Artesia - New Mexico's Best Kept Secret
Artesia is a quaint town located in southeastern New Mexico. You’ll find Artesia between the larger cities of Roswell to the north and Carlsbad to the south; less than 100 miles to the east is the Texas border. Nestled in the Pecos Valley, those of us who live here proudly claim Artesia as New Mexico’s “best kept secret.”
Officially established in 1905, Artesia took its current name for the Artesian underground wells that helped bring the area to life by providing much-needed water for agricultural purposes. The Artesian wells gradually depleted and gave way to the oil well in 1924. Oil and gas continue to drive our economy along with farming, ranching, dairies, small business, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Local Attractions
In Artesia, there’s never a shortage of things to do. Local residents participate in a myriad of sports opportunities at one of eight local parks, and golfers enjoy the greens at Artesia Country Club.
We are proud of our history and our culture and invite you to see what our town has to offer. While you’re here, be sure to take our walking tour and experience Artesia “through the eyes of the pioneers and settlers of the southwest.”
Enjoy our History in Bronze as we pay a larger-than-life tribute to our founders and heroes, all sculpted by local artisans. You’ll get to know who we are as you become acquainted with our stories, from our First Lady of Artesia to the crews on the drilling rigs to the cattle drive monuments to our Wall of Honor at Baish Veterans Park.
And of course, don’t miss out on the unique shops and the opportunity to explore the Artesia MainStreet.
Community Events
We think Artesia is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We are a close community that celebrates together. It’s all fun at our School’s Out Summer Splash held the last day of school, or the Back to School Bash on the first day of school. We just might be the only town that throws a party to celebrate the first day of school!
Of course, we’re not just about school. Join in on the fun at our annual car show or art auction or come on out and enjoy the highly anticipated Light Up Artesia gala to kick off the holiday season. And, whether you’re a movie buff or not, the annual Let’s Light up the Landsun is sure to be a hit.