Known as the Uranium City, Grants was home to extensive uranium mining during the 1950s. Consequently, visitors enjoy exploring the city's mining history at the New Mexico Mining Museum, the only underground uranium mining museum in the world. Mine shafts, equipment and exhibits on the area's industry are seen at this museum. For those interested in geological formations, El Malpais National Monument preserves over 126,000 acres (50,989 ha) of volcanic land that shows evidence of lava flows, cinder cones and pressure ridges. Bluewater Lake State Park is a popular site for boating and year-round fishing and is located just west of Grants. Every autumn the city is alive during the Ancient Ways Fall Festival, which takes place on an 80-mi (129-km) stretch of Scenic Route 53. The festival features cave tours, Zuni dancers, artwork and live musical entertainment.