Conference room size table made from a petrified wood slab.
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Zuhl Museum Las Cruces

4.8
·154 reviews·Las Cruces, United States

Discover a breathtaking world of petrified wood, fossils, and minerals at the Zuhl Museum. Free admission makes this gem a must-see!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Conference room size table made from a petrified wood slab.

Zuhl Museum Las Cruces

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a breathtaking world of petrified wood, fossils, and minerals at the Zuhl Museum. Free admission makes this gem a must-see!

4.8
(154 reviews)

"Mind blowing place. I can't believe it's free."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission! 🎉

Entry is free, but donations are highly appreciated to support this gem.

✋ Touch the Exhibits!

Many fossils and minerals are touchable, making it super interactive for kids and adults.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Petrified Wood Forest

Petrified Wood Forest

Main Hall

Wander through a stunning display of petrified wood, showcasing vibrant colors and ancient tree rings.

Fossil Collection

Fossil Collection

Fossil Room

Marvel at dinosaur bones, a baby woolly mammoth skeleton, and fossils from ancient creatures.

Mineral & Crystal Displays

Mineral & Crystal Displays

Entrance Hall

Be dazzled by a gorgeous array of crystals and minerals, glittering with natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Big Impact

The Zuhl Museum in Las Cruces offers a breathtaking collection of petrified wood, fossils, and minerals, all for free! Donations are gratefully accepted. It's a fantastic, educational stop that often exceeds expectations for visitors.

Interactive & Touch-Friendly

Unlike many museums, the Zuhl Museum encourages interaction. Many exhibits, including fossils and minerals, are touchable, making it an engaging experience for all ages, especially families. Prepare to be amazed by what you can explore!

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Still manageable, good for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Check out the interactive aspects at the Museum of Nature & Science! FREE, educational, and open to the public. 🪐⚙️☀️ @Las Cruces Museum System #interactive #museum #visitlascruces #lascrucesnm #nm
@visitlascruces
1.5K likes • 32.4K views

🎯 Free Admission! 🎉

Entry is free, but donations are highly appreciated to support this gem. Reddit

✋ Touch the Exhibits!

Many fossils and minerals are touchable, making it super interactive for kids and adults. Instagram

“Part art gallery, part natural history museum, the Zuhl Museum contains over 1,800 beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals.“ 🤩 ❤️ My fav: baby woolly mammoth 💙 Connor’s fav: 50 million year old tree 🤍Both loved being able to TOUCH so much! Really enjoyed this roadtrip find!! 📍Zuhl Museum 🏞️Las Cruces, NM #visitlascruces #therealnewmexico #lascruces #traveltrepeneur #trav...
everything.between.cd
16 likes • 247 views
A quick look at our petrified wood forest display at the Zuhl Museum. #petrifiedwood #fossils #fossil #geology #museum #nmsu #newmexico #lascruces #mineralsofinstagram #rocksrock #rocks #rockclub #rockhounds #rocksrock #rocksofinstagram #conifer #rockcollection #minerals #mineralcollection
nmsu_zuhl_museum
43 likes • 387 views

💎 Mineral Marvels

Don't miss the stunning crystal and mineral displays near the entrance. Instagram

🐘 Baby Mammoth Skeleton

See the incredibly rare baby woolly mammoth skeleton – a true highlight! Instagram

Just another Mammoth Monday To my knowledge this is the only baby #mammoth original skeletal material on display at a musuem. Traditionally when a baby mammoth is needed, we grab a cast of a Pygmy Elephant and then remove the tusks. But here, in Las Cruces, New Mexico’s Zuhl Museum, is the most adorable baby mammoth skeleton I have ever seen. And I bet it did dance a little, hopping and flirti...
fossilcrates
512 likes • 6.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission! 🎉

Entry is free, but donations are highly appreciated to support this gem. Reddit

✋ Touch the Exhibits!

Many fossils and minerals are touchable, making it super interactive for kids and adults. Instagram

💎 Mineral Marvels

Don't miss the stunning crystal and mineral displays near the entrance. Instagram

🐘 Baby Mammoth Skeleton

See the incredibly rare baby woolly mammoth skeleton – a true highlight! Instagram

🚀 Hold a Meteorite!

Ask staff if you can hold a meteorite for an unforgettable experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(154 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Zuhl Museum for its breathtaking collection of petrified wood, fossils, and minerals, especially noting the incredible value of its free admission. Many highlight the interactive nature of the exhibits, allowing guests to touch specimens, and the rare baby woolly mammoth skeleton as major draws. The museum is often described as exceeding expectations and providing a memorable experience for all ages.

"This is a great museum. One it's free (donations accepted), two it's breathtaking. You walk in to the museum and on the right are these gorgeous crystals and on the left and in back beautiful petrified woods from all types of trees. The colors of both are just beautiful. The collection is amazing but that's not all. There is a room of fossils as well. Dinosaur bones and skeletons from different creatures millions of years old like a Giant Ground Sloth and a Baby Woolly Mammoth. So very interesting. Worth a stop to look around."

Roberta Peek

"Great museum. Enjoyed the exhibits of minerals and skeletons"

Randy Jackson

"Really cool little museum, and free admission. It really exceeded my expectations."

Donna Miller

What People Like

Free admission
Stunning petrified wood
Interactive exhibits

What People Dislike

Limited parking on campus

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Zuhl Museum is located within the New Mexico State University campus in Las Cruces, NM. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Check NMSU's campus map for the most direct route to the museum building. TikTok

Yes, there is typically parking available in lots near the museum on the NMSU campus. It's advisable to check NMSU's parking regulations for any specific visitor parking areas or fees. TikTok

If you are already on the NMSU campus, walking to the Zuhl Museum is feasible. The campus is relatively compact, and signage can help guide you to the museum's location. TikTok

The Zuhl Museum's hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on operating days and times before your visit. TikTok

The museum is generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to contact them directly if you have specific accessibility needs to ensure a comfortable visit. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Zuhl Museum offers free admission! While there's no charge to enter, donations are gratefully accepted and help support the museum's exhibits and operations. TikTokReddit

No, advance ticket booking is not required as admission is free. You can typically walk in during their operating hours. Reddit

The museum often features its permanent collections, but it's worth checking their website or social media for any temporary exhibits or special events that might be happening during your visit. TikTok

Absolutely! Donations are highly encouraged and essential for the museum's upkeep. Donation boxes are usually available on-site. Reddit

Yes, the Zuhl Museum is an excellent educational destination for school groups, offering interactive exhibits that are both fun and informative. Contact the museum to inquire about group visits. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the incredible petrified wood forest, the fascinating fossil collection (including a baby woolly mammoth!), and the dazzling mineral and crystal displays. Instagram+1

Yes, many exhibits, especially fossils and minerals, are designed to be touched, offering a unique hands-on experience. Instagram

Absolutely! The interactive nature of the exhibits, especially the touchable fossils and the baby mammoth, makes it a huge hit with children. TikTokReddit

Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the Zuhl Museum, depending on their interest level and how much time they spend at each exhibit. Reddit

While official guided tours might not always be scheduled, the staff are often knowledgeable and can provide insights. Asking an employee about specific exhibits can enhance your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the Zuhl Museum for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions, especially for flash use. TikTok

The vibrant petrified wood displays, the detailed fossils, and the sparkling mineral collections offer fantastic photo opportunities. The baby mammoth skeleton is also a popular subject. Instagram

It's best to avoid using flash photography, as it can sometimes damage delicate exhibits and may be prohibited. Look for signs or ask museum staff if you're unsure. TikTok

While personal photography is usually fine, commercial photography or extensive tripod use might require special permission. Always be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits. TikTok

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of the Zuhl Museum. If you have a DSLR, consider bringing a versatile lens that can handle both close-ups and wider shots of the displays. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Zuhl Museum is a fantastic destination for families! Its free admission makes it an easy and budget-friendly outing. The museum's interactive exhibits, where kids can actually touch fossils and minerals, are a huge hit and keep young minds engaged. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the baby woolly mammoth skeleton – it's a guaranteed showstopper for children! The variety of displays, from glittering crystals to ancient bones, ensures there's something to capture every child's imagination. Plan for about 1-2 hours to explore without rushing, allowing plenty of time for hands-on discovery. Instagram

💎 Rock & Fossil Enthusiasts

For those passionate about geology and paleontology, the Zuhl Museum is a treasure trove. The extensive petrified wood collection showcases incredible diversity in color and form, while the mineral and crystal displays are simply breathtaking. Instagram Enthusiasts will appreciate the rarity of specimens like the baby woolly mammoth skeleton, a truly unique find. Instagram

The opportunity to examine and touch many of the exhibits offers a deeper appreciation for these natural wonders. It's a chance to connect with the earth's history on a tangible level. The museum's commitment to showcasing such a vast and impressive collection, especially for free, makes it a highly recommended stop for any rockhound or fossil lover. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Zuhl Museum is an absolute gem for budget travelers, as admission is completely free! TikTokReddit This allows you to experience a world-class collection of natural wonders without spending a dime. It's a perfect way to add an enriching activity to your itinerary without impacting your wallet.

Even with free entry, the museum offers an incredibly rewarding experience with its stunning petrified wood, dazzling minerals, and fascinating fossils. It's a highly recommended stop for anyone looking for high-value, low-cost attractions. Remember that donations are accepted and appreciated to help maintain this wonderful resource. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Zuhl Museum's Unique Collections

The Zuhl Museum in Las Cruces is renowned for its exceptional collection of petrified wood, minerals, and fossils. Visitors are consistently amazed by the sheer volume and beauty of the specimens on display. The petrified wood collection showcases an incredible range of colors and textures, offering a glimpse into ancient forests. Instagram

Beyond the petrified wood, the museum boasts a remarkable array of minerals and crystals. These natural wonders glitter with vibrant hues and intricate formations, captivating the eye. The fossil collection is equally impressive, featuring dinosaur bones and the highly sought-after baby woolly mammoth skeleton, a rare and awe-inspiring find that draws visitors from afar. Instagram The ability to touch many of these exhibits sets the Zuhl Museum apart, making it a truly immersive experience. Instagram

This unique combination of natural history and accessible display makes the Zuhl Museum a must-visit for anyone interested in geology, paleontology, or simply the wonders of the natural world. The fact that it's free to enter further enhances its appeal, making it an accessible educational resource for the community and travelers alike. Reddit

Interactive Learning for All Ages

One of the most celebrated aspects of the Zuhl Museum is its emphasis on interactive learning. Unlike many traditional museums where exhibits are behind glass, the Zuhl Museum encourages visitors to engage directly with the displays. This hands-on approach is particularly beneficial for children, transforming a museum visit into an exciting adventure. Instagram

Visitors frequently mention the joy of being able to touch fossils and minerals, which creates a more profound connection to the exhibits. Imagine holding a piece of ancient history or feeling the texture of a mineral that took millions of years to form! This tactile experience is often cited as a highlight, making the museum memorable for families. Reddit An employee even shared the experience of holding a meteorite, emphasizing the museum's commitment to providing unique educational moments. Reddit

This interactive philosophy ensures that the Zuhl Museum is not just a place to observe, but a place to discover and learn. It caters to a wide range of ages and interests, making it an ideal destination for families, students, and anyone curious about the natural world. The free admission policy further supports this goal, making educational experiences accessible to everyone. TikTok

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