Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Roswell, NM

  • Published 2022/04/16

Roswell, a place that deals with UFOs and brims with mystery, has always been a place of interest to curious tourists.

After all, not many people seem to know what goes on in Roswell.

So, why don’t you go and discover the adventurous place for yourself?

One thing’s for sure: there are a lot of attractions in the city that seep with immense beauty and fascinating culture.

These are the best things to do in Roswell, New Mexico:

Visit the International UFO Museum And Research Center

Display of Aliens at International UFO Museum And Research Center

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The International UFO Museum and Research Center is probably the top attraction in all of Roswell.

After all, who isn’t interested in the events of outer space?

Are there any such things as aliens, or is it all a myth?

A lot of people were quite shocked after the alleged Roswell incident happened.

That event inspired many people to venture to Roswell to find out what the big deal was.

Exterior of the International UFO Museum and Research Center

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The International UFO Museum and Research Center was built to encourage these types of curiosities.

It shows you that there might be links or connections to the creatures in space.

You’ll also get to learn more about the Roswell incident.

Are you interested in the iconic Blue Book?

Learn more about that in this museum.

The International UFO Museum and Research Center draws a lot of people interested in knowing more about the unknown aliens of outer space.

Exhibit in International UFO Museum and Research Center

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Take a Stroll around Downtown

The road of Downtown Roswell

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The city of Roswell stands on the banks of the confluence of three beautiful rivers- Pecos, Spring, and Hondos.

The views of these rivers make Roswell’s downtown historic district shine more than it already does.

Being the land of tribes such as Mescalero Apache and Comanches, Roswell is a city of unique history.

Buildings along Downtown Roswell

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Many tours will take you around downtown, showing you all the spots of interest there.

Since a lot of people from different cultures settled around here, you can see the different styles in which the old houses were built.

They all have their own story!

Sidewalk of downtown Roswell

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Check Out the Roswell Museum

Want to admire the art style of the southwestern parts of the USA?

The Roswell Museum was built to preserve the work of local southern artists.

You can see different paintings and pieces of art that resemble the states of this area.

The museum encompasses an area of almost 50,000 square-foot and boasts different kinds of displays.

There are 12 galleries filled with such paintings.

The Roswell Museum also houses the Patricia Lubben Bassett Art Education Center, the Dr. Robert H Goddard Planetarium, and a library.

Pay a Visit to the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art

If you want to look at modern and contemporary art styles, the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art is the place to go.

The museum comprises nine galleries, each one filled up with styles of contemporary art forms.

The Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program is something the city does to benefit its artists and help them get the attention they deserve.

This museum hosts the paintings of the artists of this program.

You can find a lot of sculptures as well as photographs by local artists.

If you want to buy any paintings, there is a shop inside from where you can choose.

Many events are held by the museum throughout the year.

If you are an art lover, do try to visit one of those events when you are in town.

See Bottomless Lakes State Park

Scenic view of Roswell Bottomless Lakes

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock.com

Bottomless Lakes State Park is one of the most impressive sights in Roswell.

If you want to experience a bit of nature in the middle of the city, this is the spot for you.

Bottomless Lakes State Park comprises nine lakes.

Empty boats docks on Bottomless Lakes State Park waters

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock.com

If you love the natural beauty of blue lakes and a serene atmosphere, don’t miss out on a visit to this park.

The lakes are gorgeous, with rugged terrains and limestone cliffs that make the nature scenes even more beautiful.

The place is located along the banks of the blue Pecos River, which is yet another captivating sight.

Some lakes even have sandy shorelines.

The calm waters of Bottomless Lakes State Park

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Look around the General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum

The General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum is all about the Roswell military.

If you are from a similar background or are interested in these sorts of things, you should look around this museum.

Even if you don’t, this place is one of the top sights in Roswell that will capture your interest in no time at all.

The rich culture of the New Mexico Military Institute and the Corps of Cadets is portrayed diligently here.

The museum plans to keep it that way by keeping up with its good works.

It was initially a natatorium, but after certain plannings and renovations, a museum was established in its place.

The infamous NMMI Hall of Fame is also situated within this museum.

See the Animals at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Sunny day at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

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Bitter Lake National Park lies along the shorelines of the majestic Pecos River.

Being home to a lot of animals and the views make it extremely popular.

It used to be a place where lots of sandhill cranes came during their migratory period.

A white-faced ibis in Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Now, it is a kind of a sanctuary that’s home to beautiful mammal and bird species.

There are also a lot of unique fish in the waters.

The flora and fauna of this location are diverse, too.

A dragonfly at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go Back in Time at the Walker Aviation Museum

The Walker Aviation Museum is all about the importance of this military base.

It also preserves the legacies of all the people who have served the nation and given their lives.

The Walker Air Force Base, along with the Roswell Army Air Field, used to be the strongest force of the Strategic Air Command.

The iconic Enola Gay is also related to this base.

You can find a lot of memorabilia inside the museum.

The 579th Missile Squadron Reunion Group is one of the top displays here.

Explore the Spring River Park and Zoo

Take a break in the heart of the gorgeous city of Roswell.

At the Spring River Park and Zoo, the landscape is pristine and offers lush green views.

When you walk into the zoo, you will notice that it is a vast space of almost 34 acres.

It is also one of the best zoos in town.

A part of the zoo has been reserved especially for animals found only in New Mexico.

Meanwhile, there is another section that houses international species.

There’s an area specifically for children to interact with the smaller and cuter species.

Learn about Roswell’s History at the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico

If you want to learn more about the history, heritage, and culture of the people from Southeast New Mexico, the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico will probably be the best place to visit.

Roswell is an area of diversity.

It has got a lot of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

If you wish to know more about the city’s original settlers, this center shall shed some light on the topic.

The building dates back to the 19th century.

However, the interiors were destroyed and had to undergo remodeling quite a few times.

Join an Extraterrestrial-Themed Tour

You have to admit that most stories you’ve heard about Roswell involve its pretty famous UFO incident.

Roswell saw a significant increase in visitors right after the incident occurred.

So, coming to Roswell and joining a UFO tour is a must.

Fortunately for you, there are a lot of companies that organize these sorts of tours.

They take you around the site where the incident occurred back in 1947 and tell you all about the stories of the alleged attack.

Sample Local Wines at Pecos Flavors Winery & Bistro

Want a taste of the classic Mexico wine?

Any wine connoisseur loves to sample the local wine served in different places.

If you happen to be one of them, Pecos Flavors Winery & Bistro is just the dream destination for you.

There are not a lot of wineries in Roswell, but this one makes up for the lack.

You get to taste all the different local wine flavors here.

The bar is almost 100 years old, so you can say that this winery has been here for quite a long time.

There is also a tasting room where you can go on a tour and taste the different wines.

Enjoy Driving along the Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle Area

Sunny day at Mescalero Sands North Dune

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The Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is one of Roswell’s coolest and toughest places where you can show off your driving skills.

The space is covered with miles and miles of sand dunes and cottonwood trees.

The quartz field can be challenging.

If you are looking forward to doing something more daring, there are a lot of biking trails here.

Challenge your peers for a race!

Remember to be careful because the terrain is quite rugged, and the atmosphere is dry here.

Take Your Kids to the Roswell UFO Spacewalk

If you are looking for something fun to do with your whole family, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk is an excellent place to hang out.

It might even get you hooked!

If you are curious about the different mysteries that seem to revolve around Roswell, a trip to the Roswell UFO Spacewalk might change your perspective.

The space was designed to make you feel like you are in a faraway galaxy.

The art form is incredible and quite realistic.

Don’t miss out on a visit to this incredible attraction.

See the Roswell Symphony Orchestra

Are you interested in checking out orchestras, or are you passionate about music?

Either way, the folks at the Roswell Symphony Orchestra have something in store for you.

They hold events or concerts that draw a lot of attention, and all are performed in the Pearson Auditorium.

If you are interested in these musical events, try to catch a concert organized by the Roswell Symphony Orchestra the next time you are in town.

They also offer classes on different orchestras.

Stop by the Roswell Visitors Center

Tourists may get all the information they need at the Roswell Visitors Center, a beautiful and welcoming place.

The Roswell Visitors Center is an excellent place to stop if you’re having trouble deciding where to travel with your group.

You’ll find all the information you need about the attractions, activities, local food, and so on at this facility, staffed by kind people who know a lot about the area.

Make a quick pit stop at the Roswell Visitors Center with your traveling companions to receive all the information you need about your Roswell vacation.

The city includes a gift store where you may buy official municipal souvenirs for friends and family back at home.

Catch a Play at the Roswell Community Little Theatre

The Roswell Community Little Theatre aims to entertain the general audience and cultivate, encourage, and inspire an interest in live theater.

The Roswell Community Little Theatre offers a range of opportunities for the youth and adults to engage in all theater areas.

To Kill a Mockingbird, The Final Adventure, and Sherlock Holmes are among the shows that have been staged.

It also offers educational and youth seminars.

The Roswell Community Little Theatre also provides theater-based entertainment, including mysteries and dinner theater.

Unlock Roswell’s Mysteries on a UFO Tour

The Roswell UFO Tour takes you on a detailed and educational journey into the reported 1947 crash site of a UFO outside of Roswell.

Over 20 Roswell locales will be visited on fully-guided private excursions led by renowned Roswell UFO researcher Dennis Balthaser, who is dedicated to uncovering the truth about what really occurred at Roswell’s crash site, the recovery of the so-called UFO, and the subsequent cover-up.

Roswell’s museums, the Roswell Army Airfield where the “UFO parts” were housed, and the old Roswell Army Airfield Fire Station are all included in these tours.

Its tour guide offers a wealth of information regarding the details of the occurrence, the places, the persons involved, and the legends and riddles surrounding it.

You will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel of your choice for the duration of the tour aboard an air-conditioned luxury bus.

Go Birdwatching at J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center

Stop at this bird sanctuary to take a break from sightseeing.

It is a serene green space that will help you cool off while relaxing your eyes.

Due to its many features, it is a popular tourist destination.

There are a variety of outdoor activities that you may experience while taking in the sun.

Park amenities include picnic spots, a large parking lot, ADA-accessible restrooms, drinking fountains, and seats around the park to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

In addition to the purported 1947 UFO crash, this little town features many tourist attractions, including eccentric museums, stunning state parks, historical landmarks, wildlife refuges, lively commercial districts, vineyards, and many other attractions for you to explore.

Roswell, New Mexico, is the ideal destination for a much-needed vacation away from the daily grind.

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