Museums
For a community that was settled by pioneers in the late 1800's, the number of historical sites and parks housed in the Farmington area is astonishing. Museums, exhibits, monuments, and parks are dedicated to preserving and sharing the varied and long history of the region. Rich in culture and fascinating history, the Farmington area is very popular with history buffs!
The Farmington Museum, Bollack Museums, and the Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village host exhibits covering the early settlement history and establishment of the area. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and Salmon Ruins & Heritage Park offer visitors a look at the ancient cultures that shaped the region from 1050 to 1300 AD when the region was the center of the ancestral Puebloan culture. The Farmington Museum, Navajo Museum of Art & Culture, and local Trading Posts, as well as annual festivals such as the Totah Festival and the Northern Navajo Nation Fair, are great starting points for learning about the Navajo Nation and how this culture has influenced the history, cuisine, art, and economy of the region.
Most visitors are often surprised to discover that the fascinating history of the region begins long before the chronicling of mankind. Farmington greets visitors from across the globe interested in geology and paleontology. Home to the Bisti Beast, Shiprock Pinnacle, the mysterious Bisti Badlands, and unique formations like Angel Peak and Hogback - the area offers museums, exhibits, and exciting expeditions catering to these interests. The Farmington Museum, Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology, Bollack Museums, and a visit to the iconic landmarks themselves is a must for any history, geology, or paleontology buff.
In addition to the cultures and history of the area, local museums showcase and celebrate the thriving art scene of the Farmington area. The Farmington Museum is a must-visit as it often features world-class traveling exhibits, art exhibitions, and a national juried art show. The E3 Children's Museum & Science Center, Riverside Nature Center, and Navajo Museum of Art & Culture also feature art exhibitions, workshops and events.
During your trip make time to visit these museums and explore and learn about the Four Corners’ past, its people, and its culture!
Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village
125 N. Main, Aztec, NM
505-334-9829
The Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village is a historical museum of northwest New Mexico featuring a pioneer village with 14 original and replicated structures dating from the 1880s.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
725 Ruins Road, Aztec, NM 87410
505-334-6174
Aztec Ruins National Monument provides visitors an intimate opportunity to explore ancient ruins built by the ancient Ancestral Puebloans in the 1100s. Aztec Ruins features ceremonial, public, and storage structures as well as the "Great Kiva" the oldest and largest reconstructed Kiva in North America.
Bolack Electromechanical Museum
B-Square Ranch, 3901 Bloomfield Hwy Farmington, NM
505-325-4275 or 505-325-7873
The Bolack Electromechanical Museum holds a collection of early items depicting development in electric power, telephone, communications, oil field equipment, and the farming industry. The Museum features the largest collection of insulators in the world. Visitor favorites include an Elvis Cadillac, the train, airplane, and tank!
Bolack Museum of Fish and Wildlife
B-Square Ranch, 3901 Bloomfield Hwy. Farmington, NM
505-325-4275
The Bolack Museum of Fish and Wildlife presents a collection of mounted animals from throughout the world. This is known as one of the largest private collections in the U.S.A. The collection provides visitors with the opportunity to examine each species up close.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Turn off is on US 550 at CR 7900 Nagezzi, NM
505-786-7014
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, also known as Chaco Canyon, is the largest excavated prehistoric ruins in North America and is a must-see for history buffs and outdoor lovers. It is advised that visitors call the Park prior to a visit to ensure roads are accessible during inclement weather.
E3 Children’s Museum & Science Center
302 N. Orchard, Farmington, NM 87401
505-599-1425
The E3 Children’s Museum & Science Center offers hands-on, science-related interactive exhibits in the Main Gallery with special programs scheduled throughout the year.
Farmington Museum
3041 E. Main Street, Farmington, NM
505-599-1174
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm. Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm. Experience a wide variety of exhibits relating to the diverse history of the area’s cultures, traveling exhibits, and art shows when you visit the Farmington Museum. National and regional juried arts shows are also featured as well as an exceptional selection of lectures and workshops.
Hogback Trading Company
3221 US-64, Waterflow, NM 87421
505-598-5154
Hogback Trading Co. offers a fine selection of authentic handmade Native American jewelry, traditional pottery, blankets, baskets, and sculptures as well as a museum onsite.
Museum of Navajo Art & Culture
301 W Main St, Farmington, NM
505-599-1533
The Museum of Navajo Art and Culture is located in historic downtown Farmington, as part of the newly dedicated New Mexico Arts and Cultural District. The museum features a truly significant collection of Navajo Rugs with Navajo textiles from the early 1900's to today.
Riverside Nature Center
Animas Park off Browning Parkway, Farmington, New Mexico
505-599-1422
The Riverside Nature Center is a unique place to observe wildlife, begin a walk through the River Walk Trails, and learn about local flora and fauna! This facility is a must-visit for bird watchers.
Salmon Ruins
6131 Hwy. 64, Bloomfield, NM 87413
505-632-2013
Visit Salmon Ruins and you will discover a cultural museum, Heritage Park, Journey Into the Past Tours and the San Juan County Archaeological Research Center & Library.
San Juan College Henderson Fine Art Gallery and Humanities Art Gallery
4601 College Blvd. Farmington, NM
505-566-3464
The Spirit of New Mexico is reflected in the collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other art forms that comprise the San Juan College collection.
San Juan County Museum at Salmon Ruins & Heritage Park
6131 US Hwy. 64, Bloomfield, NM
505-632-2013
The San Juan County Museum at Salmon Ruins & Heritage Park houses a permanent collection of pottery, jewelry, fetishes, replica tools, and hunting equipment. Interactive displays focus on archaeological techniques and include an area for kids.
Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology
4601 College Blvd. Farmington NM 87402
The Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology is located in the San Juan College School of Energy and features a fascinating collection. This is a must-see for fossil lovers and rock hounds.
Toadlena Trading Post & Weaving Museum
Newcomb, NM 87455
505-789-3267
Step back in time, and experience the finest selection of Navajo Rugs at Toadlena Trading Post. This Trading Post also features the Toadlena Weaving Museum, home to one of the most exquisite weaving displays.