Raton is one of only six Arts & Cultural Districts in New Mexico, state designated in 2009

Raton, NM

The High Life of the Santa Fe Trail." Raton’s historic district includes the El historic El Raton and Shuler Theatres, Museums and historic Santa Fe Rail Depot housing art galleries, antique shops and an incredible mountainous outdoor recreation area.

Our History

The growth of Raton as a railroad and mining town is reflected in its unique architectural heritage. A walking tour covering five blocks of downtown Belen is the perfect way to take in the structures that were built between the mid-1880’s through to the early 1900’s. The tour includes the historic Shuler Theater, a gem that has stood on 2nd St. since 1915, the Old Pass Gallery (built in 1910 as the Wells Fargo Building), and the beautiful Victorian buildings of historic First St.

The downtown Arts and Cultural District is seeking to highlight the impressive number of venues and activities in the area, striving to make Raton “Northeastern New Mexico’s Center for the Arts.” In addition to many galleries and museums, the town also boasts a youth theater, dance school and a performing arts school.

The Planning Committee & Organizations involved

Ray Wolf, Raton Arts & Humanities Council

Scott Weese, Raton Chamber of Commerce

Bill Crary, Raton Choral Society

Dave Willden, Raton Community Schools

Howard Woodworth, Raton MainStreet

Terry Bumpass, Raton Museum

Bill Donati, Shuler Restoration Commission

Bill Fegan, Santa Fe Trail School for Performing Arts

Jarred Chatterly, City of Raton Parks & Recreation

Sandy Mantz, City of Raton Commission Liaison

Stacie Hull, Arts & Cultural District Project Coordinator

131 N 2nd Street

Raton, NM 87740

575-445-4760

staciehull@ratonmainstreet.com