Santa Fe: Trail History, Art and Trails

Santa Fe combines a long history with museums, markets and trails for a variety of activities. The city offers several specific points of interest.

History at Named Places

Santa Fe was permanently settled by Don Pedro de Peralta in 1609–1610. The Spanish built the Palace of the Governors as a government building in 1610. It has seven public exhibitions, including Palace Seen and Unseen, featuring archaeological finds from the Palace. If you plan to visit these exhibitions, check which ones are currently on display before your trip.

The Santa Fe National Historic Trail connects western Missouri with Santa Fe and passes through five states. The San Miguel Chapel offers another layer of history: this adobe landmark of the Santa Fe Trail was partially destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and rebuilt in 1710. The chapel includes a gallery with artifacts and archival photographs. The sequence of destruction and rebuilding makes these dates a tangible part of its history.

Santa Fe is also home to the Old Santa Fe Trail Building, a masterpiece of Spanish Pueblo Revival architecture. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. The building is closed to the public, so do not plan to visit the interior.

Museums, the Capitol and Cultural Events

The New Mexico State Capitol, known as the Roundhouse, is the only round capitol building in the country. You can take a self-guided tour Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. The New Mexico Museum of Art tells a different story: it was built in 1917 as the state’s first building expressly dedicated to art.

The Santa Fe Plaza hosts the Indian and Spanish Markets, other annual events, community gatherings and concerts. Santa Fe has also long held annual art markets, including the Santa Fe Indian Market, the International Folk Art Market and the Traditional Spanish Market. Since dates may change, it is worth checking event dates before your trip.

The Santa Fe Fiesta also has a historical connection: it was established in 1712 as a community celebration commemorating the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico in the summer of 1692. The markets and the Fiesta offer different ways to engage with Santa Fe’s cultural history; when planning, distinguish between historical context and specific event dates.

For a culinary activity, participants on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail can get discounts on margaritas at participating restaurants and bars, earn rewards and discover recipes. An app or passport is available for this. Offers at participating locations may change.

Bike Trails and Connections Around the City

Santa Fe has several urban and cycling trails. The surrounding mountains and public lands offer bike trails for different experience levels, and bike shops offer rentals. Since the availability of individual trails and rentals may change, check the details before making plans.

La Tierra Trails is a 25-mile multi-use trail system in the northwest of the city for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. There is also a separate area there called Buckman Track for motorcycles and ATVs. This distinction is useful when choosing a suitable activity: the trail system and the designated area are intended for different user groups.

The free public shuttle to the Santa Fe Plaza can be useful for getting between the train station, downtown and the museums. It connects the Rail Runner station, several downtown hotels and Museum Hill, home to the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art. Routes and schedules may change; check the schedule if you include the shuttle in your travel plans.

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