Our Trip to Lincoln, New Mexico

One thing Jeff and I like doing is taking day trips to the towns within 75 miles of where we are camping. This gives everyone a chance to see the landscape of the area, meet new people, and learn the history of the town first hand.

While staying at Bottomless Lakes State Park, we took a day trip to the Historic town of Lincoln and the surrounding area.  The town of Lincoln was named back in 1869 for President Abraham Lincoln. It is where the Lincoln County War took place in 1878-1879.  It is said to be the most authentic old west town in the USA. 

When driving through Lincoln, drive slowly or you will miss the adobe and stone buildings that line the only street in Lincoln. You can park your car, in front of any of the six museums, and learn about Lincoln's history with William H. Bonney "Billy the Kid" and his famous staged jail escape from the courthouse which is now a museum.  Other notorious people who have walked the streets of Lincoln are Sheriff Pat Garrett, John Chisum, and Kit Carson just to name a few. As you walk where outlaws once held gun fights, on the street that President Rutherford B. Hayes once called the "most dangerous street in America", remember the people that stood for justice, peace, and lost their lives in this wild west town.  

(Courthouse)

If you are going to make a trip to Lincoln from Roswell, NM, you can take the "Billy the Kid Scenic Highway".  In our opinion, most of it was not very "scenic". We ended up driving it both ways because someone, who shall remain anonymous for now, dropped their phone and we had to return to Lincoln to retrieve it. Therefore, we found the most scenic way was to take Hwy 70/380 to Hwy 380 towards Lincoln.  If you are going to make this trip a day event, continue on Hwy 380 to Capitan and have lunch at the Horseman's Grill. After lunch take NM48 towards Ruidoso. For dinner, stop in Elena's Mexican restaurant for some outstanding enchiladas and some Salsa and Chips. When you are finished eating, take Hwy 70 north back to Roswell.  There are several pull-offs with historic information along the way.

Horseman's Grill

321 Smokey Bear Blvd.

Capitan, NM 88316

575-354-1447

This is a cute and eclectic restaurant with a hometown feel. We tried 3 different dishes and they all were delicious.  Talking with some other customers who live in town, we found out that everything that Lynn (I hope I remembered her name correctly.) serves is delicious. Jeff and I tried the Steak Sandwich which was yummy with every bite.  Jacob said, "I could eat here every meal. Can she travel with us?"  If you are in Capitan, NM this is a must stop restaurant.

Elena's Mexican Restaurant has some of the best enchiladas that we have tasted. Also the portions are large, we only had to buy 3 plates for all of us. Of course the complimentary chips and salsa filled me up before my dinner came. This is a great place to take children as the entire staff was family friendly. Be sure to ask for Sharolyn as your server. We enjoyed sharing our Faith with her and listening to her share her heart with us as we dined. She is a special lady and one we are blessed to have met her.