Roswell, New Mexico, is famously known for an alleged crash site of UFO in 1947. However, there is more to Roswell than aliens and UFOs. Roswell has ancient archeological and historical sites, excellent museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and an array of outdoor activities. Here are the 5 best things to do in Roswell, NM. Provided by our team
Roswell City Hall
International UFO Museum and Research Center
In July 1947, something happened northwest of Roswell, New Mexico, during a severe thunderstorm.
Was it a flying saucer? Was it a weather balloon? What happened?
The answer was nothing for many years until leading UFO researcher Stanton Friedman came across the story in the early 1980s and began the search for information and witnesses. That research brought him to Roswell looking for the public information officer at Roswell Army Air Field in 1947.
That officer was Lt. Walter Haut. He still lived in Roswell and remembered the press release and the orders from his commanding officer.
Friedman’s investigation also led to many others, military and civilian, who had information to add to the Roswell Incident story. Stepping into the picture very strongly in the late 1980s were Don Schmitt, Kevin Randle and Tom Carey. Schmitt and Carey dedicate their research to Roswell.
For more info check out museum information page.
Bottomless Lakes State Park is A state park located along the Pecos River about 15 mi southeast of Roswell. Bottomless Lakes is made up of a series of nine small and very deep lakes. Carved from limestone by the river and aquifer, the lakes are actually ancient caves that have collapsed. Technically they are known as cenotes, and are fed by underwater seeps. The lakes are the perfect place for a swim and a picnic on a hot day. Other things to do in the park include fishing, boating and bird watching.
Great activity to do with the kids.
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Official site: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/bottomlesslakesstatepark.html
The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1994 to showcase works of art produced by former fellows of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program.
Today, more than 400 diverse works of art enliven its nine galleries and 22,000 square feet of exhibition space. Dedicated to the work produced by artists who have participated in the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program, AMoCA has become a source of knowledge and inspiration about contemporary visual art for the Roswell region, New Mexico and the Nation. This unique collection of photographs, paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture provides a snapshot of the evolving issues in art over the last 45 years (since the 1967 inception of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program). Works range from figurative to non-objective and showcase the diversity of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. Few other museums provide a similar focus on contemporary visual art with such an eclectic range of form and content.
NMMI Military Institute
McBride Museum showcases the historical heritage of New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) and the Corps of Cadets. Displays concentrate on the history of the New Mexico Military Institute and include the NMMI Hall of Fame, an ever-growing collection of outstanding alumni. The Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of NMMI graduates as they live out the motto: "Duty - Honor - Achievement."
The McBride Museum is located on the second floor of the Enrollment and Development Center.
Admission is free
The night sky is filled with things wild and wonderful like comets, quasars, black holes—. Like the imagination of a child, space is beautiful and boundless.
The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium presents star shows, multi-media presentations, and hands-on activities for children and families that help us understand the changing universe and the impact of space science on our lives.