Portales Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of New Mexico, the city of Portales is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Portales has something to offer for everyone.

History buffs will be enthralled by Portales' fascinating past. The city was founded in 1898 and quickly became a hub for agriculture and ranching. Explore the Portales Historical Museum, housed in a beautifully restored train depot, to learn about the region's pioneer heritage and the impact of the railroad on its development.

Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by Portales' breathtaking landscapes. Just a short drive away, you'll find the stunning Blackwater Draw Archaeological Site, famous for its prehistoric artifacts and the Clovis culture. Take a hike through the nearby Oasis State Park, where you can enjoy picnicking, fishing, and bird-watching amidst a lush oasis in the desert.

Art and culture lovers will be delighted by the vibrant arts scene in Portales. Visit the Eastern New Mexico University campus, home to the Runnels Gallery, where you can admire a diverse array of contemporary art exhibitions. Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending one of the many concerts, theater performances, or art festivals that take place throughout the year.

Foodies will find themselves in culinary heaven in Portales. Indulge in mouthwatering New Mexican cuisine, known for its bold flavors and use of locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the chance to savor traditional dishes like green chile enchiladas or carne adovada at one of the charming local restaurants.

For a taste of small-town charm, take a stroll through Portales' historic downtown area. Explore the boutique shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes that line the streets. Be sure to stop by the Roosevelt County Courthouse, an iconic landmark that showcases the city's architectural beauty.

Alternative names: Population: 12 thous.Area: 7.04 mi²Elevation: 4006 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°11'9"N, 103°20'17"W

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New MexicoUnited States

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Portales Top Attractions

Portales Attractions - What to See and Explore

Portales offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Roosevelt County Courthouse, Oasis State Park, Eastern New Mexico University, Bank of Portales. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Brewery
Roosevelt County Courthouse
The Roosevelt County Courthouse built in 1938 is an historic Art Deco courthouse located at 100 West 2nd Street in Portales, New Mexico. It was designed by architect Robert E. Merrell of Clovis and built of poured Portland cement. On December 3, 2008, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Scenic walking areas • Park
Oasis State Park
Oasis State Park is a state park of New Mexico, United States, located north of Portales in Roosevelt County. It is a common destination for nearby residents and features a small fishing lake and several sand dunes.
Universities and schools
Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University is a public university with a main campus in Portales, New Mexico, and two associate degree-granting branches, one at Ruidoso and one at Roswell.

34°11'13"N • 103°20'13"W
Bank of Portales
The Bank of Portales on Main Street in Portales, New Mexico, which has also been known as Citizens National Bank;Portales News Tribune Building, was built in 1902 or 1903 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Gothic Revival architecture
Administration Building
The Administration Building, on the south side of University Pl. and the campus green of Eastern New Mexico University, in Portales in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, was built in 1931. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
34°11'11"N • 103°20'17"W
Portales Main Post Office
The Portales Main Post Office, on W. 1st St. in Portales in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, was built in 1937. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 as US Post Office-Portales Main. It is a one-story red brick building.

Day trips

Portales – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Portales, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Clovis Depot Model Train Museum (Clovis), Lyceum Theater (Clovis), Grulla National Wildlife Refuge.

16 milesNE
Museum, Railway station, Transport
Clovis Depot Model Train Museum, Clovis
The Clovis station, also known as the Clovis Depot, was built in 1907. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
17 milesNE
Concerts and shows, Theater
Lyceum Theater, Clovis
The Lyceum Theater of Clovis, New Mexico, located at 409 Main St. was built during 1919–20. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It is a two-story concrete building with a vaulted roof which is hidden from street view by a stepped parapet. It has a 120-seat balcony.
17 milesSE
National park
Grulla National Wildlife Refuge
Grulla National Wildlife Refuge is located primarily in eastern New Mexico in Roosevelt County, southwest of the intersection of State Highway 88 and the Texas - New Mexico border about 25 miles southeast of Portales, New Mexico and southeast of the tiny community of Arch.
17 milesNE
Church
First Methodist Church of Clovis, Clovis
The First Methodist Church of Clovis is a historic church building at 622 Main Street in Clovis, New Mexico. It was built in 1929 in a Classical Revival style and was added to the National Register in 1987.
22 milesNE
City
Texico
Texico is a city in Curry County, New Mexico, United States. Its population was 1,130 at the 2010 census. The city is located on the Texas-New Mexico border with the town of Farwell across the border.