Q. Is the museum open to the public?
A. Yes, the museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm. We are closed on Sundays and Federal Holidays.
Obtaining a Visitor’s Pass
Q. Which gate do I need to use to visit the museum?
A. All visitors who do not have a valid military ID will need to apply for a base pass at the Las Cruces Gate Visitor Control Center south of Highway 70 on Route 213. Public visitors cannot use the El Paso Gate, Orogrande Gate, or any other gate to visit the museum.
Q. How do I get a base pass to visit the museum?
A. All adult visitors with US citizenship require the following:
1. Valid form of identification that complies with REAL ID standards.
2. Pass a National Crime Information Center – Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) background check, which will be conducted at the Visitor’s Center or Las Cruces Gate.
White Sands Missile Range is an active Department of Defense installation. In general, members of the public will not be permitted to bring their vehicles on post, and will instead be required to walk to the Missile Park and Museum, which takes approximately 5 minutes.
Visitors with medical conditions may request an exception to this policy at the Visitor Control Center.
Q. Do I need to apply for a pass if I have a military ID?
A. If you have a valid military or Veteran’s Affairs ID that has base access privileges, you do not need to apply for a pass. You can drive directly to the gate and then on to the museum.
Q. What are the access requirements for children?
A. All children must be accompanied by an adult after the adult has been vetted through the on-post background check.
Q. I’m not a US citizen. Can I still visit the museum?
A. Yes. White Sands Missile Range is an active Department of Defense installation. Due to security policies, non-US citizens will be required to present ID, typically in the form of a passport or visa, and undergo a background check at the Las Cruces Gate Visitor Control Center. Non-US visitors will not be permitted to bring their vehicles on post, and will instead be required to walk to the Missile Park and Museum, which takes approximately 5 minutes. Visitors with medical conditions may request an exception to this policy at the Visitor Control Center.
Q. Can my family and I apply for a pass or the background check ahead of time?
A. No, all passes must be requested in person at the Visitor Control Center or the Las Cruces Gate. The background check will be completed when you apply for a pass. The entire process is typically completed in less than 10 minutes.
Q. Can my family and I walk to the Museum from the Visitor’s Center parking lot?
A. Yes, provided that all persons over the age of 16 have valid ID and can pass a background check.
Q. Are there any vehicle restrictions when obtaining a Visitor’s Pass?
A. Members of the public are not permitted to drive onto WSMR. Visitors with medical conditions may request an exception to this policy at the Visitor Control Center. There is marked parking for oversized vehicles, campers, and RV’s at the Museum.
Q. What are the Visitor’s Center’s business hours?
A. The Visitor’s Center is open Monday – Friday, 6:00am – 2:30pm.
Q. Can I visit the Museum if the Visitor’s Center is closed?
A. Yes, you can still obtain a pass at the Las Cruces Gate after the Visitor Control Center has closed.
Q. How long is my Visitor’s Pass good for?
A. For the day of the visit.
Q. Who can I contact if I have further questions?
A. Please contact Museum Staff by email at usarmy.wsmr.museum@mail.mil for more information.
Conditions Restricting Access
Q. Where can I view WSMR’s current HPCON and FPCON?
A. You can see the current Protection Conditions on the Official White Sands Missile Range Website at the top of the main page.
Q. How does missile range testing affect access to WSMR?
A. During missile range testing, access roads to and from WSMR may be blocked until testing is complete. Please call (575)-678-1178 for the most up-to-date information on roadblocks.
Q. How long do the roadblocks last?
A. Any number of factors, such as weather, equipment problems, and wildlife concerns, can cause the actual test to be delayed. This may require the roadblocks to stay up for hours past the scheduled test.