Roswell is a city many people will know of thanks to its infamous history with UFOs. However, very few people will have any idea of what there actually is to do or see there when you visit. In our guide to the 15 best things to do in Roswell, New Mexico, we intend to change all of that.
We will take you through the very best attractions the city has to offer and include a broad range of options for people of all tastes. This should give you all you need to plan the perfect travel itinerary for your very own dream vacation to Roswell.
Roswell At A Glance
Settled in 1869 by Van C. Smith and Aaron Wilburn, Roswell is the 5th most populous and 9th largest city in the state of New Mexico. It was named after the father of one of its founders, Roswell Smith.
Roswell was historically known for ranching, with many famous ranches in the surrounding area. This includes the ranch of legendary rancher John Chisum. Then, during World War II, the area became known for hosting one of the nation’s largest German internment camps.
Roswell is best known though for the July 1947 Roswell Incident. This saw numerous residents spot supposed extra-terrestrial crafts in the sky. With the apparent coverups that occurred in the fallout, this has led to Roswell being at the centre of some of the world’s top UFO conspiracy theories.
It turned Roswell into a hotspot for writers, movie makers, and fans of science fiction and the extra-terrestrial. With many other alleged alien sightings over the years, local businesses and even the city itself have played into this, setting up a variety of attractions to draw people from across the globe.
Best Time To Visit Roswell, New Mexico
The best time to visit Roswell is the months of May and September. These months offer pleasantly warm temperatures, while avoiding the blistering highs and more frequent rains of the height of summer, to ensure you can enjoy every single second of your trip as much as possible.
Best Things To Do In Roswell, New Mexico
As we move to our list of the 10 best things to do in Roswell, New Mexico, I am going to suggest a broad range of options. These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Roswell is known for.
Snap A Photo With A Welcome Sign
In most towns and cities, a welcome sign is a pleasant sight on arrival but offers little more than that. In Roswell though, that’s far from the case. Emblazoned with pictures of aliens and statues of flying saucers, they give you a clear sign of the alien legacy Roswell is known for as soon as you arrive.
With welcome signs at each of the north, east, south, and west entrances, you are sure to pass one as you arrive. This makes it a fab photo opportunity that doesn’t require you to go out of your way.
US Route 285, Roswell, New Mexico, 88203
4001 West 2nd Street, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
US Route 285, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
3785 East 2nd Street, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Take The Roswell UFO Spacewalk
The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is a unique attraction that lets you walk through weird and wonderful representations of alien life. Displays created using models, luminous paints, and black lights allow you to take a stroll into outer space and get up close and personal with Roswell’s resident aliens.
116 East 2nd Street, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Attend An Event At The Roswell Convention & Civic Center
Roswell Convention & Civic Center is home to many of Roswell’s largest events. It regularly hosts conventions on UFOs and the supernatural which draw people to Roswell, while also hosting events on things like arts, crafts, and culture as well, so be sure to check the schedule during your visit.
912 North Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Tour The International UFO Museum & Research Center
The International UFO Museum & Research Center is dedicated to the 1947 Roswell UFO Incident and is the main attraction in the town for many. Established in 1991, it displays exhibits on the Roswell Incident, as well as various other alleged UFO encounters from around the world.
With an extensive collection of books and artefacts, displays on theories about extra terrestrial life, alien inspired art, and a fabulous gift shop, it is a must stop destination for alien enthusiasts.
114 North Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico, 88203
Appreciate The Exhibits At The Roswell Museum
Roswell Museum is a free museum that covers the entire history of Roswell. With displays on the past, art, and science of both Roswell and the surrounding area, it is the place to go for anyone who wants to get a complete picture of what Roswell is all about.
1011 North Richardson Avenue, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Get The Lay Of The Land At The Roswell Visitors Center
The Roswell Visitors Center is a perfect first stop to make when you arrive in town. Its displays, historic markers, and knowledgeable staff will help to educate you on the history of the city, while the John Simpson Chisum Statue outside gives you the chance to take a photo with a local legend.
426 North Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Learn About Local Military History At The Mc Bride Museum
Located inside a former natatorium, the Mc Bride Museum covers the entire history of the New Mexico Military Institute. It is free to enter and filled with knowledgeable staff and exhibits on the people who have passed through its doors, many of whom are famous.
Luna Hall, 101 West College Boulevard, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
See The Exhibits At The Walker Aviation Museum
Walker Aviation Museum is a small museum dedicated to teaching people about the historic Walker Air Force Base just a short way away.
See various exhibits, artefacts, and bits of memorabilia relating to the base, as well as locals who served in various conflicts, to appreciate a slightly different flying unit in Roswell.
When combined with the Mc Bride Museum, this provides a perfect opportunity to learn about the complete military history of Roswell.
Airport Terminal Building 1, Jerry Smith Cir Suite 7, Roswell, New Mexico, 88203
Study The Pieces On Display At The Anderson Museum Of Contemporary Art
Established in 1994, The Anderson Museum Of Contemporary Art is an art museum based around the art collection of Donald B. Anderson and pieces by the artists of the Roswell Artist In Residence program.
With a great range of works by both local and well-known artists, it is a fabulous attraction for any art fans visiting Roswell.
409 East College Boulevard, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Discover The Local Wildlife At The Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a 24,536 acre wildlife preserve that was established in 1937 to protect the region’s wildlife and its habitats. Considered among the most important wetland areas in the Pecos River basin, it boasts various aquatic habitats.
Home to over 90 species of damselflies and dragonflies, as well as rare fish and more than 350 species of different migratory birds, it is a fabulous destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 4200 East Pine Lodge Road, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Have A Unique Experience At The Miniatures & Curious Collections Museum
The Miniatures & Curious Collections Museum is a unique attraction that displays a fantastic collection of dolls, small houses, and other miniature objects, all arranged into functioning towns. Definitely an attraction best described as “different”, it fits in perfectly in Roswell.
320 North Richardson Avenue, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Explore Bottomless Lakes State Park
Bottomless Lakes State Park was the very first state park created in New Mexico when it was established in 1933. Covering 14,000 acres, it is named after the 9 deep lakes located within its boundaries.
With hiking trails, swimming spots, and various rare species of fish and amphibians, it provides a great opportunity to get out, have fun, and explore the wilds in the area surrounding Roswell.
545A Bottomless Lakes Road, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Meet The Residents Of The Spring River Zoo
Spring River Zoo covers 34 acres and boasts a small yet wonderful collection of animals and attractions. Rare species like buffalo, lemurs, and peacocks are balanced out with native animals like cows, coyotes, eagles, foxes, horses, and owls.
With an antique carousel, ranching exhibits, and children’s areas for both entertainment and education, it is a fun day out for all the family, no matter their age.
1306 East College Boulevard, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Unwind In Cahoon Park
Cahoon Park is a large public park and garden, located right in the heart of Roswell. With bridges, ponds, flower gardens, volleyball courts, fitness facilities, walking paths, and dog walking areas, it gives you the chance to relax in the great outdoors, without having to leave the city limits.
1101 West 4th Street, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201
Let Loose At The Eastern New Mexico State Fair
While it only takes place every October, the Eastern New Mexico State Fair is a fabulous event that is one of the top seasonal events in the region.
If you will be visiting while it is on, make sure to stop by and enjoy all of the rides, vendors, and attractions that are on offer. If not, there are plenty of other events held at the fairgrounds during the year, so make sure to check what’s on before you arrive, to see if anything interests you.
2500 Southeast Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico, 88203
Best Hotel To Stay At In Roswell, New Mexico – Quality Inn & Suites Roswell
Quality Inn & Suites Roswell is a wonderful little hotel, conveniently located near many of the top attractions in Roswell. Boasting an indoor pool and hot tub, free breakfast, coffee, newspapers, and parking, as well as access to business facilities, it takes care of all of your needs.
Meanwhile, in the rooms, guests will find plenty of space, comfortable furniture, and access to a range of amenities like coffee makers, hairdryers, ironing boards, microwaves, refrigerators, TVs, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, to ensure you are completely comfortable throughout your stay.
Conclusion
Roswell is a fabulous city that is a particularly great place to visit for those interested in UFOs. Our guide to the 15 best things to do in Roswell will hopefully have given you all the info you need to plan the perfect travel itinerary for when you visit yourself.
That means all you have left to do is start getting things booked, so you can look forward to enjoying your very own dream vacation to Roswell as soon as possible.