Best Things to Do in Deming

Deming is a town many travelers pass through without giving it much thought.

Look a little closer and you’ll find a place with a surprisingly rich history, excellent state parks nearby, and a major role in New Mexico’s wine industry, with much of the state’s wine grapes grown in the surrounding area. Together, these make Deming an easy and worthwhile stop on any southern New Mexico road trip.

Don’t Miss

Deming Luna Mimbres Museum

The Deming Luna Mimbres Museum is the best attraction in town.

Housed in the old National Guard Armory, the museum covers just about every part of local history imaginable. You’ll find Mimbres pottery, antique vehicles, military exhibits, ranching history, household items, rocks and minerals, old photographs, and a huge collection of artifacts from around Luna County. The museum is well worth a visit, and you could easily spend a couple of hours here.

Deming Visitor Center

The Deming Visitor Center is a fitting introduction to a town built by the railroad. Designed to resemble a historic train depot, the center sits beside a restored Southern Pacific steam locomotive. In 1881, the ‘Southern Pacific’ and ‘Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe’ railroads met at Deming, where a silver spike marked the completion of the nation’s second transcontinental railroad. The new town grew directly from that connection, making the railroad an essential part of Deming’s identity from the very beginning.

Sites Around Town

There are several interesting sights scattered around Deming, including massive Mimbres-inspired pottery sculptures, a historic courthouse and Catholic church, and colorful murals throughout town.

Rockhound State Park

Just south of town, Rockhound State Park sits at the base of the Little Florida Mountains and is one of the most unique state parks in New Mexico.

As the name suggests, rock collecting is a big part of the experience at this park. The hills around the park are known for quartz crystals, jasper, geodes, and other minerals, and there are also a few short hiking trails with excellent views across the desert. Even if you have zero interest in rocks, it’s worth coming out for the scenery.

Food & Drink

Deming isn’t a major food destination, but there are a handful of places worth stopping for.

Some good options include:

• Adobe Deli – Part steakhouse, part dive bar, and part roadside oddity southeast of town.
• Irma’s Restaurant – Deming favorite serving generous portions of New Mexican comfort food.
• D.H. Lescombes Winery & Tasting Room – One of the biggest names in New Mexico wine, with a tasting room just east of town.
• Luna Rossa Winery & Tasting Room – A family-run winery that grows much of New Mexico’s wine grapes in the Mimbres Valley.

Deming sits in one of New Mexico’s main wine-growing areas, so visiting a local winery is highly recommended.

Events

Deming’s biggest event is the Great American Duck Race!

Held every August, the event takes over much of the town with wet and dry duck races, a parade, carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, contests, and hot air balloons. It is exactly the kind of weird small-town event that you should experience at least once.

Other annual events include:

• Rockhound Roundup – A large gathering for rock collectors, mineral enthusiasts, and gem hunters held each spring.
• Luna County Old West Days – Celebrates the area’s ranching and Old West history held in May.
• Local winery events – Deming’s wineries host tastings, live music, and seasonal events throughout the year.

Outdoors & Around Town

The area around Deming is quite beautiful and offers a range of outdoor activities.

Popular outdoor activities include:

• Hiking in and rock collecting at Rockhound State Park
• Exploring the incredible rock formations at City of Rocks State Park
• Visit Pancho Villa State Park and learn about Pancho Villa’s 1916 raid on U.S. soil
• Hiking in the Spring Canyon Recreation Area in the Florida Mountains
• Camping under seriously dark southwestern New Mexico skies

The Florida Mountains give Deming a much better backdrop than you might expect when you’re driving through on I-10.

Where to Stay

Most of Deming’s hotels are clustered along the I-10 and Pine Street corridor.

There isn’t a destination hotel in Deming that stands out. Pick something convenient and use Deming as a base for exploring the surrounding parks. If you can camp, both Rockhound State Park and City of Rocks State Park are much more interesting options than staying in town.

How Long Should You Stay?

One day is enough to see the main highlights in Deming.

Start at the Luna Mimbres Museum, grab lunch in town, then spend the afternoon at Rockhound State Park or one of the local wineries.

Deming isn’t the kind of destination most people plan an entire New Mexico vacation around. But if you’re already driving across southern New Mexico, Don’t Dismiss Deming!