If you are visiting Roswell NM, you are probably interested in the alien lore and alien history that has made Roswell famous. I know I was. Lucky for you, you won’t be able to escape from the aliens in Roswell. Alien signs are all over town, and it seems almost every business has joined in on the fun. Here’s what you should do while visiting Roswell, New Mexico for a day.
About Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico has had many reported UFO sightings over the years, the most famous being the one in 1947.
The city seems to embrace its legacy as there are alien figures all over town.
Many people come to Roswell seeking answers to the age-old question, “Is there any other life in the universe?” while others come just for some good old alien fun.
We stopped in Roswell, New Mexico on a road trip through the state and spent the night in this infamous town.
Alien-Themed Things to Do in Roswell NM
What is there to do in Roswell? Well, lots! If you like alien lore, you’ll love Roswell.
Here are some ideas of what to do in Roswell that are alien themed.
1. Visit the UFO McDonald’s
Your first order of business is to stop at the Roswell UFO McDonald’s.
I can’t even tell you the last time I actually ate McDonald’s, but this UFO-shaped restaurant is such a cool novelty, we had to stop in.
The address is: 720 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201.
2. Take Pictures with Alien Figures around Town
The first alien sign you’ll see is the “Welcome to Roswell” sign on the drive into town. Slow down or you’ll pass it like we did.
Once you’re in town, you’ll see many other alien-themed signs.
All the local shops and restaurants have gotten into the alien spirit — from Dunkin’ to Arby’s.
We walked around taking pictures of the signs and had a fun little photo shoot.
3. Shop for Some Alien Souvenirs
Not far from the UFO McDonald’s is an Alien Invasion souvenir shop. We walked over and stopped in to look around. There are cute alien cardboard cutouts outside the shop, so you won’t miss it.
Grab a cute alien shirt or key chain to let everyone know you visited Roswell and made it out alive.
4. Visit a Fun Alien-Themed Museum
There are a few alien-themed museums in town.
- Alien Zone (Not so much a museum as it is various alien sets and props as well as a gift shop. But it looks fun!)
- International UFO Museum and Research Center
- Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery
- Spaceport Roswell (Virtual Reality Experience)
We wanted to visit one or more of these museums but we arrived in town too late and they had already closed.
Check each museum’s website for information regarding hours and costs.
Where to Stay in Roswell NM
I’d definitely recommend staying the night in Roswell — there really isn’t any other town for miles and miles.
We passed through some very small towns on our way from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and they all looked pretty dead. Roswell, on the other hand, is a lot more lively and has more amenities.
Is it safe to stay in Roswell at night?
It felt safe even with the thought of alien invasions looming over you. And we managed to survive the night in Roswell without being abducted. What more can you ask for?
Where we stayed in Roswell
It’s mostly chain hotels in Roswell, and we stayed in one as well — the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
It seemed newly renovated and was very clean. Plus a free buffet breakfast was offered in the morning, and you can’t beat that.
Map of Things to Do in Roswell, New Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Roswell NM
Have aliens really visited Roswell NM?
Roswell’s most famous UFO incident occurred in 1947, and there have many conflicting stories and answers as to what really happened that night.
First thing to keep in mind is Roswell’s location. Roswell is located about 120 miles from the Holloman Air Force Base, which was established in 1942.
Here is what we now know about the 1947 UFO sighting in Roswell:
A rancher found wreckage on his property about 75 miles from Roswell. Some people swore they saw alien bodies.
At first the government said it was a weather balloon, but years later, they changed their story and admitted it was a spy device with test dummies inside.
Was it all a government coverup? Or an intentional distraction?
Two hours away from Roswell, the first atomic bomb would be detonated.
And yet Roswell remains famous for its aliens rather than the atomic bomb that was developed nearby and would cost thousands of people their lives. Coincidence?
Some alien enthusiasts believe that perhaps aliens really did visit Roswell during 1947 to surveillance the atomic bomb testing. Perhaps they’re interested in these weapons of mass destruction, whether they like them or not.
I don’t think incidents like these will be explained away easily, especially when the government is not so forthcoming.
*Information regarding the 1947 UFO incident paraphrased from History.com.
How much time should you spend in Roswell, New Mexico?
One day is plenty of time to see and experience the alien lore in Roswell, New Mexico. Be sure to stay the night if you’re brave enough to risk an alien abduction.
When to visit Roswell, New Mexico?
I would avoid Roswell in the summer because of the extreme temperatures. Your best bet is to visit in late fall to early spring for milder temps. Roswell, New Mexico is a desert climate, and the heat can be unbearable.
However, it can snow in Roswell. It gets about 9 inches of snow and 15 inches of rain each year, on average.
Is Roswell scary at night?
I don’t think there’s anything about Roswell that would make it scary. It’s a normal town — aside from all of the alien signage. If someone does think it’s scary, it’s probably just their own imagination making it seem scarier than it really is.
When I spent the night in Roswell, I thought of aliens constantly, scaring myself. However, there really is nothing to be scared about.
Are there more UFO sightings in New Mexico than any other state?
UFOs have been sighted in every single U.S. state. New Mexico doesn’t have the most sightings. However, it’s in the top 10 of sightings per 100,000 people.
See more data about UFO sightings per state and per country at the National UFO Reporting Center.
Do you believe aliens have visited Roswell NM?
My mind is open to the possibility of extraterrestrial life and UFOs. Stranger things have happened.
What do you believe?
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