What are some of the things to do in Roswell, New Mexico? Is the town worth visiting? In case you’ve been off the planet for a century or so, Roswell is a town close to the southeast border of New Mexico where, according to local legend, a space ship crashed in 1947.

Whether you believe that or not, what has happened in the ensuing years is that the town itself has absolutely embraced all things associated with that crash. Further, the lore around it is so strong there have been countless TV shows and movies that featured the legend over the past half a century or so.

Alien ship crash in Roswell

I guess we have to specify the origin of all of this. In 1947 about 50 miles from the actual town of Roswell, residents reported finding metal material in a debris field that they were unfamiliar with. The material was said to be as thin as aluminum foil but completely indestructible.

Then, the Roswell Army Air Field issued a press release stating that they had discovered a “flying disc.” Even though they quickly retracted that statement, the door was opened.

The United States Air Force published a report identifying the crashed object as a nuclear test surveillance ballon from Project Mogul. But the official report is overshadowed by an overwhelming flood of UFO-inspired theories and stories.

Interesting tidbit - did you know that John Denver was born in Roswell? As the son of an Air Force Captain, I wonder how much the 4-year old understood of what was happening.

Alien encounter

The business owners and community of Roswell, in general, buy into the fact that visitors are coming to see alien-related things. The local McDonald’s has absolutely gotten into the spirit of things as the entire front of the restaurant is built to look like a space ship. At night the restaurant glows with red neon to add to the effect.

Further, inside the eatery there is a maze (not for we adults, mind you) and the clown king of the restaurant is atop the obstacle course decked out in a space suit. In some ways, he kind of looks like the aliens in the film Mars Attacks. Ack, ack.

There are aliens everywhere here. You’ll find them at other restaurants, outside of filling stations, just hanging out in front of buildings and more.

One of the things you could do while here is just drive up and down the main drag and count the number of aliens you see. Don’t do it just once, you’ll absolutely have a different count if you do it again.

One of the most amusing things, to me, about the town is that even the local government has embraced the alien appeal of Roswell. The street lights along the main drag have alien-looking eyes painted on them so that they look like tall, thin aliens with light-up heads at night.

Welcome to Roswell

The signs at each end of the town, too, embrace the extra terrestrial nature of why you’re likely here. In fact these signs have made a big enough impression that they actually have their own Yelp rating - a very positive four stars.

The good thing is, the town has enough space around these signs that you can stop and take a photo.

International UFO Museum and Research Center

The International UFO Museum and Research Center might be the reason some visitors come to Roswell. The museum takes the entire space alien situation very, very seriously.

Along the walls are displays and presentations that document the history of the alleged crash, vintage radio and recording equipment and more. The displays are well done with audio and video elements that bring things to life.

The heart of this museum features a life-sized (alien-sized?) presentation with a space ship and several aliens. Periodically this display comes to life with smoke, sound and lights.

There are also several dioramas that are rather realistic depicting the autopsy of the aliens that crashed at Roswell.

Roswell UFO Spacewalk

The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is definitely something worth doing as you walk through this black light adventure. Even the bracelets you get after paying your five bucks are glow in the dark.

Essentially this is a walk-through trip with all sorts of alien-inspired displays including a representation from the movie Mars Attacks. There is a creative combination of photos, art and dioramas here. Certainly worth the money and the humans are nice.

The Spacewalk is the creation of Bryan Ward, whose artwork can be purchased on site.

Alien Zone Area 51

Alien Zone is a gift shop, and so much more. Sure, you can stop up on Area 51-themed souvenirs. There are interactive dioramas where you can pose with aliens in various settings. It’s a fun way to spend some time and have a lifetime of photo memories.

Spaceport Roswell

Spaceport Roswell is a virtual reality experience. Ride along in an alien ship inspecting Earth, or with the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon.

Roswell Museum

The Roswell Museum opened in 1937. There are galleries dedicated to art and history, as well as a planetarium. An artisan holiday marked is hosted in December. On the Second Saturday, free family activities and a special planetarium screening are featured.

The Great Outdoors

Just outside of Roswell is Bottomless Lakes State Park. The park features opportunities for non-motorized boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and outdoor education. Trails are available to hikers and mountain bikers.

Campsites at Bottomless Lakes State Park range from $8 (primitive) to $18 per night (those have full hookups!) and many can be reserved online using this link.

Worth the visit

Whether you are interested in taking a photo with an alien, learning about New Mexico history, or kayaking to get away from it all, Roswell New Mexico has what you are looking for.