Welcome to Roswell, NM, the epicenter of extraterrestrial fascination! Famous for the 1947 Roswell Incident, this quirky town blends UFO lore, vibrant art, and unique attractions, making it a must-visit for curious travelers seeking an out-of-this-world experience.
Why Visit Roswell, NM?
Roswell, New Mexico, is unlike any other destination. Known for the alleged 1947 UFO crash, the town has embraced its extraterrestrial reputation with open arms, offering a mix of kitschy charm, educational exhibits, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re a UFO enthusiast, a skeptic, or simply looking for a fun, offbeat adventure, Roswell’s alien-themed attractions, vibrant murals, and unique dining make it a perfect stop for a day trip or weekend getaway. The compact downtown area is walkable, and most attractions are affordable, with entry fees around $5, making it accessible for families, solo travelers, or groups. Plan your visit around the annual UFO Festival (typically early July) for added excitement, featuring costume contests, laser shows, and alien-themed events.
Top Things to Do in Roswell, NM
1. International UFO Museum and Research Center
Why Visit: The International UFO Museum and Research Center is the heart of Roswell’s UFO legacy, offering a deep dive into the 1947 Roswell Incident and other UFO phenomena. Founded in 1991 by Walter Haut and Glenn Dennis, who were linked to the original event, this museum features newspaper clippings, witness affidavits, and interactive exhibits like a mock-up alien autopsy and movie props. The adjacent research library houses over 7,000 books and 30,000+ periodicals, perfect for enthusiasts or researchers. It’s a must for anyone curious about extraterrestrial life, blending kitsch with serious inquiry. Expect to spend 1-2 hours exploring, though avid readers may linger longer in the library.
What to Know: Tickets cost $5, with unlimited re-entry for the day, making it a budget-friendly stop. The museum is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend. Exhibits encourage questions, catering to both believers and skeptics. Check the website for special events, like the annual UFOlogist Invasion conference.
Address: 114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203
Why Include It: This museum is Roswell’s flagship attraction, offering a mix of history, conspiracy theories, and pop culture that captures the town’s unique vibe. It’s a great starting point to understand why Roswell is the UFO capital.
2. Roswell UFO Spacewalk
Why Visit: The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is a blacklight art adventure that immerses you in an alien spaceship and a mysterious extraterrestrial planet. Created by artist Bryan Ward, whose retro sci-fi art is also on display, this walk-through attraction uses special effects and animatronics to create a spooky, fun experience. Visitors receive a glow-in-the-dark wristband and a toy blaster for interactive fun. It’s a quick 15-20 minute experience, but the $5 entry allows unlimited walkthroughs until closing, making it a hit with families and groups.
What to Know: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, the Spacewalk is just a 2-minute walk from the UFO Museum. The gift shop sells unique alien-themed souvenirs, like Ward’s artwork and vintage-style toys. It’s less educational but high on entertainment, perfect for a lighthearted break. Some visitors find it a bit basic, so manage expectations—it’s more about fun than polish.
Address: 116 E 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201
Why Include It: This attraction offers a playful, immersive experience that complements the museum’s serious tone, appealing to kids and adults who want to feel like they’re in a sci-fi movie
3. Spaceport Roswell
Why Visit: Spaceport Roswell delivers a thrilling virtual reality experience that lets you “travel” through space and time. Featuring journeys like the 1947 Roswell Incident from an alien’s perspective or the Apollo 11 mission, this attraction uses VR headsets to immerse you in a crashing spaceship or cosmic exploration. The experience lasts about 20-30 minutes and is guided by enthusiastic staff, making it engaging for all ages.
What to Know: Located across from the UFO Museum, it’s open Sunday-Thursday 9 AM to 7 PM and Friday-Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM, with after-hours bookings available online. Tickets are around $20-$30, pricier than other attractions but worth it for the unique technology. Free parking is available on Virginia Ave. Check the website for current VR experiences, as they rotate seasonally.
Address: 121 E 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201
Why Include It: Spaceport Roswell offers a high-tech, interactive way to engage with the town’s UFO theme, perfect for tech-savvy travelers or those wanting a modern twist on the alien narrative.
4. We Believe Mural
Why Visit: The “We Believe” Mural, painted by artist Larry Bob Phillips in 2019, is a vibrant photo op near the International UFO Museum. Depicting a spaceship ramp aligned with the museum’s pathway, it creates an illusion of walking onto a UFO. The mural captures Roswell’s playful embrace of its alien identity and is a quick, free stop for Instagram-worthy shots.
What to Know: Located on the side of the UFO Museum building, it’s accessible anytime, but dusk offers the best lighting for photos. The mural is part of Roswell’s broader art scene, so consider exploring other downtown murals for more photo ops.
Address: 9058 W 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201
Why Include It: This mural is a fun, free way to capture Roswell’s quirky spirit and makes for a memorable souvenir photo, especially for social media enthusiasts.
5. Roswell Welcome Sign
Why Visit: The Roswell Welcome Sign is an iconic landmark featuring a crashed UFO design, symbolizing the town’s extraterrestrial fame. Located at major entrances, the most popular sign is on East 2nd Street, about 5 miles east of downtown. It’s a quick stop for a classic Roswell photo, perfect for marking your visit.
What to Know: The sign is free to visit and accessible 24/7. The East 2nd Street sign is green with red letters, while another on Highway 285 has black letters. Parking is easy, but be cautious of traffic when snapping photos. The cow figures once on the sign are gone, but the UFO theme remains strong.
Address: East 2nd Street, Roswell, NM 88201 (approx. 5 miles east of downtown)
Why Include It: The Welcome Sign is a must for first-time visitors, offering a free, iconic photo op that screams “I was in Roswell!”
6. UFO-Themed McDonald’s
Why Visit: Roswell’s McDonald’s is the only one in the world shaped like a flying saucer, complete with a play area resembling a spaceship and french fry-shaped rocket decor. It’s a fun, family-friendly spot to grab a meal while soaking in the alien vibe. The exterior and interior are perfect for quirky photos, and the experience of eating a Big Mac in a UFO setting is uniquely Roswell.
What to Know: Located on Main Street, it’s open daily with standard McDonald’s hours. No alien-themed menu items, but the atmosphere makes up for it. The play area is great for kids, and the location is walkable from downtown attractions. Parking is ample.
Address: 1804 S Main St, Roswell, NM 88203
Why Include It: This McDonald’s is a lighthearted, accessible way to enjoy Roswell’s alien culture, offering a quick stop for food and photos that’s fun for all ages.
Practical Tips for Visiting Roswell, NM
- Getting There: Roswell is about 200 miles from major cities like Albuquerque or El Paso. The Industrial Airport (ROW) serves regional flights, but most visitors drive. Free parking is available downtown on Main Street or Virginia Ave.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, especially during the UFO Festival (July 1-3), is lively but crowded. Spring or fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Check attraction websites for hours, as some close early.
- Where to Stay: Options include the Holiday Inn Express (budget-friendly, free breakfast) or Home2 Suites (close to downtown, pet-friendly but with a $75 pet fee). Book early during the UFO Festival.
- Dining: Beyond the UFO McDonald’s, try Stellar Coffee Co. for coffee or Roswell Apizza Center for New Haven-style pizza. Black Cock Brewery offers local brews.
- Other Attractions: If you have extra time, visit the Roswell Museum for Southwestern art, Bottomless Lakes State Park for outdoor fun, or the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium for stargazing shows.
Why Roswell Should Be on Your Itinerary
Roswell, NM, delivers an unforgettable mix of UFO history, quirky attractions, and extraterrestrial charm. From the International UFO Museum to the UFO-themed McDonald’s, this town captivates believers and skeptics alike. Pack your curiosity and camera for this alien adventure! For more travel inspiration, check out our YouTube channel, where we share highlights from our adventures, or visit our Plan Your Trip page to start planning your own dream trip.
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