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Roswell is a ranching and farming city in the Pecos Valley of southeastern New Mexico, made world famous by the 1947 Roswell incident, when debris found on a nearby ranch sparked decades of UFO theories. The city has embraced its alien fame with green-glowing street lights, UFO murals and themed shops along Main Street.
The International UFO Museum and Research Center tells the story of the incident in a former movie theater downtown, and the Roswell UFO Festival brings costumed visitors each July. Yet Roswell has much more: the Roswell Museum shows Southwestern art and the workshop of rocket pioneer Robert Goddard, who carried out his experiments here, and the free Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art features artists from the city's residency program.
Nature lovers can swim and hike at Bottomless Lakes State Park, watch cranes and dragonflies at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the family-friendly Spring River Park and Zoo. The historic campus of New Mexico Military Institute anchors the north side of town.
Roswell's famous museum in a former movie theater on Main Street, telling the story of the 1947 Roswell incident through newspaper clippings, witness accounts and dioramas, plus a research library and displays on crop circles and sightings. Allow an hour or two, and expect playful alien photo spots.
A city museum with fine collections of Southwestern art, including works by artists who painted the New Mexico landscape, plus Native American and Hispanic art. A highlight is the recreated workshop of Robert Goddard, the rocketry pioneer who tested rockets near Roswell in the 1930s. Admission is free.
A multi-day festival held each year around the July 4th weekend, with speakers on UFOs, an alien costume contest, a parade, live music, food vendors and family activities across downtown. Book lodging early, as the town fills up. Come in costume for the full experience; most events are outdoors.
A free museum showing large, often surprising works by artists who have taken part in the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program since the late 1960s. Its spacious galleries hold paintings, sculpture and installations. It is a quiet, unexpected treat in Roswell; allow about an hour.
New Mexico's first state park, about 12 miles east of Roswell, where a chain of deep, blue-green sinkhole lakes sits beneath red bluffs. Swim or paddle at Lea Lake, hike the short trails and camp under dark skies. Summers are hot, so visit in the morning; a day-use fee applies.
A wetland refuge northeast of Roswell along the Pecos River, famous for wintering sandhill cranes and snow geese and for one of the most diverse populations of dragonflies in North America. Drive the auto tour loop and walk short trails. Visit at sunrise in winter to see cranes take flight.
A free city zoo and park along the Spring River with native and exotic animals, a prairie dog town, a vintage carousel and a miniature train ride, plus a fishing pond for kids. It is easy to see in an hour or two and is very popular with local families. Rides have small fees.
A state military high school and junior college founded in 1891, whose castle-like campus buildings in a Gothic style line the north side of Roswell. The McBride Military Museum on campus displays uniforms, weapons and memorabilia from many conflicts. Check museum hours and respect the active campus.
A house museum in a restored early 20th-century home, furnished as it would have been in the 1910s and showing regional history, ranching life and local families. An archive on site holds photographs and documents of the Pecos Valley. Volunteer guides share stories; check limited opening hours.
Roswell's downtown along Main Street embraces the UFO theme with alien-eyed street lights, murals, alien statues and souvenir shops selling everything from T-shirts to green cookies. It is fun for a stroll and photos, especially at night. Combine it with the UFO Museum and nearby cafes.
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