Afraid Of Lightning? Don’t Visit This Place In New Mexico

This spot in New Mexico is about as close to lightning as you can get. It's a magnet for lightning storms and it's totally on purpose.

Some people are terrified of lightning, some people love it but it seems we're all fascinated by it. Hence this field in New Mexico.

It's actually a huge sculpture 2 or 3 hours from Albuquerque. The exact location is  a secret but you start out from Quemado, New Mexico. From there you'll be taken to the site.

"The Lightning Field" is a sculpture created in 1977 by the Dia Art Foundation. Dia also maintains the site which is often in need of repair as lightning bolts pack a wallop.

“A sculpture to be walked in as well as viewed, The Lightning Field is intended to be experienced over an extended period of time. A full experience of The Lightning Field does not depend upon the occurrence of lightning, and visitors are encouraged to spend as much time as possible in the field, especially during sunset and sunrise.”

Signs of storms and lightning strikes are visible in the charred earth around the base of the poles and the terrain is rough, becoming even more difficult when muddy. - diaart.org

Things to keep in mind:

There is a small store near the site where you can get a very basic meal and where you'll be given a short wave radio to use in an emergency.

NO electronic devices are allowed at the field.

Bring protective clothing, and boots or rugged shoes.

No more than six visitors per night are allowed and camping is not allowed.

Reservations are accepted beginning March 1st for visits from May 1st until October 31.

No reservation, no entry. No day visits either.

It's a 45 minute drive from Quemado to the actual field and you cannot use your own vehicle. They will drive you.

It's an overnight stay, from the time you leave Quemado to noon the following day.

For more info, click here or you can click here.

You will have to sign a waiver as lightning is no joke and there are other risks .. wildlife, snakes, falls, etc ... involved with any outdoor activity.