| Check out our free interactive Grants vacation guide and discover Grants's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited Grants before tell us your vacation tips and help other travellers enjoy great vacations in Grants. |
| Free Grants Holiday Guide |
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This area has been occupied since about the 12th century and the Native Americans also made their home in this area, building pueblos and small villages throughout Western New Mexico. Grants started out as a base camp for the railroad in the late 1870’s. The Grant brothers Angus, Lewis and John were contracted to build the railroad through this area. It was first known as Grant’s Camp then became Grant’s Station; it is now known simply as Grants.
Homesteaders and settlers came through and settled in the area in the late 1800’s. The area was rich in grazing pastures and water and it made an ideal place to settle especially for the cattle and sheep ranchers. In the nearby Zuni Mountains logging camps were started.
In the 1950’s Paddy Martinez discovered strange yellow rocks in the Haystack Mountains; this led to the discovery of uranium which was in great demand at the time. This discovery led to a boom for Grants, unfortunately by the 1980’s the demand had diminished and the big spenders had left the town.
Today Grants continues to grow with modern highways meeting ancient crossroads. It is a multifaceted town which offers the visitor a different type of vacation. |
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The Ice Cave – New Mexico. The Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano can be found 28 miles south west of Grants on Highway 53. For a different experience, take a trip out to the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ where you will see the result of a volcanic eruption. Bandera Volcano erupted about 10,000 years ago and here you will probably see one of the best examples of the fury of an eruption. Situated in a collapsed lava tube you will find the Ice Cave, where you will be able to see natural layers of everlasting ice that reflect a blue-green colour. The temperature in this cave never rises above 31°F.
Nearby the Ice Cave Trading Post show displays of ancient artefacts, many of which were found in the lava. The Trading Post also has Indian artwork as well as jewellery, pottery, rugs and many more items made by the local Indian tribes. The Ice Cave is open daily from 8am to one hour before sunset.
The Mission at Riverwalk The Mission is situated just a few blocks from the New Mexico Mining Museum in downtown Grants. The gallery has a very good selection of fine art by some of the best artists in the Southwest. The gallery changes the exhibitions every month. There is cafe as well as live performances in the theatre.
New Mexico Mining Museum – 100 N. Iron St. This museum is small but extremely interesting and takes visitors on an underground adventure. Experience a simulation of what it was like to work underground in a uranium mine. There are exhibitions in the museum of a fossilized dinosaur leg bone, geology of the region and Malpais lava. The museum is open Mon – Sat 9am – 4pm |
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El Cafecito – 820 E. Santa Fe Ave. This cafe is a favourite with the locals and serves Mexican American cuisine. The interior is brightly lit with Saltillo tiles on the floor and they serve really good, tasty food such as enchiladas, burgers and stuffed sopaipillas. This is a good family restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. Their breakfasts are economical and huge. The cafe is open Mon – Fri 7am -9pm; Sat 7am -8pm.
La Ventana – 110 1/ 2 Geis St. This restaurant, found in the Hillcrest centre is popular with the local residents. The interior is decorated in South-western style. If the weather is good, select the patio for your meal. The restaurant offers New Mexican cuisine, steaks and salads. The chicken fajita and prime rib are quite good. The service is friendly. As this is a popular restaurant reservations are recommended. |
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| Bluewater Lake State Park – Prewitt. This Park is found 28 miles west of Grants via the I-40 and NM412 route. Rolling hills with pinon and juniper trees surrounding the lake. The Park offers camping, picnic sites, fishing, boating and many more activities.The avid fisherman will find plenty of rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and catfish. Birdwatchers will enjoy the many different birds in this park. There is also a playground for the children. The park is open daily. |
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