Roswell, a beautiful alien city located in the southeastern part of the US state of New Mexico offers many experiences for visitors. Some of the most popular places within the city are the International UFO Museum and Research Center, Roswell Museum and Arts Center, and many more.
Furthermore, for a historic touch, Roswell also features a few historical sites along with the Roswell Historic District. Apart from that, the city has a lot of places that you can explore during your visit.
So, in the following article, we have made a list of 20 Unique things to do in Roswell, New Mexico on your next trip.
1. Explore The International UFO Museum And Research Center
The International UFO Museum and Research Center is located in the very hub of Roswell. This is one of the interesting places imparting knowledge regarding UFOs and their mystery. Very prominently, this place is known because of the famous Roswell incident of 1857.
Visiting the center, you will have access to various exhibits related to UFO sightings, alien encounters as well as government investigations. When you enter, you can explore the displays of evidence, documents, and artifacts on the UFO theory.
Apart from that, for in-depth knowledge of UFO phenomena, the International UFO Museum and Research Center also features interactive exhibits. These exhibits not only provide information but also explain more about the history and ongoing research into UFOs.
2. Visit The Roswell Museum
This wonderful place started operating in 1936. Located just a few meters from the International UFO Museum, this is a perfect museum for art and history lovers. The Roswell Museum has several displays that include various artifacts.
Each of these exhibits features works of local artists along with some historic pieces. Most of the artworks found inside include beautiful paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
The collection of Native American art is one of the major highlights of the Roswell Museum. It offers a deep look into the region's cultural heritage. Not just artworks, the museum also holds a few exhibits on the history of Roswell and surrounding areas.
3. Discover Bottomless Lakes State Park
Another wonderful place in Roswell is the Bottomless Lakes State Park. It is a unique natural area named after its deep clear lakes. The park is home to some of the largest sinkholes in the world formed by underground water erosion.
This place offers various outdoor activities for nature lovers and other visitors as well. You can enjoy swimming and picnicking while fishing in the lakes for some local fish. To add more adventure to your visit, you can opt for hiking or camping in multiple scenic spots.
With various things to do in Roswell, NM, Bottomless Lakes Park is a go-to spot. Here you can spend a fun day with family or enjoy a peaceful evening in nature away from the city crowd.
4. Spend A Day At Roswell Visitors Center
If you are planning to visit Roswell, the Roswell Visitors Center is a perfect place to start exploring the city. Spending a day here lets you collect useful information about local attractions.
The center offers visitors maps, brochures, and tips on things to see in Roswell, NM. Here you will find enough help to plan your entire visit. In addition to that, Roswell Visitors Center also features exhibits about the city's history and famous UFO incidents.
Offering various knowledge under a single roof, this center is a resourceful place to help improve your traveling experience. Meanwhile, it is also a great place to get insights into the UFO history or the culture of Roswell.
5. Have Fun At Roswell UFO Spacewalk
Nested in the heart of Roswell, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk is a fun place. It is one of the major Roswell, NM attractions and a must-visit place for those who are into space and UFOs. This unique place is perfect for experiencing the mystery of the universe.
Featured inside the exhibits are vibrant glowing displays and interactive exhibits. Around the place, you will find visuals of planets, stars, and alien landscapes. This offers a sense of space travel.
Moreover, here you can learn about space exploration, UFO sightings, and the science behind them. Adding more fun to the exploration, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk also has hands-on activities.
6. Go To The Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
The Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to enjoy nature while watching the wildlife. This refuge center is home to hirds of diverse species and beautiful landscapes.
It has a variety of animal habitats, including lakes, wetlands, and desert areas. One of the major attractions at Bitter Lake is birdwatching. During the migration seasons, a variety of birds make a stop at this refuge adding vibrance to the environment.
The refuge also has several trails along with observation points where you can hike or bike. This trail lets you take a closer look at the wildlife inside the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
7. Visit The BrickTown: Alien Attack
When visiting Roswell Spacewalk, a nearby place you should not miss is the BrickTown: Alien Attack. Situated just a few minutes apart from one another, both these places can be explored in a single day.
This space-themed wonderland is full of interactive fun and colorful aline-inspired displays. Here you will have an opportunity to take part in a thrilling adventure where you can explore alien words and solve engaging puzzles.
Suitable for both kids and adults, the BrickTown: Aline Attack offers exciting challenges and games. Visiting this place is fun as well as a unique experience in a science fiction movie-like setting.
8. Explore Arts At Anderson Museum Of Contemporary Art
The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art is located on the northwest side of Roswell City. It is a very vivid museum showcasing paintings, photos, and sculptures. The museum mostly focuses on promoting the works of regional artists through exhibitions.
The Anderson Museum has various galleries filled with artwork of different styles and concepts. Every time you visit, you will find something new inside because of the changing exhibitions.
The museum not only showcases works of other artists but also hosts special events and art talks. These events are great for connecting with the art community and learning more about contemporary art.
9. Explore The Roswell Historic District
Exploring the Roswell Historic District is a backward movement in time. The district is where you will find well-preserved buildings and various historic sites. Offering a glimpse into the city's past, this is a must-visit place for history geeks.
Walking through this district, you will see beautiful architecture from the early 20th century. Among them, all are old homes, storefronts, and public buildings that reflect the history of Roswell.
You can stroll along the streets, enjoy the historic charm, and click some pictures of these vintage buildings. For a more bustling atmosphere, visiting the district during festive seasons is a great choice.
10. Watch Wildlife At Spring River Park And Zoo
The Spring River Park and Zoo was established in 1980. Located only a few miles from downtown Roswell, it is also a beautiful place to observe the local wildlife. The Spring River Zoo is home to various animal species: there are birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Every animal found here is properly taken care of. As you walk around the zoo, you can observe these animals chilling in their habitats. After a few hours of animal watching, you can move on to the walking paths covered with greenery.
The open areas of the zoo are also suitable for picnicking and relaxing along with outdoor fun. It is a family-friendly place with playgrounds for kids and educational programs that suit adults.
11. Spend A Day At Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center
This delightful place is where you will find a relaxing environment to connect with nature. The Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary & Natural Park is dedicated to protecting local wildlife. This place offers a peaceful retreat along with bird-spotting opportunities.
Along with that, the sanctuary features walking trails that wind through beautiful natural landscapes. While strolling around the sanctuary, you can enjoy the sounds of birds and nature.
These trails also have a few viewing areas and informational sings to help you spot and learn about different types of birds. Meanwhile, the educational programs offered by the Nature Center provide knowledge on local wildlife, plants, and conservation efforts.
12. Discover The Miniature And Curious Collections Museum
Visiting the Miniature and Curious Collections Museum feels like stepping into a tiny world. It is a fun place to explore miniature items and unusual collections. The entire museum showcases tiny duplicates of everyday items, dollhouses, and small-scale artworks.
Highlighting the creativity of the creator, the exhibits found in the museum have continuously captivated visitors. Every single piece of the exhibit offers a unique glimpse into the miniature art.
Despite the size difference, every single item looks charming. With a unique concept, the Miniature And Curious Collections Museum is a great place to discover tiny treasures.
13. Visit The General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum
The General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum is another location that is close to the Anderson Museum. This a great place to learn about the military past of the city. For that, the museum has various historic items preserved from the past.
The museum features various exhibits that showcase different aspects of military life and history. You will find uniforms, equipment, and artifacts from various time periods. The site also honors notable military figures with displays on their lives.
Exhibits on these personals provide information about significant events and battles. This helps visitors understand the challenges and achievements of the military while exploring the General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum.
14. Visit The Walker Aviation Museum
For a look at aviation history, this place is a go-to in Roswell. The museum celebrates a rich history of aviation through different exhibits and artifacts The site is popular for its collection of vintage planes and military aircraft.
It is where detailed information about historical aircraft can be found. Through different displays, you can learn about the development and contribution of aircraft in the country's development.
The Walker Aviation Museum presents photographs, documents, and memorabilia that highlight events and milestones in aviation. A visit to this museum gives you a chance to see the evolution of flights.
15. Play Games At Spaceport Roswell
The Spaceport Roswell is another cool place located in downtown Roswell. This is an entertainment center full of fun and thrilling games. Inspired by space, here you can enjoy classic arcade games and experience virtual reality.
The center's space theme adds more excitement to the atmosphere. With various games and attractions, the center takes you back in time when you were a kid.
Additionally, the place also hosts special events and themed activities that keep the visitors engaged throughout the day. For a challenging game against friends and family, the Spaceport Roswell is a suitable place.
16. Shop At Hanger 209
Shopping at Hanger 209 is a perfect way to bring something back home from your trip to Roswell. The store stands out for its aviation-themed merchandise. While entering you will find a huge section with flight-inspired items.
As you explore around, high-quality clothing like t-shirts, hats, and jackets will attract you to them. These clothes are unique pieces to add to your wardrobe with a touch of adventure.
You can also shop for collectible items and home decor that reflect outer space. The atmosphere inside Hanger 209 makes it a worthwhile place to shop for gifts and souvenirs.
17. Watch A Movie At Apex Cinema 10
Watching a movie at Apex Cinema 10 is a vibrant experience. This popular theater features ten screens, with every one of them showcasing a unique movie. Every screening room is equipped with high-quality equipment offering a great cinematic experience.
While inside the theatre, the comfortable seating allows every single visitor to enjoy the movie in a relaxing environment. During the intervals or before the movie, you can pick up some snacks and beverages from the food counters inside.
The Apex Cinema 10 is a perfect choice for a family night, a date, or just a solo movie night. It is a great place to catch the latest films and make your journey to Roswell memorable.
18. Drive At At The Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle Area
Situated around 30 miles southeast of downtown Roswell, the Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV is a thrilling place. This place offers huge dunes and wide trails for an adventurous drive. You can drive vehicles like ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4 trucks.
The area provides different levels of challenges and adventure. You can choose from courses for a short drive or more demanding ones. Throughout the ride, you will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the desert.
To enjoy an entertaining ride, make sure to bring plenty of water and follow all safety rules. The Mescalero Sands North Dune area is a blend of off-road and natural beauty.
19. Learn About Local Arts At The Gallery
Art Galleries are the best places to explore the vibrant local art. In Roswell, one such place is The Gallery. It stores a dynamic collection of works by local artists. The gallery is regularly updated with new pieces making every visit a first one.
An exploration of The Gallery is a perfect way to find pieces that reflect the rich culture and artistic history of Roswell. As most of the works belong to local artists, it is also a great place to support the local art community.
The Gallery also hosts special events and art talks, that you can attend for a much clearer view of the local art scene.
20. Visit The Robert H Goddard Planetarium
The Robert H Goddard Planetarium is an easily accessible place in Roswell. It is a fascinating destination that takes you on a journey into space. Inside the planetarium is a high-quality projection technology that lets you explore the entire space without traveling to space.
These shows at the Robert H Goddard Planetarium are both educational and entertaining. You can learn about celestial events, constellations, and the latest discoveries in astronomy.
As a fun learning hub, this place is designed with the goal of making science learning more interactive and entertaining. Along with a captivating experience, a visit to this center is a memorable journey through the beautiful universe.
