El Rancho de las Golondrinas Is to New Mexico what Colonial Williamsburg is to Virginia, though a bit smaller in size and historical importance. During the 17th and 18th centuries, this was the last stop on the Santa Fe Trail right before arriving in that city. Visiting this "living museum", you get something of a feel for what it might have been like to live in a time when it took many months for caravans traveling the Santa Fe Trail to reach their destination. The living areas, workshops, farm, and animal pens give visitors a look at the hard lives of those who blazed the trail for the settlement of this part of the American Southwest. If you're traveling with children, you'll find that there are walks (both short and long) through the property with space for children to explore and run. Situated only about 20 minutes South of Santa Fe and accessible from I-25, the site is good to visit year-round, but in the Summer months it's probably best to come in the mornings while the temperature remains below 90+ degrees. read more

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My son from Dallas found this place in his google search & wanted to visit. We have lived here 5 years & didn't know about this great place. The maps make it easy as long as you understand how to orient the map to where you are. We had no problem. We spent all morning here walking the place. You will do a lot of walking, because it is a distance between exhibits. I saw someone say this place is dusty, well YES it's an historical village. Kids can really get exercise & will love the water mill. We plan to go again during the harvest festival. The historical volunteer experts were outstanding & a wealth of knowledge. There are lots of shade trees If you bring a picnic lunch. This place is very much worth the drive. Tips: good walking shoes, water, hats, suntan lotion, walking sticks (because of rough terrain if needed) Go early to beat the heat.... read more

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Wonderful open air museum. Knowledgeable your guide, Jeff, taught us about the period, the architecture and made the place come alive. There are weavers and other artisans working and happy to explain their crafts done as they would have been in the 19th century. Beautiful locale, friendly staff, good gift shop! An immersive yet inexpensive way to relive local history. read more

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4.5 stars My friend and I came here on Sunday for the Harvest Fest (it was $8/each). I guess they have it every year during the first weekend of balloon fiesta. It was easy to find. It took a little over 2 hours to go through everything: cornhole, the Spanish market (featuring baked goods, candles, soaps), donkeys, historic buildings with volunteers in costumes to explain what life was like- it was easy to imagine growing up in this little ranch. There were sheep, cornhusk dolls for the kids, and grape stomping. There was a little more walking than I thought there was going to be and nice little picnic areas scattered throughout the area. (And I've heard this is a Better Call Saul location from the 5th season). 2021 #94 read more

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A very well done living museum. See how they bake bread in hornos, blacksmithing, a working grain mill. So much to see and learn. read more

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El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a great indoor/outdoor 300+ year old museum and ranch. It provides a great overview of Spanish, Mexican, and American history, as well as provide a great explanation how 711 AD history ties into current culture. It's a must see. read more

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I love this living history museum! The docents are really wonderful & I love the festivals they host every year. Especially the lavender & fall festival. I wish they'd attract more food & drink vendors though. I love the museum shop & book selections. read more

A gem of the southwest! This is a can't miss spot when in the area. Upon arrival, you check in at the gift shop which also houses a small exhibit area. The shop has an amazing selection and offers something for everyone and is the perfect place for local gifts and souvenirs!! Abundant with rich history, the ranch offers self guided tours or a daily guided tour at 1030, included with admission. History not your thing? Fear not! This is a beautiful place to explore with massive cottonwoods and ponds and greenery! The Lenora Curtain Wetlands are now accessible through the ranch, it is quite the site to see as it is so unexpected in the dry desert of New Mexico! Great for all ages, parts may be challenging for mobility impaired but there is plenty to see with minimal walking/stolling/wheeling. The staff and costumed volunteers are all so wonderful, friendly and informative! read more

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One of the best living history sites we've been to. Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers and staff. Allow more than the two hours recommended.

Los Golondrinas is a New Mexico TREASURE. I have been coming here since childhood to stand in awe at picturesque rolling hills, lush tree lines against blue sky, and perfectly preserved history. I deeply recommend that you attend a festival. The Harvest Festival is my personal favorite, but the Lavender and Los Niños Festivals are close behind. There is nothing quite like this large property brought-to-life. I don't even know that words can do it justice, you just need to go. Say yes to all the experiences - help weave, eat the bread fresh, grind your own corn meal, feed the alpacas, roll out and cook your own tortillas outdoors, dye the yarn, DO IT ALL. And then do it again every year. It just never gets old or less magical. What a place! read more

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Fantastic site and living outdoor living museum to learn about the history of this area, the Santa Fe Trail and how life was back in the 1700-1800's. We live in Santa Fe and take all visiting family and guest to this place prior to going to the Plaza to shop, galleries or restaurants. Get the history down first and do the tourist stuff later. We find it ingrains an appreciation and a sense of history for Santa Fe at the start and everything else NM offers becomes more meaningful!! read more

We stopped by on our way out of town and during monsoon season so we didn't get to see half of the property because it was on the other side of the creek, but the volunteers who were narrating each of the sites were helpful and informative. We enjoyed seeing how people would have lived back then. We were informed of the change to what was available to your before paying and entry price was very reasonable. We drove the frontage road route from Santa Fe and would recommend that over the highway for getting to see some of the beautiful natural scenery as well. read more

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Came for the he start of festival season this weekend. I love the Fiber festival! You can tell all of the volunteers truely love sharing knowledge. Every time I come to the Rancho, the experience is different! On this particular visit, we hand made some rope, stamped leather, handmade tortillas in a traditional horno, and much more! This is a great place for kids and the whole family. The admissions price is really a steal compared to most museums considering you can spend the whole day exploring this expansive property. read more

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Every year they have a harvest festival here that is just out of this world. They have grape crushing to make wine, a hand-turning apple cider maker that the kids can make fresh cider from with apples, a flour mill that runs off of water, and this year they had leather working, tin working, and people could even make fresh tortillas and cook them over a fire. My son always has a blast. He really loves every moment. The walks are also so beautiful and I've never been here on a day that it isn't beautiful. For the price you pay to get in and the fun the kids have, it's a steal of a deal and well worth the visit. read more

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We've been here before, but it has been quite a long time. This time we were there for the Santa Fe Renaissance Faire. There were a LOT of booths for people selling medieval wares and art. Also this Ren Faire also included other assorted things like Steampunk, Fairies, Pirates and other things I didn't recognize. There were sword fighting demonstrations (which I witnessed, very interesting) and jousting demonstrations (which I missed). There was arts and crafts for young children. It was a fun time. One thing you need to take into account. It was hot. Therefore, bring plenty of water and whatever other preparations you may take for hot conditions. read more

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Get out of town and come see this This is a delightful living history museum akin to Williamsburg in Virginia. There are multiple buildings to see and work area exhibits with docents to explain what went on in the area before Santa Fe city proper was even built. Plan on two hours at least since things are pretty spread out. There are two fair sized ponds on the property which, I suspect, is the reason this was settled in the first place. Everyone at the property was very friendly and seemed excited to be there. The older ladies at the weaving building are an absolute hoot. This is a great thing to do with kids. It is cheap. $4 for seniors. Bring water. They sell it there but you will need it. read more

They have great events here. I used to belong, however the events have become so popular that parking can be a nightmare. Expect a long walk, but once u get inside it's like being a kid again. There is so much to see and do. Great food! Booths! Performanceances, tour of the grounds. A must go to. Go early so you can park. Check out the website. They also have a charming gift shop read more

What a cool place to visit! Coming from New England it reminds me of living museum we have there. I was there during their harvest festival and really enjoyed myself. It was nice to see the historic building and to see the demonstration of how life was like back then. They have lots of events happening throughout the year and I am sure I will be returning and bring guests when they come to visit. I have to say check it out and if you have children they will have fun! read more

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Amazing!!!! This place is so great for adults and kids. We attended their Harvest Festival! Tons of educational activities for the young and old alike...all linked to history. My son was talking about what he learned for weeks! read more

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This is such a Gem in New Mexico. You really get a feel for the history of our state. It is a beautiful place to come and enjoy. I love their themed weekends and really got a lot out of the Viva Mexico celebration. They really brought Mexico to us in a tangible way. We got to experience a healing ceremony and see the amazing Voladores de Papantla from Veracruz, oh and did I mention the food. That food was slap your uncle amazing. I will need to track down the vendors that were their so I can experience that awesomeness again! If you want a cultural experience please go! read more

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A living history museum of the Spanish colonial era. Docents in costumes give interpretations of what life was like 400, 200, and 100 years ago. Food is available there but why not bring a lunch and picnic under the cottonwoods?! Special festivals bring out even more to do and see. I love the Harvest Festival, the first weekend of October. read more

wow, this was an unexpected surprise - so many things to see here. Even with part of the exhibit closed off, there were many spots we did not get to see. be prepared to walk. Also, the gift shop had some really cool stuff, many of which are at reasonable prices. please go and support. read more

I had not been to this place since I was a little kid. It is still an amazing place to visit. Make sure to bring your walking shoes to really enjoy the place. It took me a little over 2 hours to walk the place and it was amazing. The views of the valley and the ranch are amazing and lovely. read more

We came here for the "Herb and Lavender Festival", and were very disappointed to find that this was a historical village/museum, with just a few vendors setting up tables w/ some lavender products. They do not grow lavender here, had no connection w/ lavender within recent years (I understand that it once grew here), nor was it in season. We felt misled and would not have come if we knew this. There was an entry fee, which would be fine if you were interested in the Rancho. If you are interested in pueblos and history, you would probably enjoy coming here. A good place for elementary school classes to visit on field trips. read more

My family and I were road tripping from Chicago Illinois to New Mexico. As a Latin American with indigenous roots, I was excited to visit El Rancho. I saw on the website that pets were not allowed in the museum. My father volunteered to stay back and watch our small and well behaved Dog so my mother and I could enjoy the Museum together. After driving several hours we reached El Rancho and walked to the front of the gift shop to purchase tickets for entry. My father picked a bench outside of the gift shop with some shade and sat with our dog to wait for my mother and I. The moment my mother and I walked in we were met with a rude gift shop attendant who said dogs were not allowed in the museum. We kindly explained our dog wasn't going inside and my dad was going to wait outside with him while my mom and I went in alone. The gift shop attendee repeated herself and said "no dogs in the museum". I wasn't sure if she didn't understand that we were not bringing him inside, my dad was waiting outside with my dog. So I asked "my dad and dog can't wait for us outside?". She proceeded to repeat "no dogs allowed in the museum". The area outside of the gift shop is made of gravel and some stone, it was not inside El Rancho. For families who are road tripping with their dog, there are no nearby restaurants, hotels, or rest areas. Although there is some shaded area outside of the gift shop, you won't be allowed to sit there and wait for your party if you have a dog. When we were there it was empty with only a couple cars. My recommendation to the owner would be to instruct the staff not to be condescending. A simple "no, I'm sorry but you're dog isn't allowed outside of the gift shop, there is a nearby XYZ (shop, hotel etc) that your dad and dog can wait for you by", would have been much nicer than the attitude my family and I received. Or even a simple "no" to my question instead of repeating that the dog wasn't allowed in the museum (he was outside of the gift shop not in the museum). Needless to say, we left. The parking lot did not have shade and was not a safe place for my 68 year old father and my dog to wait (picture included). Wanted to love this place but it left a bad taste in my memory. As a museum with potential road trippers driving far to visit your establishment, please train your staff to be more hospitable and accommodating. read more

My family loves this "living museum." We come here at least once every fall season. Our favorite is the harvest festival. This year we attended the Rennaisance Festival. It was interesting to sell all the visitors dressed up. At the harvest festival we usually attend there are informative volunteers that are willing to share information about the wild west times of NM. This fair seemed more like a large pop-up store. There were vendors everywhere and not much else. There was some kids games but even those cost money. All in all it was an interesting experience but I think I'll stick to the other festival's offered there. read more

El Rancho de las Golondrinas - Leather masks sold at the Rennaisance Fair at Los Goldindrinas. - Museums Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

What an incredible historical & working village & farm. Lots of WONDERFUL events happen here. My favorite is The Santa Fe Renaissance Faire that happens each September. FABULOUS! read more

Glad the wife saw this as one of the 10 best attractions and wow, was it ever. Each volunteer we ran across was so informative, courteous and cheerful. BUT (not to take away from the others) Volunteer Lon was DA MAN...way over the top in knowledge, personal insights and to escort us to sites beyond his post. His constant smiling really added to the experience. Big thumps up for Lon! As far as the actual property, one could easily go on a self tour but to enhance the experience, key volunteers are posted at key sights (and again, they're informative and helpful). Yes, we would come back and pace the area more slowly. A+ read more

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas is to rural Santa Fe what the Petaluma Adobe is to the North Bay. One gets a sense of vastness in the countryside. They do living history. They'll host art festivals where one can get local handicrafts. I have beautiful saint painting on tin of Saints Teresa of Avila and Catherine of Alexandria from the festival they hosted. The people there are friendly, and it's a spectacular place to enjoy the New Mexican high country. read more

I didn't make it to the museum. But this place hosts the annual Santa Fe Wine Festival, and the grounds is a great place to do it. It's a beautiful venue with grass, lots of trees (important for shade in the summer), and flowers. The wine festival was well organized and it wasn't too hard to get to the place with the signs that were provided. I would love to go back yearly...and next time I'll try to check out the museum. read more

A must see if you are visiting Santa Fe...you can do a self guiding walk through the ranch or go with the guide..we did the self guided tour,the volunteers are very knowledgeable and helpful..buy the guide book it's only $2and you wont be disappointed read more

They have things like cooking classes. It's a living history place where volunteers dress in period costumes and tell you about New Mexican history and do things. Tours start from the gift shop. There was a blacksmith that was making things that they needed for repairs, a working mill, and a vineyard. I shot some arrows. The volunteers are super friendly. read more

Great living museum to visit. My 11 year old absolutely loved this. We spent about 3 hours here and covered quite a bit. The employees are amazing and will talk your ears off about the culture and history that they represent. I cannot wait to bring the whole family here!! read more

Super great organization. Puts on many cultural events throughout the year and really is a hidden treasure for SantaFe. They are also a charitable organization, not a big for profit corporation, so be generous to them!! read more

I loved everything about this place - from the people dressed up in period costumes telling you about the history of the ranch to the delicious Frito pie (I didn't know that existed outside the world of Peggy Hill), El Rancho De Las Golondrinas has something for everyone. I visited during the October Harvest, so there were people doing craft demonstrations, teaching you how to make Indian fry bread, and selling delectable autumny treats. Can't complain about any of that! read more

I recommend going when an event is going on. We went to a celebration of children. There were people in costume from the historical period. They weaved, blacksmithed, made home made bread, etc. We made our own tortillas and ate them. There are several acres to see. We saw old houses and an old school house. My children got to wash clothes the old fashioned way (with a wash board and hang to dry). There was also a wolf rescue group where children could see wolves and a stage with various acts. read more

Highly recommend for adults and kids. Great interactive environment with a real sense of history. Staff was really outstanding and provided great insight into how the early settlers lived on the ranch and how it changed over the years. Expect to do a lot of walking in order to see everything as the property is large and somewhat hilly. Water stations are conveniently located throughout the ranch so no need to haul your own. I spent around 3 hours with my family on the self-guided tour. Go first thing in the morning to beat the crowds. read more