35 Must Visit Places In Roswell
Roswell, New Mexico, is famous for its UFO history, but there's much more to this intriguing city. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a unique adventure, Roswell has something for everyone. Imagine walking through the International UFO Museum, exploring the Roswell Museum and Art Center, or hiking in the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Each spot offers a different slice of what makes Roswell special. From quirky attractions to beautiful landscapes, this city invites you to uncover its many layers. Ready to discover the best places to visit in Roswell? Let's dive in!
Roswell: A Journey Through History and Mystery
Roswell, New Mexico, is a city that blends history, mystery, and natural beauty. Known worldwide for its UFO incident, Roswell offers much more than extraterrestrial lore. From museums to parks, there's something for everyone.
International UFO Museum and Research Center This museum is a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the 1947 Roswell UFO incident. Exhibits include newspaper clippings, witness accounts, and even some alien artifacts. It's a fascinating dive into one of the most famous mysteries in American history.
Roswell Museum and Art Center Art lovers will enjoy this museum, which features works by Southwestern artists. The museum also houses historical artifacts and a planetarium. It's a great place to learn about the region's culture and history.
Spring River Park and Zoo Perfect for families, this park offers a small zoo, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The zoo features animals native to the Southwest, making it both educational and fun.
Bottomless Lakes State Park This state park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features several small lakes, perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The unique geology of the area makes for some stunning scenery.
Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art This museum showcases contemporary art from around the world. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works. It's a great spot for art aficionados looking to explore modern creativity.
Roswell UFO Spacewalk This interactive art installation takes visitors on a journey through a glowing, otherworldly landscape. It's a fun and unique experience for all ages.
Walker Aviation Museum Located at the Roswell International Air Center, this museum focuses on the history of aviation in the area. Exhibits include aircraft, uniforms, and other aviation-related artifacts.
Pecos Flavors Winery Wine lovers will appreciate a visit to this local winery. They offer tastings of their New Mexico wines, as well as a selection of local cheeses and other products.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge Bird watchers and nature lovers will enjoy this refuge, which is home to a variety of bird species. The refuge also features hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife photography.
Roswell Symphony Orchestra For a touch of culture, attend a performance by the Roswell Symphony Orchestra. They offer a variety of concerts throughout the year, featuring classical and contemporary music.
Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders
Roswell isn't just about museums and history. The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and exploring natural wonders.
Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area This area is perfect for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. The dunes offer a challenging terrain for ATVs and dirt bikes. It's a thrilling way to experience the desert landscape.
Capitan Mountains Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Capitan Mountains. The area offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The views from the top are breathtaking.
Lincoln National Forest This forest offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species.
Sitting Bull Falls Located in the Lincoln National Forest, Sitting Bull Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades into a clear pool. It's a great spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park A short drive from Roswell, this national park features stunning underground caves. Guided tours take visitors through the caverns, showcasing their unique formations.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Another nearby national park, Guadalupe Mountains offers hiking, camping, and stunning views. The park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak.
White Sands National Park This unique park features vast dunes of white gypsum sand. Visitors can hike, sled, and even camp in the dunes. It's a surreal and beautiful landscape.
Valley of Fires Recreation Area This area features a large lava flow that is over 5,000 years old. Visitors can hike through the lava fields and learn about the area's volcanic history.
Smokey Bear Historical Park Located in nearby Capitan, this park is dedicated to the famous Smokey Bear. The park features a museum, gardens, and the final resting place of Smokey Bear.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track Horse racing fans will enjoy a visit to this race track. The track hosts live races during the summer months, as well as a variety of other events.
Unique Attractions and Hidden Gems
Roswell is full of unique attractions and hidden gems that offer a glimpse into the local culture and history.
Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico This center is housed in a beautiful historic home and features exhibits on the history of Roswell and the surrounding area. It's a great place to learn about the region's past.
Roswell Antiques Mall Antique lovers will enjoy browsing the Roswell Antiques Mall. The mall features a variety of vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.
Alien Zone This quirky shop offers a variety of alien-themed merchandise, as well as a fun photo-op area where visitors can pose with alien figures. It's a fun stop for anyone interested in Roswell's UFO lore.
Roswell Space Center This small museum features exhibits on space exploration and the history of NASA. It's a great place for anyone interested in space and science.
Roswell Community Little Theatre This local theater offers a variety of performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and other live entertainment. It's a great way to experience the local arts scene.
Roswell Public Library The Roswell Public Library is more than just a place to borrow books. The library offers a variety of programs and events for all ages, as well as a local history collection.
Roswell Historic District Take a stroll through the Roswell Historic District to see beautiful historic homes and buildings. The district offers a glimpse into the city's past and its architectural heritage.
Roswell UFO Festival Held annually in July, the Roswell UFO Festival celebrates the city's extraterrestrial history. The festival features parades, live music, guest speakers, and other fun activities.
Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market This market is held on Saturdays and features a variety of local produce, handmade crafts, and other goods. It's a great place to support local vendors and find unique items.
Roswell Skate Park Skateboarders and BMX riders will enjoy the Roswell Skate Park. The park features a variety of ramps, rails, and other obstacles for all skill levels.
Family Fun and Entertainment
Roswell offers plenty of family-friendly activities and entertainment options to keep everyone entertained.
Galaxy 8 Movie Theater Catch the latest blockbuster at the Galaxy 8 Movie Theater. The theater offers comfortable seating and a variety of snacks and drinks.
Roswell Bowling Center Enjoy a fun night out at the Roswell Bowling Center. The center features multiple lanes, an arcade, and a snack bar.
Roswell Escape Room Test your problem-solving skills at the Roswell Escape Room. The escape room offers a variety of themed rooms and challenges for all ages.
Roswell Go-Kart Track Race around the track at the Roswell Go-Kart Track. The track offers go-karts for all ages and skill levels.
Roswell Aquatic Center Cool off at the Roswell Aquatic Center. The center features indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and a lazy river.
Roswell's Hidden Gems Await
Roswell offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the Roswell UFO Museum to the Spring River Park and Zoo, there's something for everyone. Stroll through Historic Downtown Roswell for unique shops and eateries. Don't miss the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art for a dose of creativity. Outdoor lovers will enjoy Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Bottomless Lakes State Park. Each spot tells a story, making Roswell a must-visit. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a fun getaway, Roswell has it all. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to uncover the charm of this New Mexico gem. Roswell's hidden treasures are waiting for you.
