Attractions in Portales
Portales is a doorway into rich human history that stretches back 11,000 years, from the Paleo-Indian mastodon hunters to the cattle baron era. Five museums located throughout the city offer an extensive look at history. Blackwater Draw Site, designated a National Historic Landmark, is one of the most well-known and significant sites in North American archaeology. This site, just north of Portales, is known to have been first occupied by man around 11,000 years ago. Blackwater Draw Museum, just east of Portales on U.S. 70, offers a comprehensive display about prehistoric animals such as the Woolly Mammoth. The Miles Mineral Museum, Miles Anthropology Museum, Roosevelt County Historical Museum and Natural History Museum are all housed on the Eastern New Mexico University campus.
Portales is home to the Dalley Windmill Museum. With over 80 windmills of all types, sizes and ages, the collection is one of the largest in the southwest. Currently located on the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds,
Outdoor Recreation in Portales
Recreational offerings in the city include a golf course, parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, softball and baseball fields, a youth recreation center, an archery range, racquetball courts, fitness center and musical and theater productions. There are several parks in and around Portales, including a new and unique skateboarding park and the Oasis State Park that is located just north of Portales. The Portales Recreation Complex offers walking trails, four baseball parks, a senior citizens center, soccer fields and a model airplane landing strip. The Memorial Building and Yam Theatre are community facilities used to host family, social and business functions. There are also many annual and seasonal events and activities for the entire family, including year-round high school and collegiate sports.
Events and Activities
Year-round events help to keep our small, friendly town bubbling with fun and activities. The New Mexico Agricultural Expo, the state’s premier agricultural trade show, is the single-largest agricultural event in New Mexico. Thousands of people from the southwest region attend this trade show for the latest technological advances in agriculture. The annual Heritage Days celebration is a hit with the entire family. With activities such as a fun run, parade, car show, games and booths, as well as live music. There is something for everyone.
Other events and attractions include the annual 4th of July celebration and fireworks; the Roosevelt County Fair; youth and collegiate rodeos; the Christmas Light Parade; the ENMU Homecoming Parade; the Peanut Valley Festival; the High Plains Quilt Festival and the St. Helens Fall Fiesta.