The town of Hobbs is situated in the southeast corner of New Mexico, near the Texas border. It is the tenth largest community in the state at a population of nearly 40,000. While it's a modest sized town, Hobbs offers many opportunities to visitors including gambling, shopping, sports, museums, golf, theatrical performances, and outdoor recreation. Hobbs has a mild desert climate with average high winter temperatures in the 50’s-60’s degrees Fahrenheit and 90’s in the summer. The University of the Southwest and New Mexico Junior College both reside in Hobbs.
Some of the interesting attractions in Hobbs are related to local history and the area's involvement in the settlement of the American Southwest. The Western Heritage Museum and Lee County Cowboy Hall of Fame educate visitors about life in the desert as it was for cowboys and settlers. They house permanent and traveling exhibits throughout the year. The Lea County Museum, just minutes from Hobbs, preserves the history of ranchers, Native Americans, homesteaders, and farmers. There are at least ten historic buildings on site dating back to settlements as early as 1908. To enjoy the old west pastime of gambling, visit the Black Gold Casino located just outside of town.
Outdoor activities available in the area include golf, camping, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. There are several golf courses throughout the county. Ocitillo Park Golf Course is complete with 18 holes, a pro shop and snack bar, and is co-host to one of the biggest Pro-Am tournaments in New Mexico. The nearby Chaparral Park includes a 20-acre lake that offers fishing and RV camping. At least three RV parks reside in the town of Hobbs. There are community pools with waterslides and children’s play areas. The famous Carlsbad Caverns are located just over an hour Southwest of Hobbs.
Arts and culture can be experienced in Hobbs year-round, including community choirs, bands, musicals, and plays. The Lea County Southwest Symphony, the American Boys Choir, and the Lone Star Ballet give performances in the Hobbs Community Playhouse sometimes in parternship with the two colleges in town. The Llano Estacado Art Association promotes photography, sculptures, paintings, and pottery created by local artists.
There are at least 10 hotels located in Hobbs, a variety of locally owned restaurants, and popular dining chains to choose from. To learn more about Hobbs, please select a topic of interest from the navigation bar on the left.