24+ Best & Fun Things To Do In Roswell, NM | 2024
Want to make your trip to Roswell, New Mexico, more fun? Here are some ideas for things you can do. Don’t look any further! This is the right place for you because we’re going to talk about the 27 best and most fun things to do in Roswell, NM. Have a great trip!
Roswell is a strange and beautiful city in the middle of New Mexico that is famous for the 1947 UFO sighting. But Roswell is known for more than just UFOs and aliens. It has a lot of history, sights, and things to do.
This popular vacation spot is very safe and has many fun things to do and must-see attractions to make sure you enjoy your trip. You should also know when the best time is to go to Roswell, New Mexico so that you can get the most out of your trip.
24+ Fun and Awesome Things To Do In Roswell, New Mexico (2024)
1. International UFO Museum And Research Center
You should put the International UFO Museum and Research Center at the top of your list of things to do in Roswell. This museum, which is on a downtown street, is mostly about the Roswell Crash of 1974 and other claimed UFO events that happened in the US and other places.
This museum has been around since 1991 and has a large library as well as displays with reports, photos, and other proof of UFO sightings. It also has life-size alien models and interactive displays that are sure to keep people of all ages interested.
As one of the free things to do in Roswell, New Mexico, you can watch the UFO exhibits and learn about them on your own. Check out the gift shop for unique UFO and alien mementos before you leave.
114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203, USA
2. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
For nature lovers, one fun thing to do in Roswell is to go to Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is also one of the city’s top tourist spots.
This National Wildlife Refuge, which opened in 1937, is the most biologically important wetland area in the Pecos River valley. Unique rock shapes on this 24,563-acre refuge provide homes for many species, such as dragonflies, damselflies, birds like the sandhill crane and snow goose, and many types of plants.
The refuge is a great place to take pictures of wildlife because it has marked paths and viewing platforms. People can also do fun things like hunting, biking, hiking, horseback rides, watching birds, and observing wildlife.
4200 E Pine Lodge Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
3. Roswell Museum And Art Center
There are more things to see in Roswell than just UFOs. The Roswell Museum and Art Center is a big draw. When it opened in 1936, the museum was meant to teach, inspire, find, and promote cultural understanding.
The museum has the Robert H. Goddard laboratory and a huge collection of Southwest art and historical items. It shows off Roswell’s art spirit because it puts a focus on local artists.
The Robbert H. Goddard Planetarium, 12 rooms, and the Patricia Lubben Basset Art Education Center are all in this 50,000-square-foot museum. There are two classrooms, a ceramics studio, and a study library in the building. All of these add to the arts scene in Roswell.
One of the interesting things to do in Roswell is to take a self-guided walk of the museum and look at a huge collection of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. You can also go to the planetarium or take interesting lessons at the museum.
1011 N Richardson Ave, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
4. Bottomless Lakes State Park
The Bottomless Lakes State Park is one of the best places to visit in Roswell. It is about 15 miles southeast of the city. The part was created in 1933 and is near Roswell along the Pecos River.
The park is a great place to cool off by the water for swimming, picnics, fishing, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing.
The hollow lakes in this park are very different. They are between 17 and 90 feet deep. The view is stunning, with the blue-green water and red cliffs in the background. There are also bike and hiking trails in the park that go around beautiful red rocks. The Lea Lake Campground has a lot of RV spots, both with campsites and spots with water and electricity hookups.
545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
5. Anderson Museum Of Contemporary Art
One of the best places for art lovers to go in Roswell, NM, is the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum has been around since 1994 and shows art made by local artists through the Roswell-Artist-in-Residence program.
The museum has more than 500 works of art by Roswell Artist-in-Residence program participants from the past and present. The museum has 12 halls and 22,000 square feet of space for shows.
The museum has a one-of-a-kind collection of sculptures, paintings, prints, photos, and drawings. Modern and more classic works are displayed here in a way that doesn’t stand out.
409 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
6. Spring River Zoo And Park
Check out Spring River Zoo and Park in Roswell. It’s a fun thing for the whole family. The Spring River Zook is spread out over 34 acres and has both local and exotic animals that you can enjoy.
There is a carousel and train rides at Spring River Zoo and Park, as well as the Captain Trail, Mountain Habitats, Around the World, and Ranch Heritage Exhibits.
During your visit, you can see prairie doges in their natural habitats, watch proud peacocks strut their stuff, or go to the ranch part to see animals that would be found on a Southwest ranch. You can also let your kids ride on the cute old wooden horse carousel.
1306 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
7. Historical Society For Southeast New Mexico
The Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico is one of the best places to visit in Roswell. This museum, which opened in 1912, has a collection of well-preserved and explained historical artifacts that teach tourists about how the area has changed over time.
Pictures, old things, rare historical books, important texts, maps, newspapers, and audio tapes that tell the story of Chaves County’s past are all lying around the house.
Planning a tour of the house is one of the interesting things to do in Roswell, NM. You can learn about the past of the city and the surrounding area.
200 N. Lea Ave., Roswell, NM 88201, USA
8. Galaxy 8 – Allen Theater
At the Galaxy 8 – Allen Theater in Roswell, you can watch a movie tonight. For fun things to do. In the middle of Roswell, in the Galaxy 8 Movie Theatre, you can find a mix of new movies and movies with a Roswell feel.
The theater’s unique design gives it a deep sense of room that makes you feel like you’re watching movies outside in the open air. The theater has a modern sound system and comfy seats, which make it a great spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
To see your favorite movie, check the schedule. Also, don’t miss their themed nights and special events, which often honor Roswell’s history with aliens.
4501 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
9. Roswell UFO Spacewalk
The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is something that you have to do on your trip to Roswell. This interactive art exhibit and amusement center opened in 2006 and takes visitors on a trip that goes beyond the usual art experience.
The Roswell Spacewalk takes you into a strange world lit up by neon lights and bright glow-in-the-dark paintings. It’s often both fun and educational.
Inspired by the mysteries of the world and Roswell’s UFO history, each piece of art is a pleasure to look at, touch, and hear. The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is more than just a gallery; it’s a walk-through space.
To do something different with family or friends in Roswell, New Mexico, check out the Roswell UFO Spacewalk. Bring your camera with you and take pictures of the glowing beauty.
116 E 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
10. Roswell Symphony Orchestra
Going to see the Roswell Symphony Orchestra play at night is one of the most interesting things to do in Roswell. Since its start in 1959 in the basement of the First Methodist Church, the orchestra has grown to become the place where people go to hear professional music.
These days, the Roswell Symphony Orchestra plays several shows at Pearson Auditorium each season. They put on a wide range of concerts every year, from traditional masterpieces to new works.
The same conductor has been in charge of the music for fifty years. As you travel through Roswell, plan to go to one of their shows, which are often themed.
1717 W 2nd St #205, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
11. J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary And Nature Center
One free thing to do in Roswell with family and friends is to check out the J. The Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center at Kenneth Smith.
This refuge was created in 2005 and is home to many resident and migratory bird species. While you’re there in the spring and summer, you might see Blue Jays, Mockingbirds, and Owls. Ducks, geese, and green-winged teals can be seen in the fall and winter.
The center also has bike and hiking paths, park seats, picnic areas, and a pond with ducks and other birds that come and go during the winter. You can walk along the well-marked tracks during your visit and maybe see a colorful oriole, a majestic hawk, or the elusive roadrunner.
The center is a peaceful spot for people who want to connect with nature. It has viewing decks and quiet areas.
401 N Sycamore Ave, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
12. MainStreet Roswell Farmers Market
The Main Street Roswell Farmers Market is a great place to find something different to do this weekend in Roswell, NM.
The farmers market is the best place to get fresh, locally-grown food. It’s open every Saturday from July to the middle of October.
The farmers market is on the lawn of the Courthouse on Main Street. It has many vendors selling a wide range of fruits, veggies, herbs, and handmade goods. Make-your-own soaps, candles, jewelry, and fabrics are just some of the unique and high-quality items you can find in this market.
Meet people from the area, watch live acts, and maybe try a tasty treat with green chili in it.
400 North Main Street, Roswell, NM 88201
13. Walker Aviation Museum
It is one of the best places to visit in Roswell, New Mexico, and it is located at the Roswell International Air Center. The museum tells about the past of Walker Air Force Base.
The museum shows how important the base was during both World Wars II and the Cold War. Several aviation-related artifacts are also on show at the Walker Aviation Museum. There are photos, souvenirs, weapons, timelines, war artifacts, and more on show.
Visit this museum to learn about how military flight has changed over time and the brave people who flew them.
The address is 1 Jerry Smith Cir Suite 7 Roswell, NM 88203 USA.
14. Pecos Flavors Winery + Bistro
New Mexico has a long history of making wine, and you should try some of what Roswell has to offer while you’re there.
When it first opened in 2004, Pecos Flavors Winery + Bistro was in two different vineyards in the area. This winery is a great place to relax in the evening because it has a carefully chosen range of local wines and craft beers.
Join their tastings, which are often joined by live music, and enjoy a glass of Roswell’s best wine as the sun goes down. You can also go to the Bistro, which serves lunch and dinner with meals like pizzas, cheese plates, and fresh fish.
412 W 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
15. Miniatures And Curious Collections Museum
The Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum is a great place to take kids in Roswell. The museum has a lovely collection of old and antique dollhouses, furniture, themed scenes, and a touch-screen video with movies about miniatures.
You’ll be able to see a huge collection of miniatures, such as full houses, room boxes, antique and old doll houses and furniture, themed vignettes, modern miniatures, season miniatures, and a touch-screen video with videos about miniatures.
You also get to see the museum’s strange collections, like cool stones, penny collections, monopoly money art, and collections of novelty banks.
320 N. Richardson Ave., Roswell, NM 88201, USA
16. Cahoon Park
Looking for fun things to do outside in Roswell? Then, go to Roswell’s biggest park, Cahoon Park, which is on the Spring River. Having fun with your family is easy at this park.
There are playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and sand volleyball courts in the park. There are also picnic areas, walking/biking trails, and sunken gardens where you can rest. There is also a peaceful pond in the park where ducks and geese live.
You can cool off with your family and friends at this park and do a lot of different sports.
1101 W 4th St, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
17. Mescalero Sand Dunes
The Mescalero Sand Dunes are a great place to go in Roswell if you want to do something different. The Mescalero Sands mounds are one of the best places to visit in Roswell. They cover more than 610 acres and have 90-foot or higher sand mounds that can be toured.
The dune field takes up most of the area and is good for all-terrain bikes, sand trains, and dune buggies. ATV riders love zipping through the soft sand on the 90-foot-tall hills that make up the dunes, which are made up of quartz particles.
You can get to the northern part of the dunes from the Bowl Parking Area, and you can get to the southern part of the dunes from the Cottonwood Site. There are three buildings at the Cotton Site, each with a bathroom, picnic tables, and grills.
Roswell, New Mexico 88203, USA
18. Roswell Recreation & Aquatic Center
Are you looking for fun things to do in Roswell with your family that don’t have to do with UFOs and aliens? After that, go to Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center. There are lots of fun water things going on at this facility.
The state-of-the-art building has a basketball court, an indoor lap pool (4,650 square feet) with eight 25-yard lanes for swimming lessons, water exercise, and a climbing wall above the water, and an outdoor pool (5,000 square feet) with a kid’s area that has a small slide and spray features. There is also a swimming pool and a two-story slide at the building.
During your stay, you can do several water activities at the facility. You can also go to the fitness room and take one of the many fitness lessons that are there.
1402 W College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
19. Spaceport Roswell
In Roswell, New Mexico, Spaceport Roswell is a great place to have fun. You can go on a trip around the world, into space, and even through time with this amazing leisure center.
TimeShift Transporter Technology at Spaceport Roswell can take you to places like Mars, events like the Apollo 11 journey to the moon, or the site of the 1947 UFO crash. This is the only way to get to the crash spot where it happened: Spaceport.
Each flight is led by a trained “flight attendant.” For your safety in the virtual reality pods, make sure you pay attention to the flight instructions.
121 E 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
20. Roswell Visitors Center
Visit the Roswell Visitors Center to learn about the best places to see in Roswell. It is one of the must-see places in this city. This center welcomes tourists and keeps visitors up to date on Roswell’s local and state sites and events.
Do not know where to go in Roswell when you arrive for the first time? Stop by the Roswell Visitors Center for some advice. You’ll find helpful people there who are always ready to tell you about the best places to eat, visit, and things to do in Roswell.
Another way to get things with the City of Roswell logo is to go to the official city department store.
426 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
21. Downtown Historic District
Going around the Downtown Historic District is one of the many free things to do in Roswell, USA. Roswell’s architectural grandeur can be felt in this 145-acre historic area, which is lined with restaurants, hotels, shops, and popular tourist spots.
The district has 433 homes in 38 city blocks. The homes are in the Spanish Revival, Italianate, and Colonial Revival styles. It includes four residential neighborhoods that were built between 1887 and 1899. This is part of the city’s long history of beautiful architecture.
As you walk, look for signs that explain the historical importance of different buildings.
Roswell, New Mexico, USA
22. The Roswell UFO Tours
There are many things to do in Roswell that have to do with UFOs, but the Roswell UFO Tours is one of the most interesting.
The walk is an interesting and educational way to get to the heart of the 1947 UFO Crash site. The tour, which is led by famous UFO researcher Dennis Balthaser, goes to important places connected to the 1947 event and tells a mix of facts, stories, and local legends.
You’ll look for UFOs in the open sky, visit a dry lake bed, get close to a top-secret government building, and do a lot more during the tour. This tour gives you a deep look into the event that made Roswell famous around the world.
Roswell, New Mexico, USA
23. Enchanted Lands Park
Want to find fun, unique things to do with your family in Roswell, NM? You should then go to Enchanted Lands Park. This park is carefully planned and covers 16.1 acres. It has themed areas that bring to mind different times and countries.
The Enchanted Lands Park has many features, such as a soccer field, a basketball court, a bike trail, an 18-hole disc golf course, a pavilion, picnic places with grills, a playground, a walking path, and a water fountain. It was opened in 1984.
Take your kids to this park and let them play in the ancient castle area while you enjoy nature. At the parking lot, you could also see a show or event that is already going on.
306 N Sycamore Ave, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
24. Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell
In Roswell, New Mexico, you can check out the Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell for free. The campus is mostly used for education, but it’s worth a visit for its beautiful buildings, peaceful green areas, and sometimes public events.
The university has a lot of cultural events, seminars, and workshops that people from outside the university can attend all year long. You can also go to the planetarium on campus. It focuses on space and science and often has public shows and viewings.
52 University Blvd, Roswell, NM 88203, USA
25. Cielo Grande Recreation Area
The Cielo Grande Recreation Area is one of the best places to hike and play outside in Roswell. This 151-acre regional park is a popular place for people who love the outdoors.
There are paved walking and biking paths that link the soccer complex, special event area, large group picnic areas, multi-sport practice areas, playground, and skate park in the recreation area.
At the park, you can do many things, such as flying a kite, running, or just lying out in the sun. At the Cielo Grande Recreation Area, you could also take part in or watch neighborhood festivals and sports events.
1612 W College, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
26. The General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum
If you are interested in history, the General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum is one of the best places to visit in Roswell. It has been open to the public since 1985 and shows the wartime history of the Corps of Cadets and the southeastern New Mexico Wartime Institute.
The museum shows things from many different wars, like uniforms, objects, and bravery stories. The museum also talks about the Walker Air Force Base’s role during its time in use.
As one of the things to do in Roswell, you should plan a tour of this amazing museum to learn about the city’s military past.
Our address is 101 W College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA.
27. Nancy Lopez Golf Course
This weekend, one fun thing to do outside in Roswell is to put your skills to the test at the Nancy Lopez Golf Course. The Nancy Lopez Golf Course is 144 acres and is built around the watershed of the Spring River. It is a good test for both experienced and new golfers.
People in the state think that the 18-hole, 6,623-yard par 71 golf course is one of the best in the state. The well-kept greens, calm water features, and strategically placed sand traps make for a fun game for those of all skill levels.
The club has more than just golf. It also has a great pro shop and a lovely food bar.
1612 W. 8th St., Roswell, New Mexico 88201, USA
Make plans to visit Roswell, New Mexico.
Roswell, New Mexico is more than just its memories of UFOs and aliens. It is a place full of history, culture, and natural beauty that can be enjoyed by people with a wide range of interests.
There is something for everyone in Roswell, whether you’re interested in history, art, or just relaxing in nature. We hope that this guide gives you a good place to start learning about this exciting city.