The Museum commemorates the thousands of men and women who bravely pioneered across the unknown plains of the western United States. Just off the Santa Fe Trail in Colfax County lies an extraordinary Victorian mansion built by the infamous U.S. Senator Stephen W. Dorsey in 1880. Once a focal point for social life in northern New Mexico and the gathering point for some of our country's most powerful men, the Dorsey Mansion sits alone on an expansive grasslands, a forlorn reminder of a vast empire long gone. Daily tours of the mansion are available, weather permitting. At an altitude of 5857 feet, Springer's climate is pleasantly comfortable.
Summer days are warm with cool nights and winters are moderate.
Springer's overall dry climate has attracted many people over the years suffering from respiratory ailments - and in some cases, these people have been cured here. Fort Union National Monument was originally established in 1851 to protect travelers on the Santa Fe Trail from Indian attacks, and served as headquarters for the Military Department of New Mexico . Located approximately 48 miles south of Springer, Fort Union features a self-guided trail through the ruins and remains of one of the largest forts in the Southwest. Philmont Scout Ranch hosts thousands of Boy Scouts every summer. The Ranch is also home to the Kit Carson Museum at Rayado , in the house that Kit Carson lived in for many years.