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Top Things to Do in Roswell New Mexico
Roswell New Mexico is the unofficial alien capital of the world. All things alien are found here. Little green men from outer space fill Main Street and alien eyes light the streets. In a world of X-Files and government conspiracies, this little alien city is a fun road trip stop. Researching the best things to do during a day trip to Roswell New Mexico while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time with these top things to do, see, and eat in Roswell.
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The International UFO Museum and Research Center
Interestingly, about 36% of Americans are believers, and 1 in 10 people have seen a spaceship. I’m not one of them. Well, I haven’t seen a spaceship and I wouldn’t say I believe or am a nonbeliever. I’m curious. Curiosity is good. About 5 years ago I was at a craft fair with my mother. I can only look at so many stuffed country things and went outside to smoke (don’t judge me). I started up a conversation with a woman who ran one of the booths. When I asked her where she was from, she said Roswell. I perked up. Really? I asked. She looked at me skeptical as I asked her to tell me about her experiences. She must have decided I wouldn’t mock her and gave me an earful. I have wanted to visit Roswell ever since this conversation. I even drove out to Area 51 during a Las Vegas trip once, but that’s another story. Has my visit to Roswell changed my position? Nope. But I had a lot of fun and a few more interesting conversations. Things that make you go hmmmm as Arsenio Hall would say.
The International UFO Museum and Research Center is the number one must-stop site in Roswell. The museum was opened by two of the original witnesses of the famous (infamous?) 1947 UFO crash/weather balloon/secret government project related to the Soviet Union. Expect to spend about two hours reading the collection of newspaper clippings and witness statements. Read The Roswell Incident to get a jump start before you go.
Things to Do In and Around Roswell New Mexico
Take a picture in front of the Welcome to Roswell Sign
Grab some literature at the Roswell Visitors Center
Take a tour of UFO crash location sites
Shop for alien-themed souvenirs on Main Street
Enjoy a Big Mac in an alien-shaped McDonald’s
Stop in the Alien Zone for a selfie with a little green man
Experience the Roswell Incident via virtual reality at Spaceport Roswell
Photograph the alien-shaped streetlights at dusk
Eat a green chile cheeseburger
Hunt for alien murals downtown
Check out the Roswell UFO Spacewalk black light art installation
Play a game of Area 52 laser tag
Purchase a blow-up alien doll
Watch a space show at the Goddard Planetarium
See longhorn cattle at the Spring River Zoo
Browse the Native American artwork at the Roswell Museum & Art Center
Learn about Roswell before there were aliens at the Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico
Check out the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art galleries of artists in residence
See the aircraft at the Walker Aviation Museum
Sample New Mexico wine at Pecos Flavors Winery
Check out the sinkholes at Bottomless Lakes State Park
Search the sky for lights with the Roswell Astronomy Club
Take a bike ride at the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Rent a dune buggy and play in the sand at Mescalero Sand Dunes
Be sure to check with the Roswell New Mexico Tourism Board for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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New Mexico Travel Guide
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Best New Mexico Attractions and Day Tours
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