Q. Is the museum open to the public?
Notice, 22 March 2023: Thank you to everyone who visited the WSMR Museum’s preview over the Bataan Memorial Death March weekend. The museum is now CLOSED while we prepare for our Grand Opening, date to be determined. Updates to our reopening status will be announced through the WSMR Public Affairs Office, on our social media, and on this website.
Obtaining a Visitor’s Pass
Q. How do I get on WSMR?
A. In order to get on post, you will need to obtain a Visitor’s Pass from the Visitor’s Center, located in front of the Las Cruces Gate. All adult visitors with US citizenship require the following:
1. Valid form of identification.
2. Driver’s Vehicle Registration.
3. Driver’s Proof of Insurance.
4. Pass a National Crime Information Center – Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) background check.
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. The White Sands Missile Range is an active Department of Defense installation. Due to security policies, non-US citizens will be required to present ID 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. Visitors with documented medical conditions may request an exception to this policy at the Visitor Control Center.
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. No. 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 and El Paso Gate after the Visitor’s 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.