Duck Pond at UNM
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University of New Mexico Duck Pond

4.7
·2k reviews·Albuquerque, United States

A tranquil oasis on the UNM campus, perfect for relaxing, wildlife watching, and peaceful strolls.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Duck Pond at UNM

University of New Mexico Duck Pond

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil oasis on the UNM campus, perfect for relaxing, wildlife watching, and peaceful strolls.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"This is a little hidden treasure of Albuquerque. It's two duck ponds that hosts lots of ducks and turtles!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring a picnic basket :sandwich:

Ideal spot for a relaxing picnic with plenty of grassy areas and benches.

Observe the wildlife 🦆

Enjoy watching the ducks and turtles; they're a highlight for many visitors.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,663 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Quacking Residents

The Quacking Residents

The Pond

Watch ducks and turtles glide through the water. A delightful sight for all ages, especially kids!

Reddit
Peaceful Pathways

Peaceful Pathways

Surrounding grounds

Stroll along shaded paths, find a bench, and soak in the calm atmosphere. Perfect for a quiet moment.

Reddit
Scenic Evening Views

Scenic Evening Views

The Pond

The pond transforms into a beautiful, tranquil spot as the sun begins to set.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

Beat the student rush! Visiting during summer break or weekends offers a more peaceful experience. Evenings are particularly serene, perfect for a relaxing stroll before sunset. TikTok

Parking Pointers

Parking can be a challenge during the academic year. Consider visiting on weekends or during university breaks. If you're a student, utilize campus parking options. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Relaxed campus vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Relaxing at UNM Duck Pond #UNM #duckpond #college #albuquerque #albuquerquenewmexico #newmexico #lobos #southwest #fy #foryou #foryoupage #pond
@funinthe505
15 likes • 782 views

Bring a picnic basket :sandwich:

Ideal spot for a relaxing picnic with plenty of grassy areas and benches. Reddit

Observe the wildlife 🦆

Enjoy watching the ducks and turtles; they're a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

UNM Duck Pond ducks need your help... Although they're safe and sound while the Duck Pond is being renovated, they remain nameless. For UNM Big Give, #QuackandGiveBack by naming a duck! Give a minimum donation of $20 to the University Sustainability Fund here at UNM and receive (or send) a certificate and sticker with your duck's name. Submit your donation and name now to be included in a top 8 vo...
@unm
260 likes • 5.2K views
The long-awaited reopening of the University of New Mexico’s Duck Pond is coming soon. Last Friday the pond had its “soft opening,” but there are still a few kinks to work out before the community can fully enjoy the space. Visit KUNM.org to check out what’s new and why it was necessary. #localnews #news #newmexico #kunm #npr #radio
kunmnews
77 likes • 2.1K views

Check for events 📅

The pond area sometimes hosts campus events and job fairs. Instagram

Embrace the calm :leafy_green:

It's a peaceful escape, perfect for unwinding and de-stressing. Reddit

The famous University of New Mexico duck pond is back open after several months of renovations – but there is something missing. We'll show you what that is tonight at 5.
kobtv4
108 likes • 6.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring a picnic basket :sandwich:

Ideal spot for a relaxing picnic with plenty of grassy areas and benches. Reddit

Observe the wildlife 🦆

Enjoy watching the ducks and turtles; they're a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Check for events 📅

The pond area sometimes hosts campus events and job fairs. Instagram

Embrace the calm :leafy_green:

It's a peaceful escape, perfect for unwinding and de-stressing. Reddit

Name a duck! :money_with_wings:

During renovations, there was a campaign to name the ducks for donations. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the UNM Duck Pond to be a surprisingly peaceful and relaxing spot, especially during summer or evenings. It's praised as a hidden gem for its charming ducks and turtles, making it ideal for picnics and quiet contemplation. However, parking can be a significant issue during the academic year.

"Visited during the summer so there weren’t too many people around but it wasn’t deserted. I imagine it would be next to impossible to find parking during the school year. Def quite relaxing and peaceful. Ducks and turtles. Did some walking around and sat down in some shade to cool off before getting on my way"

theDSsucks

"Enjoyed walking around UNM. Brings me back to my college days there, but I can appreciate the landscapes and buildings more now that I've been away."

Deanna Gonzalez

"This is a little hidden treasure of Albuquerque. It's two duck ponds that hosts lots of ducks and turtles! Great place to bring the kids to watch the ducks and to sit and relax. There is a waterfall and benches strewn around the place. Beautiful in the evening. I highly recommend this place for picnics and to just watch the ducks. Great find!"

Anthony Castro

What People Like

Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere
Ducks and turtles
Great for picnics

What People Dislike

Difficult parking during school year

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Duck Pond is located on the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque. If driving, be mindful of campus parking regulations, which can be strict during the academic year. Public transport options to the UNM campus are also available. Reddit

Parking can be challenging, especially during the school year. Visitors are advised to check UNM's parking services for visitor parking information or consider using campus shuttles if available. Reddit

Yes, the UNM campus is bike-friendly, and there are often bike racks available. Walking is also a great way to explore the campus and reach the pond. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the University of New Mexico Duck Pond is a public space on campus and does not require an admission ticket. TikTok

As an outdoor campus feature, the Duck Pond is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours are not usually posted, but it's best to visit when the campus is active and safe. TikTok

The pathways around the Duck Pond are generally paved and accessible, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can relax, enjoy the scenery, watch the ducks and turtles, have a picnic, or take a peaceful walk around the pond and campus. TikTokReddit

Restroom facilities are typically available in nearby campus buildings, such as student centers or libraries. It's advisable to check campus maps for the closest options. TikTok

The Duck Pond is located on a university campus and is generally considered safe during daylight hours. As with any public space, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. TikTok

While tempting, it's generally not recommended to feed the ducks bread or other human food, as it can be harmful to their health. Stick to observing them in their natural habitat. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The pond itself with the ducks and turtles, the surrounding greenery, and the campus architecture offer great photo opportunities. Evenings provide beautiful lighting. TikTok+1

Absolutely! The ducks are a popular subject for photos. Remember to be respectful of their space and avoid disturbing them. TikTok

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