Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join

How Many Countries Have You Visited?

Track every country you've been to and earn passport stamps in the Atlas Obscura app.

Track your countries

How Many U.S. States Can You Check Off?

Mark each state you've visited to reveal your total.

Start Your Map!

It’s Spooky Season.

Explore strange places, curious stories, and eerie events around the world, online and in person.

Explore Spooky Season
All the United States New Mexico Magdalena

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Magdalena

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Magdalena, New Mexico

Updated September 28, 2020
Email
Attractions
Map
Leaderboards

Unusual Attractions in Magdalena

The Very Large Array

Magdalena, New Mexico

The Very Large Array

Twenty-seven massive radio antennas on the high plains of New Mexico search for life on other planets.
Bracewell Radio Sundial

Magdalena, New Mexico

Bracewell Radio Sundial

A one-of-a-kind sundial at the Very Large Array honors a radio astronomy pioneer, incorporating the original piers from his breakthrough radio telescope.
The mine headframe.

Magdalena, New Mexico

Kelly Ghost Town

The ruins of this former mining boomtown once housed over 3,000 people. Now, the population is two.
Places

Discover your next amazing Atlas Place.

Get more unusual and extraordinary places each week with the Atlas Obscura Places newsletter.

Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Are we missing something unusual?
Add it!
San Lorenzo Canyon

Alamillo, New Mexico

San Lorenzo Slot Canyon

One of the few slot canyons in New Mexico, this area is fantastic for hiking, camping, and stargazing.
16 miles from Magdalena

Socorro, New Mexico

Socorro Isopod

A warm desert spring holds one of the rarest species on earth.
18 miles from Magdalena
In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

11 Close Encounters With Aliens and Explosions in New Mexico

In the arid and remote expanses of New Mexico's landscape, booms and zooms abound. From the volatile effects of the Manhattan Project to the otherworldly possibilities of Roswell's UFO, the Land of Enchantment has never shied away from the controversial or far-reaching. Here are several places to encounter those legacies across this southwestern state.

View Itinerary
Telescopes open up a window to the stars.

Explore Magdalena, New Mexico

Nasa 2
Science 1
Architecture 1
Space Exploration 1
Astronomy 1
Engineering 1
Sundials 1
Seti 1
Radio 1
Instruments Of Science 1
Boomtowns 1
Telescopes 1
Technology 1
Space 1
Observatories 1
History & Culture 1

Magdalena Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. H Henry profile photo
    Henry
    1
  2. Liz Fox profile photo
    Liz Fox
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Magdalena.

Places Edited

  1. H Henry profile photo
    Henry
    1
  2. R renkessler profile photo
    renkessler
    1
  3. O optimusken profile photo
    optimusken
    1
  4. hrnick profile photo
    hrnick
    1
  5. WhiskeyBristles profile photo
    WhiskeyBristles
    1
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. D DDR profile photo
    DDR
    3
  2. E Edemolina profile photo
    Edemolina
    3
  3. V vickipowelluk profile photo
    vickipowelluk
    3
  4. 8 85wombats profile photo
    85wombats
    3
  5. D dianewoody206 profile photo
    dianewoody206
    3
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Magdalena.

Recent Magdalena Activity

  • K krenejones profile photo

    krenejones

    wants to go to The Very Large Array

  • W willidream profile photo

    willidream

    has been to The Very Large Array

  • S sarish0115 profile photo

    sarish0115

    wants to go to The Very Large Array

  • S sarish0115 profile photo

    sarish0115

    wants to go to Bracewell Radio Sundial

  • J justinlinq1985 5cbfc909 profile photo

    justinlinq1985 5cbfc909

    has been to The Very Large Array

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2026 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.