White Sands Missile Range in the New Mexico Desert 

When I saw that this active military base in New Mexico’s desert welcomes visitors to their museum, I knew I would be checking out the “Birthplace of America’s Missile and Space Activity.” Conducting more than 3,000 missile tests annually, the facility often closes roads to the nearby White Sands National Monument. On the day of my visit, no missiles flew.  After getting my visitor pass, I would hit the pavement to walk to the museum grounds… since driving in would entail a vehicle check by security personnel.  The hot, hot heat would demand it be a quick visit, but still a worthwhile stop.