choose from. The Silver City hotels offer good variety and can fit a wide range of tastes and budgets. Should you prefer a vacation rental to a hotel, the Casitas de Gila might suit your fancy. This inn at 50 Casitas Flat Road in Gila is about 30 minutes from downtown Silver City, and it overlooks a river from its bluff-top perch. The five casitas that are available feature kitchens, fireplaces, and small porches.