Clovis is a unique and historic town along New Mexico’s High Plains. Clovis is a terrific place to live and work with wide-open spaces and a close community. Not surprisingly, it’s also great for families and has good public schools to boot. Speaking of boots, Clovis is smack in the middle of rodeo country. There are several rodeo events here every year that are fun and exciting! Clovis is also a significant part of rock and roll history and has an impressive variety of outdoor adventure opportunities. If you’re moving here and want to learn more, read on. Below are the most enjoyable, fun, and interesting things to do in Clovis, NM!
Pet Alpacas at Windrush Alpacas in Clovis, NM
If you’ve never seen an alpaca up close, you’re in for a treat at Windrush Alpacas! They have an entire herd of adorable alpacas and offer different activities. There are, for example, farm tours to see their entire operation and meet the alpacas. Want to help feed the alpacas and other animals? You can do that during their Chores Tour! It’s an excellent opportunity to experience their world up close. They also offer an Adopt-an-Alpaca program and allow pro photographers to shoot on-site.
Tip: Windrush Alpacas is part of the Harvest Host RV program. If you’re visiting Clovis, NM, you can stay on the farm for a night in your RV!
Immerse Yourself in Rock n Roll History at Norman Petty Recording Studio
Ever heard of the legendary music producer Norman Petty? He was the genius behind many Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison songs. As the man behind the music, he became an important figure in the early days of rock n roll. While Mr. Petty may be gone, his legend lives on at the Norman Petty Recording Studio. The studio is a fantastic throwback to the 1950s that’s amazing and well-preserved. If you’re a fan of the early days of rock, this is a must-see Clovis site!
Tip: Visit the Norman & Vi Petty Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum for an even deeper dive into rock history!
Talk to the Animals at Hillcrest Park Zoo
The Hillcrest Park Zoo is filled with exotic beasts of many shapes and sizes. Founded in 1931, it’s the 2nd largest zoo in the state and is very well maintained. They have several large mammals, including gorillas, giraffes, Bengal tigers, hyenas, and crocodiles! Being inside Hillcrest Park is also a perk if you have small kids. That’s because the park has several playgrounds and a seasonal Splash Park! They even have a Sunken Garden if you want to get hitched outdoors in Clovis! Hillcrest Park Zoo is undoubtedly one of the most fun (and educational) things to do in Clovis, NM!
Get a Taste of Farm Life at St. Bernard Farms
Located less than six miles outside of Clovis, NM, is Saint Bernard Farms, a fantastic working farm. One of their specialties is their annual corn maze, a local favorite. However, they offer many other activities, including zip lines. They also put on a Christmas extravaganza every year with an incredible light display.
Tip: The farm charges for everything, which can add up quickly if you have a large family.
Enjoy The Natural Beauty in Oasis State Park
New Mexico has many unique sites and none is more so than Oasis State Park, minutes from downtown Clovis. It’s a true oasis with sand dunes and a small lake for fishing and boating. However, a bigger draw for many folks are the excellent hiking trails and campgrounds. It’s also a popular location for bird watchers as Oasis State Park attracts a wide variety of them. You can also go sand sledding on the dunes here, which is a ton of fun!
Tip: If camping in Oasis State Park is your goal, reserve your spot in advance. There are a limited number of spaces available.
Tip: It gets chilly at night in New Mexico, so bring warm clothes for nights around the fire.
Honorable Mentions for Things to Do in Clovis, NM
Below are a few honorable mentions of things to do in Clovis, NM. Many are free, some charge a fee but all offer fun times.
- Draggin’ Main: A week-long love letter to classic cars and cruising!
- Ned Houk Park: Massive park with a wide variety of activities for kids and adults.
- Blackwater Draw Museum: Discover prehistoric Clovis at this fantastic museum. It’s located on the campus of Eastern New Mexico University.
- Roller World Skating Center: Family fun on four wheels!
- Billy the Kid Museum: Learn about the infamous gunslinger of the Old West!
- Clovis Rock Gym: Learn to climb indoors. A great way to spend a hot New Mexico day!
- Leal’s Mexican Food Restaurant: The highest-rated restaurant in Clovis.
- Clovis Music Festival: Clovis’ annual tribute to rock and roll!
- Pioneer Days Rodeo: 50 years of rodeo in the heart of New Mexico!
There’s a Lot to Do in Clovis, NM
After seeing today’s list, we’re sure you’ll agree that Clovis, NM, offers many fun and exciting things to do! We may be a small town, but we’re big on fun!
Moving to Clovis soon? If yes, you’ll find Southern Self Storage is big on safe, clean locations to store your stuff. Southern offers 4 self-storage locations in Clovis, NM, for your ultimate convenience. All have on-site managers and 24/7 video security for the utmost in secure, safe storage. Many new arrivals rent a storage unit in Clovis, New Mexico. That way, they can store their stuff while searching for their new neighborhood. We also offer RV storage in Clovis, NM (but do call ahead as spaces go quickly).
We recommend reserving a storage unit in Clovis, NM, ahead of time. That way, whatever hour and day you arrive, it will be ready and waiting. You can also stop by one of our 4 self-storage locations in Clovis and meet the on-site manager. They will gladly answer your questions and recommend the best Clovis, NM storage units for you. Until then, everyone at Southern Self Storage wishes you a wonderful time in Clovis, New Mexico!