Roswell NM is a small town famous for an alleged 1947 UFO crash. The town embraces the phenomenon but also has plenty to offer.
Wander around the historic district for a look at Hipped Box and Queen Anne homes and admire the stunning Chaves County Courthouse on Main Street. For art lovers, the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art shows work from its Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program.
Cielo Grande Park
Cielo Grande Park is a regional park that has soccer complex, special event area, multi-sport practice areas, playgrounds, and other attractions. It is the perfect place for a family vacation or a group getaway. The 4th of Jul fireworks show is a highlight. It offers beautiful views of the mountains.
This two-bedroom condominium is located less than 10 minutes away from Santa Fe Plaza, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and other attractions. It is also within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and a dog park. This is an excellent option for couples and families who want to experience all that Santa Fe offers.
Enchanted Lands Park
The park was able to welcome 300,000 kids each summer. But as time passed, Enchanted Lands started to lose its appeal as families shifted their attention from the park to television and video arcades.
The park was home to more than 20 sculpted concrete buildings, featuring Old English structures that made visitors feel as if they were taking a raft ride to Robinson Crusoe’s Island or going on a teacup ride in Alice and Wonderland. Roger’s beautiful cement work can still be seen throughout the park. The theme park, unlike other family fun parks of its time, was also one of the very first to accept all races.
Pecos Flavors Winery
The Roswell Visitors Center is a great place to visit to find out more about the history of Roswell. The staff is friendly and can offer recommendations for things to see and do in the city. The gift shop sells souvenirs.
If you want to learn more about Roswell’s UFO heritage, you can take a tour of the Area 51 site with Roswell UFO Tours. This is an educational and fun experience for the entire family.
You can also check out the Roswell Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum. This museum has a large collection of miniatures such as dollhouses and box houses. It also features antiques and themed vignettes.
Walker Aviation Museum
The Walker Aviation Museum explores Roswell’s rich military history. Indoor and outdoor displays feature an abundance of aircraft models and photographs, as well as artifacts.
The museum offers guided tours of the old airfield, including its buildings. Visitors can view retired military aircraft such as B-52 bombers, KC-135 tanks and more.
The museum is a great place to see UFOs, but the surrounding area has so much more. The city’s historic district is dotted with bright UFO-themed murals, from small aliens on street corners to full-sized spaceships. The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art also features southwestern art. The Spring River Park and Zoo features native animals.
Bottomless Lakes State Park
The history of Roswell and UFOs are a big draw but the town has plenty more to offer than that. Head to Bottomless Lakes State Park for a fun day of swimming, camping, hiking and fishing.
The park lies along the eastern bluffs on the Pecos river. It contains nine small lakes–Lazy Lagoon, Cottonwood Lake, Mirror Lake, Figure-Eight Lake, Lost Lake, and Devil’s Inkwell. The lakes are not fed by streams, but rather by underground water. They become brackish due to their high evaporation rates, which makes them more salty than freshwater but less salty that seawater. Four endangered species also live in the park.
Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art
Many of Roswell’s attractions take inspiration from the town’s UFO-inspired history, and whether you’re a fan or on the skeptical side it’s worth visiting. Start at the International UFO Museum & Research Center, where you’ll be able to learn more about the 1947 alien crash and other sightings that have taken place.
Visit Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge after the museum to see over 50 species of birds and mammals. Bottomless Lakes State Park is a stunning spot to kayak, fish, and swim.
