Clovis, New Mexico: 10 Best Things to Do Nearby
10 Fun Things to Do Near Clovis, New Mexico
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| From rock-and-roll roots and model trains to zoo visits and wide-open sunset drives, Clovis delivers a surprisingly fun mix of history and High Plains charm. |
If you're planning a trip to Clovis, New Mexico in Curry County, you might be wondering what there is to do nearby. The good news? This eastern New Mexico town has more going on than many people expect. From music history and local museums to outdoor spaces and easy day trips, there are plenty of ways to fill your time.
Whether you're passing through, visiting family, or looking for a weekend escape, this guide covers 10 things to do near Clovis, NM that are fun, simple, and worth adding to your list.
1. Visit the Norman and Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum in Clovis, New Mexico
If you love music history, this is one of the top stops in Clovis. The Norman and Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum celebrates the local recording scene that helped shape early rock and roll.
Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and other famous artists recorded in Clovis, which surprises a lot of first-time visitors. It’s a little like finding out a quiet side street once hosted a huge piece of American music history.
You can see:
- Memorabilia from famous musicians
- Photos and records from the Clovis music era
- Items connected to Norman Petty Studio
If you're searching for unique things to do in Clovis NM, this is an easy pick.
2. Tour the Hillcrest Park Zoo
Traveling with kids? Or just enjoy a laid-back afternoon? Head over to Hillcrest Park Zoo. It’s a smaller zoo, which honestly can be a nice break from huge attractions that take all day.
You can walk at an easy pace and see a mix of animals without feeling rushed. For families, this is one of the most accessible family-friendly things to do near Clovis, New Mexico.
I’ve always thought smaller zoos feel a bit more personal. You actually have time to stop, look around, and enjoy the moment instead of racing from one exhibit to the next.
3. Spend Time at Hillcrest Park
Right by the zoo, Hillcrest Park is a great place to slow down. If your trip needs a low-cost, easy stop, this is it.
The park has open space, walking areas, playgrounds, and room to stretch your legs. Sometimes the best travel moments aren’t the big-ticket attractions. Sometimes it’s grabbing a coffee, finding a bench, and watching the day roll by.
This is a smart option if you’re looking for:
- Free things to do in Clovis
- Kid-friendly outdoor spots
- A relaxing picnic area
4. Explore the Clovis Depot Model Train Museum
There’s something charming about trains, isn’t there? The Clovis Depot Model Train Museum is a fun stop for both kids and adults, especially if you enjoy local transportation history or detailed displays.
Clovis has long been tied to the railroad, so this museum helps tell part of the town’s story. The model train layouts are often the big draw, and they can be surprisingly fascinating even if you didn’t expect to care much about trains.
Think of it like watching a tiny world come alive right in front of you.
5. See Local History at the Clovis-Carver Public Library and Area Exhibits
If you enjoy learning about a place beyond the usual tourist stops, spend a little time exploring local history resources in Clovis. The Clovis-Carver Public Library and nearby community exhibits can give you a better feel for the town and its roots.
This may not sound flashy at first, but it’s often these quieter places that help a destination feel real. You get more than photos—you get context.
And honestly, when the weather gets hot or windy, an indoor stop can be a lifesaver.
6. Catch a Show or Event at the Curry County Events Center
If your timing lines up, check what’s happening at the Curry County Events Center. Rodeos, fairs, trade shows, community events, and seasonal gatherings are often held here.
This is one of the best ways to experience the local side of Clovis, New Mexico. Every town has its rhythm, and events like these let you step into it for a while.
Before your trip, it’s worth checking local event calendars. You might stumble onto something memorable that wasn’t even on your original plan.
7. Take a Day Trip to Blackwater Draw Museum
For something truly special, head to Blackwater Draw Museum, located not far from Clovis. This site is famous in archaeology circles and tells the story of some of the earliest known people in North America.
Now, don’t let the word archaeology scare you off. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it. The museum breaks things down in a way that makes sense, and it helps you picture life here thousands of years ago.
It’s one of the most interesting day trips from Clovis NM, especially if you like history, science, or off-the-beaten-path attractions.
8. Go Golfing at Colonial Park Golf Course
If relaxing on the greens sounds like your kind of afternoon, try Colonial Park Golf Course. This local course gives visitors and residents a good place to play a few rounds without a lot of fuss.
Even if you’re not a serious golfer, it can still be fun to hit a bucket of balls or ride along with friends. Travel doesn’t always have to be packed from morning to night. Sometimes a slower activity is exactly what the trip needs.
9. Drive Out to Portales for a Small-Town Side Trip
Portales is about 20 miles from Clovis, making it a very easy side trip. If you want to broaden your visit a little, this nearby town offers a change of pace with local restaurants, Eastern New Mexico University, and a classic small-town feel.
This is a nice option when you want to get out for a scenic drive without committing to a long day on the road. Eastern New Mexico has a wide-open beauty to it. The landscape may seem simple at first, but that big sky has a way of sticking with you.
While there, you can enjoy:
- Local diners and coffee shops
- Campus-area strolls
- A different view of the region
10. Enjoy a Scenic Drive and Sunset on the High Plains
Not every great travel memory comes with a ticket booth. One of the simplest things to do near Clovis, New Mexico is just to take a drive and watch the sunset.
The high plains around Curry County have a quiet beauty that sneaks up on you. The land stretches far, the roads feel open, and the sky can put on a show in the evening. Reds, oranges, soft pinks—sometimes it looks like someone brushed the whole horizon with watercolor.
If you ask me, this is one of the most underrated parts of visiting Clovis. Bring snacks, roll the windows down if the weather is nice, and enjoy the calm.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Clovis, NM
Before you go, here are a few quick tips that can make your trip smoother:
- Bring layers: Weather in eastern New Mexico can change fast.
- Drive if you can: Having a car makes it much easier to explore the area.
- Check hours ahead of time: Smaller museums and attractions may have limited schedules.
- Look for local events: Festivals and community gatherings can add a lot to your trip.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do Near Clovis, New Mexico
Clovis may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think about a New Mexico getaway, but that’s part of the charm. It offers music history, outdoor spaces, local culture, and interesting nearby stops without the crowds you’ll find in bigger tourist hubs.
So, what sounds best to you? A rock and roll museum? A zoo visit? A sunset drive across the high plains? No matter your travel style, there are plenty of enjoyable things to do near Clovis in Curry County.
If you found this post helpful, share it with friends planning a New Mexico trip. And if you’ve been to Clovis, leave a comment with your favorite stop or hidden gem. I’d love to hear what you discovered.
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