White Sands Missile Range Museum, New Mexico :: Winter Sojourn 2014/15

Copyright 2014, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

In November 2014 on our way west, Man and I stopped for 8 nights in Las Cruces New Mexico.  On our bucket list while in the area was the White Sands Missile Range Museum.

If you intend on visiting here are a few hints, but FIRST, visit their web site - - review and verify requirements before you go.  Also be aware that there are times that route Highway 70 may be closed.

1.)  Stop outside the gate, pull over to the right and park.  Go into the visitors center.

2.)  Have picture ID for all visitors.  We also took into the visitors center our auto information, including insurance. We were NOT allowed to drive onto the base, even tho the web site states we could and we did not have to show the auto information.

3.)  When you are registered, you will receive a pass per person, and very specific instructions.  You must stop at the main gate and be processed further. You will need your paper pass and your photo ID again.

4.)  When processed you will be given more specific directions and allowed to pass.  Basically - - stay on the sidewalks!

There are two main parts to the complex, the outside exhibits and inside exhibits.  Here are a few highlights of the outside:

Inside the museum, we found nicely laid out displays.  I was uncertain about photography, I did not see signs about photography and at first found no one to ask about it.  I finally was able to find someone to ask and was told it was OK.  I took a few photos after that of just a few things, these displays caught my attention:

Zoom and read:  Survival Supplies...Drinking Water...17 1/2 Gallons...To Fill...To Dispense...To Reuse as a Commde (dated 1962)

This one is equally interesting:

Again, Zoom and read:  SK IV Sanitation Kit...Supplies 50 Persons...Contents:  Toilet Tissue, Can Opener, Commode Liner, Hand Cleaner, Gloves, Syphone Spout, Tire Wire, Commode Seat, Cups and Lids, Instruction Sheet, Commode Chemical  (dated 1963).

The visitors center handed out a number of brochures and such, even a CD.  It is going to take some time to digest all that material.

All in all, a very interesting day, glad we did not pass it up.

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