The White Sands Missile Range Museum is located at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico, near Las Cruces. It showcases the history of U.S. missile development, space exploration, and military testing, particularly focusing on White Sands’ role in rocket and missile research since World War II.
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Wsmr P Rt 1
Las Cruces
New Mexico 88002
+1 (575) 678-2250
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00
Saturday 10:00 – 15:00
Missile Park is open dawn to dark seven days a week
Visitors to the museum are ONLY allowed to enter through the Las Cruces gate, just south of US70 between Las Cruces and Alamogordo. Entry through the El Paso gate, or the Orogrande gate, off US54, is forbidden.
Closed Sunday and Holidays
At The Gate:
- Enter the visitors center parking lot and park your car.
- At this point you can decide if you want to drive your car or walk a short distance to the White Sands Missile Range Museum.
- If you decide to walk, you will need a photo ID and you can walk along the sidewalk to the right of the vehicle inspection area.
- Follow the sidewalk across the first street and cross the main road at the crosswalk toward the museum.
- If you decide to drive, follow the procedure below:
Getting a vehicle security pass at the Las Cruces Gate:
- After parking your car, take your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance and enter the visitor center building. They will issue you a security pass to drive to the museum.
- Return to your car and drive to the inspection point. Once the security guards have cleared you, proceed straight ahead and turn left into the museum parking lot.
Free admission
Gift shop
| Trinity Site Open House Dates | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
| Third Saturday in October | 19 October | 18 October | 17 October | 16 October |
Aircraft collection
| 66-15361
66-0616 – 72-1135/HO 1570 | Beech VC-6A King Air
Bell UH-1C Iroquois Gyrodine OH-50D McDonnell F-4F Phantom II Republic LTV-N-2 (V-1) |
Key Features & Exhibits White Sands Missile Range Museum:
- Missile Park: An outdoor display featuring over 50 missiles and rockets tested at White Sands, including:
- V-2 Rocket – The first ballistic missile, developed by Nazi Germany and later tested in the U.S.
- Pershing, Patriot, and Nike Missiles – Cold War and modern defense systems.
- Redstone and Little Joe Rockets – Used in early spaceflight testing.
- Museum Exhibits:
- Trinity Site & The Atomic Age: The first atomic bomb test, which took place at White Sands on July 16, 1945.
- The Cold War & Missile Development: Covering ICBMs, cruise missiles, and defense systems.
- Space Exploration: White Sands’ role in NASA programs, including astronaut training and communication support.
- Hands-on Displays & Multimedia Presentations: Showcasing missile guidance systems, radar, and testing equipment.
Trinity Site Tours:
- The Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was detonated, is located within White Sands Missile Range.
- Open to the public once a year (typically in October) during special guided tours.