Roswell is a city in New Mexico. It is the county seat of Chaves County and is located in the southeastern corner of the state. Roswell is known for its UFO history and has been referred to as the “UFO capital of the world.” Read on to explore places to visit and things to do in Roswell, NM.
International UFO Museum and Research Center
Historical Background
In July 1947, an object believed to be a flying saucer is said to have crashed in Roswell, New Mexico. Witnesses reported seeing strange lights in the sky, and some even claimed to have seen aliens. The military later announced that the object was actually a weather balloon, but some believe that the government covered up what really happened and that the UFO was of extraterrestrial origin. Till this day, the Roswell incident is widely considered to be the most famous UFO case in history, and the area where it took place is officially called the Alien Zone.
The Museum
The International UFO Museum and Research Center is the world’s premier institution dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Founded in 1991, the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, declassified government documents, eyewitness accounts and photographs related to the 1947 Roswell UFO incident. The museum also offers a look at the history of aliens in pop culture, from early films like “The Day the Earth Stood Still” to more recent blockbusters. There is also a gift shop on the site, so you can go home with a UFO-themed souvenir of your choice. Whether you believe in aliens or not, the International UFO Museum is a fascinating place to explore.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
The Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located just outside of Roswell. The refuge was established in 1937 and covers an area of over 20,000 acres. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The refuge also offers a variety of educational programs for both adults and children. Admission to the refuge is free.
Roswell Museum and Art Center
The Roswell Museum and Art Center first opened its doors in 1943, founded by a group of local citizens who were passionate about preserving the history of their community. The art center portion of the museum features a variety of local and regional artists, such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Tony Abeyta, who both have a connection to the area. There’s also a section on the history of Roswell. The museum’s collection includes items from the UFO crash site, as well as other artifacts from the area’s rich history. The Roswell Museum and Art Center is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members.
Bottomless Lakes State Park
Another exhilarating thing to do in Roswell NM, this state park is home to nine bottomless lakes, which are sinkholes that have filled with water over time, as the water table lowered. The saltiness of the water prevents plants from growing in the lakes, but algae and bacteria do thrive, giving the lakes their characteristic green color. The lakes range in depth from 30 to 90 feet, and are a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. The park also offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a campground. You can also take a scenic drive around the lakes on a designated road. The park is open year-round, and admission is free.
Roswell Spacewalk
The Roswell Spacewalk is an annual event organized by the Roswell Astronomical Society and features a variety of activities for children and adults alike. One of the main attractions is the opportunity to walk on a replica of the moon’s surface, which is created using sand and rocks brought back from the moon itself. There are also a number of telescopes set up for public use, and astronomers on hand to answer any questions. In addition, there are usually a number of lectures and demonstrations taking place throughout the day on a variety of topics related to space exploration. Admission to the event is usually free, and it is a great opportunity to learn more about our place in the universe.
Goddard Planetarium
This public observatory is dedicated to providing educational resources about astronomy and space science. It provides a variety of programs and events for both children and adults. There is also a telescope that is available for public use, offering stunning views of the night sky. A special feature of the observatory is its “Space Odyssey” exhibit, which explores the history of space exploration and the future of space travel. Goddard Planetarium is a perfect thing to do in Roswell, NM for anyone interested in learning more about our universe. Admission is free.
Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art
The museum houses a diverse collection of contemporary art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to installations and video art. In addition to its impressive collection, the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art also hosts a variety of exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, take part in art workshops, and attend lectures and films screenings. The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art is an important cultural institution in Roswell and a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art. Admission to the museum is free, making it accessible to everyone.
Pecos Flavor Winery
Pecos Flavor Winery is a family-run business producing a variety of wines made from locally-grown fruits and vegetables that are free of additives and preservatives. Pecos Flavor Winery’s selection of fruit wines includes varieties made from apples, apricots, peaches, and cherries. The winery also produces a line of vegetable-based wines, including options made with carrots, jalapeños, and tomatoes! Apart from retail, the winery also offers wine tastings and tours by appointment. The tours provide an intimate look at the winemaking process and allow visitors to sample a variety of Pecos Flavor Winery’s wines.
Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area
Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area is a popular spot for off-roading and camping in Roswell, New Mexico. The area features miles of sand dunes that are perfect for exploring on an ATV or dirt bike. There are also hiking trails and picnicking areas available, making it a great place to spend a day in the outdoors. To get to there, take US Highway 70 east from Roswell for about 15 miles. Turn left onto NM-247 and follow the signs for about 5 miles. The entrance to the recreation area will be on your right. Once you enter the recreation area, there is a $5 fee per vehicle. Camping is also available for an additional fee. The landscapes and views are truly unique and worth the visit.
Summary: Things to Do in Roswell, NM
As you can see, Roswell offers many attractions to its visitors. Are there any things to do in Roswell, NM that we forgot about? Let us know! Thanks for reading and have a good trip!
Source: Phil Campbell, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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