Reviews of White Sands Missile Range Museum (Museum)

Travel Dream West

Fascinating natural area featuring white sand dunes, great for exploring, photography, hikes, picnics (shaded picnic tables) and sledding. Visitor center book store sells sleds. Sunset is spectacular!

Rick R

Work there always something new to do there.

Norman Copeland

Small but very informative loved it!!

Chris Bloomfield

Great free museum! The missile park outside was epic and informative. The museum has lots of information and a good variety of displays. Not much hands on for kids, but our six year old was still engaged the entire time we were here. You have to stop and get a quick background check, so bring IDs for all adults.

GrandPa G

I loved this place. Missile park has a lot of history and displays... you are on a Military Base so you need proper I.D. Be aware..they run a security check on you before you can get on to the base.

Manuel Buenrostro

A great place to visit

Dan Swartz

After gaining clearance at the gate, the museum held interesting artifacts and information that pertains to the area.

Chris Long

This was a neat place, well kept and I would definitely go again with the family.

Kyle Harris

A very interesting museum. Lots of missiles you can get up and close to. The V2 rocket is a must see.

scott vekar

Worth checking out but don’t be conned into buying the sleds biggest waste of money, they don’t go fast at all. I even heard young kids saying how much it sucked

Wayne Walk Jr

Update from 2012: An amazing place to visit and explore!

Victoria Rafa

An interesting display of rockets and a museum on the history of the area. It is located on the base so bring identification for the clearance procedure.

Tina Bess

Interesting museum artifacts and rockets in Missile Park. Site of the first atomic bomb test. We spent about an hour there. It's on an active military base so be prepared to show ID to be able to walk in. If you want or need to drive in, you need to show valid driver's license, car registration, and proof of insurance.

Mark Carter

Interesting place showing the history of missiles. An unexpected find of a museum!

Lisa Fritz

Informative and interesting!

Keith Odonnell

Hadn't really planned to stop here. We were on vacation and saw the road signs. So glad we stopped, it is an excellent museum very informative and great displays.

Bill Shugard

Nice historical exhibits

Lisa Garcia

A great place to go and check out. You do need a military id to get on post.

Rose Deguara

Awesome. Just awesome. Handicap accessible. Makes you want to go home and play with rockets like when you were a kid.

Carol E.

Worth the time to get a visitors permit. It was interesting to see the outside exhibits of military equipment. The museum makes you appreciate the sacrifices made by all past and present service personnel. Awesome experience!

Brennan May

If you like rocketry/cold war stuff. This place is great

Joshua Bischof

Is on base so don't forget an ID to get in

Denise Smoot

great place to visit. very nice workers.

Keith Hollander, DDS

Inside museum closed on sundays, out side displays were interesting, go early or late. Mid day is a killer. Skip the nature walk. Its fallen into disrepair with many specimens no longer evident.

Alex Bumatay

Crazy pretty and unique place

Li Li

Free admission, there is a lego table/black board for kids. PX has a Subway.

Brenda Shepherd

A very fun event. I enjoyed all the missile display and Museum ! Very interesting even if you are not Air Force or military!

Mike Wil

Very cool museum! And highly interesting, at least me.

Alexander Sniper

Awesome location to get a great impression about the history of rockets and missles. Worth to see.

Janet Rachel

Very interesting! Easy to get into with a DOD ID card. Lots of missiles on static display. Museum started with civil war history. It was surprising how little there was about the atomic bomb history. It was on the way for our travels but I wouldn’t likely go out of my way much to go there. Once was enough. You could spend a long time there reading all of the signs.

Paolo Becarelli

Very interesting place the covers the history of the rocket tests and beginning of space exploration. Walking through the actual missiles is a unique experience.

Japan CFL

Great place for kids of all ages, great photo opportunities.

Daniel Jarvis

Mildly disappointed. It's not as good as the Titan Missile Museum.

Tom Miller

definitely great, go do dunes, trinity site, museum and base

Eric Salas

In the White Sands Missile Range Museum and park in New Mexico, you will not only learn about America’s missile and space activity or how the atomic age began, you will also see a wide range of missile and rocket displays at the park. I have visited the place twice and each visit brought new experiences. I love the outside displays a lot!

michael b.

At the gate we got the information: no entrance for you, it's only for US Passport holders. (18.9.2019) So better make sure what today's entrance policy is before you go there.

T R

Highly detailed museum. 1-2 hour visit is expected.

Rob Peters

If you like history and war machines, this is worth the short trip off of the highway. We stumbled upon it (saw the signs as we were driving), Googled it to see what it was, and decided to check it out. It's small, and there's not a ton of things to see, but it was a nice hour or so long diversion from a very long trip.

Danika Gagaza

It was amazing to see the history and real life size of these missiles and systems. It was an incredible experience, my husband is a military history buff and ate it up.

Vanessa Andrews

Informative museum about the US history.

Leif Molander

Great place to learn about the history of rockets and the white sands missile range birthplace of the atomic bomb

Ray's Random

Nice place to visit and see the history of space flight, and other military equipment.

Mark M

It was a cool place but way out dated would be nice to see more up to date things

Ricardo Olvera

Nice place to visit

L Ger10

The most complete display of U.S. Missile technology you will find anywhere in the world. Basically this was the place to test rockets since WWII. Unlike other military base air and space museums I've been to, beside each missed they had a good description of the rocket as well as it's technological and even historical significance. Inside they have the world's most complete of the remaining 19 captured German V-2 missiles from WWII. You'll also learn some of the history of the American battles with the Apache and with Poncho Villa in this area and see scientific instruments related to missile testing. Outside in the missile collection, there is also a Fat Man bomb - the brother of the one dropped on Nagasaki. This is a must see if you find yourself in this area. We fit it in the same day as White Sands National Park. The buildings close at 3, but they will let you wonder the outdoors missiles as late as you want. Suggest to park at the lot outside if security and walk in to make the security check easy for everyone.

Vala Wilson

This one was still open at least no thanks to Donald

Henry Ngo

A national treasure for anything that the army produces.

jdhodges2003

This is a fantastic museum, the inside has the history of the atomic bomb and other missiles and the outside has so many awesome missiles to check out. It is on a military base so bring proper ID. It is just a little off the main road, but definitely worth the time!

Maria Redmond

it was a very hot time of the day when we visit. but we still had a great time! Looking forward for the museum to be opened.

Architype0

The White Sands Missile Range Museum is a hidden gem! It is a free museum located on the military base, dedicated to the origins of American missile development and the history of spaceflight. It contains one of the last remaining restored V2s, and the device has brought over from Germany during Operation Paperclip to launch them. This is one of the first places Werner von Braun worked after leaving Germany post-WWII to work on missile propulsion and guidance systems that led to the development of rockets supporting American human spaceflight. The Mercury Redstone that launched Alan Shepherd was developed here. This place is a must-see for all aerospace enthusiasts. The museum also contains artifacts from the first nuclear bomb detonation, Trinity, in 1945. Wow!

Erich Dix

Great free museum. Makes one appreciate the technological breakthroughs made at the missile range and life in such a remote area. They are building a new museum next door as well.

John Forstmeier

Neat stop. You'll need to go through a security checkpoint (since the museum seems to be on the actual base grounds) but the outdoor exhibits are super cool. There's an inside portion but I liked seeing all of the missiles and rockets arrayed outside.

Tim Kreitz Adventures

I think many who visit the museum and Missile Park may be only partially aware of the incredible history that surrounds them. Especially for military historians and those possessing an interest in aeroscience, this place is a must-see experience. Please note: This is an active Department of Defense facility and you will need proper identification to enter the range. The security clearance procedure can take some time, so be patient. Also, on days when missile testing is being conducted, you likely won't be allowed to visit.

Rick Powell

Very very poor presentation nobody on site

Dave

Very fun place

Joel Armendariz Jr.

Great history here!

Jennifer A

Difficult for non-military personnel to enter and currently under renovation as of winter/spring 2018. The large display garden of more than 20 different rockets is amazing. Also the special building housing the rebuilt V2 rocket is beautiful and well written.

Arun Prakash

Open air museum. Can walk around even after the indoor museum is closed. Just have to show ID to the guard at the gate to get in. Parking outside and walk in to the open air missile garden

Nathaniel Smith

Many more missiles than you knew New Mexico had room for

Stefenie Mccallie

Beautiful. Fun. Worth every mile driven and dollar spent. Can't wait to go again.

Erin R.

As a non-military person, it was a little confusing as to how to get through the gate and into the museum. You have to park and then go through the check point, show your driver's license and pass a security check. There maybe a different system during the week. Well worth the hassle of getting through the gate to go see the museum. The museum is well laid out and there is easily an hour's worth of things to look at. If your in the area, definitely a place to check out if you are interested in military museums, space flight, the Trinity site or anything missile related.

Diane Jackson

MOST interesting place: my husband loved it. In addition to displays of many different types of missiles and information about the development of same, there is a very well presented section pertaining to the Apache Wars and the history of the Buffalo Soldiers during that time. Well worth the visit.

Garrett Miyata

There were no people inside when I went so it was better to view everything. The guy who did the sound s for Star Wars gave a Darth Vader helmet to the area and they have it on display. Lots if testing material and even some radioactive rocks. Never seen some if the vehicles that were outside. So it was an awesome time to see the stuff that keeps America safe

Erik Catalfu

My first visit I didn't get the full tour but the static displays outside were impressive. My second visit I got to tour the inside exhibit. The team at the museum did a good job with their displays. The exhibit did seem to lack a flow as far as guiding you from one area to another. I almost missed the Bataan memorial paintings. I liked the different maps that showed the perspective of how big the missle range is.

Mark Todd

It's beautiful country, especially if your visiting!! Must visit...

Catherine Choo

Lots of fun and it was wonderful to see these nice rockets up close!

John Dell

Website says open Mondays, sign outside says open Mondays... But it isn't open Mondays!. So only went around the open air missile park. Long faff to get past security.

Wil Miles

Lots of information on the area. Very impressive outside missile displays

A Schuster

Great small museum. More exhibits being added. Will visit again next year.

Clara Lasser

This is a nice spot to check out our military history. Old missiles from army, navy, and Air Force. They have a museum that is indoors with AC next to the parking lot. They have informative displays and is a nice spot to check out. They are currently expanding which will be nice to check out once it’s done. They also have a restroom here as well.

Joseph Camardo

A drive from White Sands National Monument. Bring Military ID. Refuel before making the trip.

Corkey Bailey

An interesting place to spend a couple of hours. It's amazing how big the the test area is. They can shoot misses a hundred miles downrange and never leave their property. A lot of history of both missle testing and also the first atomic bomb build and test.

Javan Worthy

This spot is off the path and out in the middle of nowhere; however, there is so much history to be seen. Plan a day trip and visit.

Erin Nicholson

I love learning and this museum is both educational and entertaining. My favorite exhibit features Darth Vader‘s helmet. I can’t wait until the renovations are done to see what’s new!

Deb Garrett

Awesome facility that hosted the Bataan Death March Memorial. Very clean, tidy Army base with a huge historic value.

Ruth Lampley

It was really good to be able to see all of the missiles. There was so many different types of them.

Habibor Rahman Zihan

Good place. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.

Douglas McClure

Historical site, including the building it is housed in. Nice gift shop with reasonable prices.

Leonard Cox

Visit if you can.

Root User

Great place to spend some quality time lookimg at the history of White Sands. The outdoor displays are spectacular.

Hannah Summers

Neat stop. If you like missiles and history, this is a good place to go. When approaching, go to the right at the visitor center if you are not military. Must have legal I.D. (passport if you are not from US), car registration, and physical proof of insurance to check in. They have to do a background check on everyone over 18 entering the base. Will not be allowed in base if you do not have all of these. Check in took a while, but the missile graveyard and museum were interesting.

Madi Schulte

Had an odd experience getting in. Absolutely nobody around except the guard at the gate. Definitely check out the instructions on getting there and getting in. Other than that, the guard told us we were allowed to take pictures with the mountains in the background, so keep that in mind. Really neat place, even if you don't know a lot about the history behind the missiles here, you can learn with the signs they have. Super unique to be able to get this up-close to some HUGE missiles that have been key to development of certain technologies.

Wandering Blue Jeep

Make sure you have a valid I.D. when going to the visitor center. When approaching you'll see the small visitor building where you get your pass. Loved to see that they were open when other places were shut down. Loved that I could walk around and see everything. Things were a little out of place but that's because they're reorganizing displays. Some of the exhibits you're able to interact with which I thought was pretty cool. All around I can't wait until everything is fixed up.

Jazmyn Young

Really cool set up & info!

L Washburn

WOW! Couldn't believe how much the sand at White Sands National Park looks like snow! Don't confuse the area where the dunes are located to the Missile Range Museum. They are in two different locations. It's very difficult to get into the Missile Range Museum, but, it's easy to get into the Park where the white dunes are located, and it has a great Park Ranger Station with interesting video on how the dunes are made.

rebecca spiva

This was a very interesting unplanned stop, worth the time. To visit, follow signs to base gate but pull into parking lot to the right just before the guard. Enter the visitor center adjacent to the parking lot to get a walk-in permit. You must show id. Display is mostly outside, good picture taking opportunity with backdrop of organ mountains.

Daniel Thiels

Awesome place to discover a chunk of American history. We just so happened to show up in time to witness a missile test flight.

TED

It was closed due to Presidents Day, but I could see missile exhibits freely cause there was no one else but me. I had a mixed feeling as a Japanese, but I enjoyed. (visited on Feb. 18, 2019)

ISABELLA LOPEZ

I love for because they had a lot to see and do and if you children were not interested for some reason the had things for baby's and children to do it was great

cheney dodson

Very cool pretty scenery

Tony Hills

Nice little free museum. Getting in is tricky as you have to first get onto the military base. This involves parking your car just outside the base, presenting id to the guards in the visitor center. You can then walk a short distance into the base to get to the museum.

Kgotag Gruss

Very interesting, and worth the wait for the required background check. Only got four stars because the indoor museum was closed (Saturday ).

Ric Haro

Plenty of historical missiles and weapons here.

Tom, Odile, Marc Megginson

Not being US citizens we were not allowed in. We were told we would have needed to know someone inside who could escort us. Apparently the rules have changed recently. Very disappointed as we did not find this information anywhere online!

Adegboyega Aderinoye

Nice environment and fun filled experience

Alaffinglady Here

Museum was closed but got to spend time at the static display. Had a great time.

John Louvau

Very interesting, the V2 story about the US bringing unfinished rockets and scientist to the United States was fascinating. Be ready for a long background check to get on the base. I fully understand just did not expect it. Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Well worth the stop in New Mexico.

Taylor Gehring

There are sone interesting things there. Kids will be bored, but engineers and people who like missile history will enjoy it

Robman1286

Where's the white sand!?!?

Carrie Timney

Very informative

SandS Law Group

Wonderful experience.

Nancy perrigin

Love this museum. My favorite thing is Darth Vader's mask!

Dillon Rodgers

I loved all the different missiles and weaponry they had. It was a shame the museum part was closed for a couple weeks and we weren’t able to get in the building.

Scott McLaughlin

This is a hidden little gem of southern New Mexico. The outdoor static displays of missiles are quite interesting as is an indoor display of a restoref V2 rocket. They main museum has all kinds of old hardware from the projects at WSMR since the late 1940's. Lots of history has been carefully written up including the various eras before settlement. Very interesting place.

Jermaine Dennis

Lots of history of where the US Military got it start of its military might.

Laura

Would have helped if we had been told only the outside displays were available and not that the museum was open also. Lot of disappointed visitors.

Genevieve Rogers

Fun

jubal

Actual missiles on a air Force Base open to the public. Why wouldn't you stop and see our history through weaponry

Dr. Buddybob Superfly Jones Vanderbilt III ESQ. X.

Killing machines.... Awesome

Philippe Bouvier

The missiles and vehicles seem to be just sitting there, decaying away and in no particular order. It would have been nice to walk thru a story of the evolution of the weapons and flight devices. The descriptions of comprehensive and very informative. To note, there are virtually no missiles post 80's.

Bob Beagley

Place is interesting. Historical outside museum. Indoor museum was closed when we went

The A’s

It’s a long drive but we really enjoyed it.

slarin slash

When we arrived at here, we have to put our car on right side. Then we have to do registration on reception room. Taking pictures are restricted to prevent taking missile range areas. However we can take pictures toward to mountain side. Here is museum, but also base. So security level is so high. They’re strict to their job. If you’re interested in contents like here, I suggest you to visit nuclear museum in ABQ too :)

Michael Doyle

After driving up there, it was closed. They should report this on their website or at lease before driving out of your way

Mike Conover

A must if you haven't been. Be prepared to get a quick background check before entering. USA!

Justin Michaud

Worth the stop on the way to the sands

Bill Houghtaling

Museum was wonderful, nothing else like it. Apply for security pass at the guard gate. Park outside the gate and walk 200 yards to museum. Indoor and outdoor displays.

Steven Christian

Wonderful place i have ever visited although security is super tight.

Roger Freeman

Very interesting unique museum, lots of local history.

Josie Scott

I think the boneyard was among the most interesting feature. I found something I'm certain my family member made a contribution to, back in the day.

Jonathan Miller

I just saw the missile range as the museum was closed non Monday. Only ten minutes off 70 and worth a detour

Jef Orina

Overrated, sand is sand but the worst part it’s surrounded by government agencies and you feel like your are being watched

Misty Massey

Neat little museum. You do have to have ID and the do a background check before going in the base. Rocket garden was nice and had lots of examples to see. Free entry which is nice. I would recommend.

Mary Brown

We got in about ten minutes before closing. They posted the closed sign on the door so we weren't able to enter. The missiles outside were interesting though.

d boyeezy

The Cold War ended here..

Dan Martin

Just explain why they didn't put the museum 200ft away outside base security? Rectal probes aren't my cup of tea.

Richard Beal

We enjoyed seeing not only the various missiles but also learning about the history of the area before the missile range came into being. It's a little interesting going through the process of getting access to the base, but the visitor processing went quickly and they even had a magazine about the base for the kids.

Craig Reeder

Unfortunately the museum was closed for refurbishment but the missile display was impressive. Would’ve been great to see the V2 rocket however it was enclosed.

Janis RB

If you are not military assigned to base or civilian working on base, you will only get to see the museum and the mountains. You will also have to go through a background check to get a pass to do that. You must have a TSA valid ID. If you have wants and warrants out for your arrest, I wouldn't take the chance. They are serious about security. The museum is awesome. They have all kinds of rockets and rocket launchers. Fun history trip.

TessieSilverPaws

Small, but interesting. Wanted to see where my dad was stationed, but they won't let anyone on the base anymore.

Monica Parrillo

To access the museum you need to go through base security and get a pass, then you can walk over. The museum had a lot of interesting stuff but seemed oddly put together. And of course very pro military as you’d expect. Can’t beat the price (free) and you can snap some cool photos in the missle farm.

Sue F

Closed, limited hours

Ch C

1st time on an army base for me. Just be forwarded that you do need valid ID because they run a background check to let you view the museum. Well worth the trip because these missiles are not items that you can see at many other museums.

Jared Arnold

Awesome peice of history

Robert Martinez

A place that takes more than one day to visit. Its worth the extra day to be able to enjoy both the outside and both inside buildings.

Sue M

Missile Mania! Great place to spend a few hours. Interesting history of the location and of the accomplishments at this site. I loved seeing the pictures of the families celebrating together to make the base a home. Everyone will find something of interest at this wonderful stop. Side note...park outside the base, otherwise they have to search your whole car. A bit time consuming if you're packed up for a road trip! The museum is just a block from the museum area. Restrooms available as well.

Randy Hill

Interesting! Worth the drive.

Mamadou Togoladiarra Diarra

Très cool. I need to return back again.

Anthony Telles

Wonderful place for the kids lots to do , bowling, aquatic center, museum...good restaurant and bar also!

Cindy Walker

UPDATE: Called 1 more time and he answered the phone. Yes, they do have RV parking on the west side of the building. Extremely rude. I called to see if they were open and if they have RV parking and the guy hung up on me before I could ask about the parking. Tried again 3 times and no answer. Really wanted to see it but not hauling a 40' 5th wheel 50 miles out of the way if we're not sure we can see it.

Ashley B

Interesting fun for the whole family. The exhibits are neat!

John M.

A very enjoyable museum. you can park just outside the gate and walk up to the little office before 2:30 and get a pass to walk over to the museum and the missile display outside. Might be easier to just drive up to the gate get your pass and then just drive up to the museum and displays. Can spend not too much time in the museum then looking at all the interesting missiles or if interested in the technology and my new show could spend lots of time in the very detailed museum displays.

Cec Simon

Very informative! Lots of military paraphernalia. Leave YOUR gun at home, even if you have a CPL. You will also have a Federal computer search done before you can get on the base. The search took about 20 minutes. There's a movie room for a rest. The felt good! Movie is approximately 30 minutes long on a loop.

James George

Super cool place...great displays.

Lyndell Patrick

Only the missile park was open. The museum wasn't and only a sign was on the door where you go to register. Nothing on the website. Older missiles are interesting but drove a long way to see the museum. With all the high tech they have would have hoped they could put something on the website about museum being closed.

Niko Estorga

Loved my visit

annajean wood

It is like normal museums. The only thing I really enjoyed was the walk outside looking at all the rockets. it was a quick walk-through of the inside looking at everything but it didn't really hold my interest too much. But this is my opinion and I'm sure lots of people enjoy this place I know my husband loved it and has gone back three times.

james newman

Closes at 3pm so just saw outside displays

S Lample

Very informative. Nice photo ops.

Clarke Moyer

We went when it was closed but the outdoor exhibit was still worth the stop. Very windy but still fun to see all the missiles.

Prashant Kamdar

Awesome place to bring the kids. Lots of history and knowledge to share. Plus the coolness effect of going somewhere where the access is highly restricted.

Jelita Arifun

It was a quick visit but worth it if you are passing by. The entree process was long since it is a military area they are just being careful who’s coming in and out. But overall great experience

Robert Cerrato

Interesting of you find yourself in the middle of nowhere

Cesar Sanchez

Mmm ok

Duane Carlson

The museum was closed. We were able to tour static missile displays. Can be blazing hot with no shade, bring water. It takes a while to get on the base

Penny Schaefer

The museum is inside a secure area. Driver's license, vehicle registration, and auto insurance are required to be documented. Pictures are taken at registration for all entrants. The area is not conducive to handicapped attendees, so I just opted not to attend.

Nick McConnell

It was a pretty awesome museum, especially given that it was completely free. It was a tad bit unnerving though, given the fact it's in an active military base. They were super hardcore about people not taking pictures facing the base (opposite of the mountains) even though if you look through pictures of the museum you see people have ignored those instructions. I went with a friend on a road trip and we stopped here, the visitor center will verify your information and you will have to pass a background check and your picture will be taken before you're allowed to go into the base. Unless you've gone through the proper steps and authorization, do not bring any firearms or else you will have to park in the visitor parking lot and walk in. They take security very seriously, for obvious reasons. While there we saw boy scouts being led on a tour, that seemed cool, but it didn't seem like the kids understood anything that was being said to them. The adults were thrilled on the other-hand. Great place, lots of static displays, lots of reading, lots of things to see, all for free.

David Silberman

Ok I'm biased and like this sort of geek out but what was really cool was the drive in. Coming from the south along 213 out of El Paso, one travels thru a veritable no mans land of mechanized military target practice complete with tank crossing signs and reasonable sugestions warning against leaving the asphalt which may not work out for you. When coming to the base gate express desire to go to the museum and don't have any weapons in your vehicle to be granted passage thru the base. Otherwise ur looking at a substantial drive back thru Las Cruses. Note: Your results may vary.