Explore Billy the Kid Country

Make the Billy the Kid Visitors Center the first stop along your route. It's located near Ruidoso Downs on Highway 70. There's level access to the Visitors Center, with barrier-free pathways to the inside galleries. It's a great place to pick up some maps and get a good overview of the area.

The Hubbard Museum of the American West, which is located next door, is also worth a stop. Just follow the signs to the accessible parking area in the lower lot. The museum features wide doorways, good pathway access and elevator access to all levels. Inside there are a variety of exhibits on the old west, with equal emphasis on the Native American, Hispanic and Pioneer cultures.

Located about 35 miles from Ruidoso, Lincoln is also worth a stop. The town remains largely as it was in the 1800s, when Billy the Kid made his famous last escape form the Lincoln County Courthouse. For a good overview of the town, stop in at the Anderson Freeman Museum and Visitors Center, which features level access to the main entrance and barrier-free access inside. And don't miss the old Lincoln County Courthouse, as it's the most interesting site in town. There is ramped access in the back, but you need to tell the clerk to unlock the door if you can't manage the front stairs. Although the second floor is only accessible by stairs, you can still get a good feel for the era by exploring the first floor.

Last but not least, don't miss the Smokey Bear Historical Park, just up the road in Capitan. The museum is dedicated to Smokey, who was found in the nearby Capitan Mountains after a wildfire destroyed his home. The Visitors Center features exhibits about the history of Smokey Bear, while the boardwalk nature trail includes vegetation from six different climate zones. And of course, Smokey's grave is prominently located along the trail.

All in all it's a very scenic drive, with lots of interesting and accessible stops along the way; so pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy your day in Billy the Kid Country.