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. The most famous UFO event may have happened in 1947 but the mystery lives on in Roswell. 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. Short of going to Roswell’s annual UFO Festival in the summer, the only way to fully experience Roswell, New Mexico, is to go all out - far, far out.
The Roswell Incident: A Closer Look
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 balloon from Project Mogul. But the official report is overshadowed by an overwhelming flood of UFO-inspired theories and stories.
When cowboy W.W. “Mack” Brazel and foreman of the Foster Ranch near Corona, 75 miles (120 km) north of Roswell, rode out to check on his sheep the morning after a particularly violent thunderstorm in early July 1947, he and his young neighbor Dee Proctor found a wide swath of strange debris spread across the prairie. Brazel collected several pieces of wood, metal, and foil that he later showed the parents of his young friend. On Sunday July 6, Brazel drove into Roswell bringing his story and some of the debris to Sheriff George Wilcox in his office next to the jail at the back of the Chaves County Courthouse.
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The recovered debris was gathered by the military from the Roswell Army Air Field under the direction of base intelligence officer Major Jesse Marcel. On July 8, 1947, public information officer Lt. Walter Haut issued a press release under orders from base commander Col. William Blanchard, which said basically that we have in our possession a flying saucer. The next day another press release was issued, this time from Gen. Roger Ramey, stating it was a weather balloon.
Once it became public, the event known as The Roswell Incident - the crash of an alleged flying saucer, the recovery of debris and bodies and the ensuing cover up by the military - was of such magnitude and so shrouded in mystery that, over 70 years later, there are still more questions than answers. Books have been written and TV documentaries have been filmed. Witnesses have come forward. Skeptics have issued rebuttals to the Incident, and the debate continues.
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.
The answer is, 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 who had been at Roswell Army Air Field in 1947. That officer was Lt. Walter Haut. Friedman’s investigation also led to many others, both military and private, 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.
Despite all the heavy research and testimonials, Roswell doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is quite refreshing.
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The Roswell UFO Conclusion: Lies, Conspiracies and Confessions
Must-Visit Attractions in Roswell
International UFO Museum and Research Center
Prior to the opening of the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico in 1992, the city did not really show any signs of being home to the famous "incident." The International UFO Museum & Research Center, located at 114 N. Main Street, is a nonprofit corporation founded in the fall of 1991 by Walter Haut, Glenn Dennis and Max Littell. After being sought after by various UFO researchers, Lt. Walter Haut (who worked for the military in Roswell in 1947) had the idea of building the museum as an educational center for the public. Little did he know, hundreds of thousands of people from around the world were waiting for this paranormal mecca. The museum opened to visitors in the fall of 1992.
The educational enterprise does not try to convince its visitors, but rather urges them to ask questions and do research in their research center. The museum features tons of information regarding the "Roswell Incident" as well as alleged crop circles and abductions. The UFO museum was organized to inform the public about what has come to be known as “The Roswell Incident” as well as all other aspects of the UFO phenomena. People from all around the world travel to Roswell to what the UFO Museum has to offer. some of the exhibits include information on the Roswell Incident, crop circles, UFO sightings, ancient astronauts and extraterrestrial abductions.
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.
The UFO Museum’s Research Center Library houses more than 7,000 books and over 30,000 magazines, periodicals, pamphlets and more than 1,500 DVDs related to the UFO phenomena.
Spaceport Roswell
Spaceport Roswell is a virtual experience that takes you through space and time. Experience Roswell in 1947, Apollo 11 and many more intergalactic adventures! Service here is unmatched by the attendants at every flight. Once there, we adjusted our VR goggles and went on a wild, dizzying ride through the 1947 alien crash in our swiveling chairs. The adventure takes you face to face, body to body with aliens before their ship crashes and lands in the hands of probing military officials.
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This experience is truly a must-see, even if you don’t choose the alien adventure: Spaceport Roswell also offers Apollo 11 and other intergalactic adventures. Visitors can also purchase tickets to BrickTown, which features alien, pirate, moon landing, railroad, town and wonders of the world built from more than 250,000 toy bricks. 121 E.
Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery
The Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery is a blacklight art adventure you’ll never forget. Once you’ve completed the spacewalk, check out original, retro sci-fi art by Bryan Ward, creator of the Spacewalk plus unique vintage style toys and souvenirs. An out-of-this-world family-friendly experience that will transport you to another planet!116 E. Pets are allowed, and you can go through as many times as you want and take as many photos as you desire.
Robert H. Goddard Planetarium
Robert H. The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium is home to a state-of-the-art, full-dome digital theater system with Digistar 6 programming. This immersive experience brings the captivating story of our cosmic origins to life like never before. We capped our day with a relaxing visit to the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium’s full-dome digital theater; it’s a bargain at $5 (seniors, kids and military get a discount) for an approximately 45-minute film on various subjects. Each show includes a full-dome film accompanied by a star presentation. 1011 N.
Area 52 Tactical Laser Tag
Unlike any laser tag you have played before! Area 52 Tactical Laser Tag features state-of-the-art laser tag facilities and cutting-edge game play. Clocking in at 15,000 sq. ft., the indoor and outdoor arena is comprised of an outdoor combat zone as well as 3 buildings to attack and defend.1008 W.
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.
Other Activities and Experiences
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.
- Roswell Visitor Center: The first stop to make on your Roswell adventure is The Roswell Visitor Center and Store, where your campy photos begin (or, maybe you just want to pick up a cool pair of alien glasses - the visitor center is your cheapest bet). The Roswell Visitor Center is the best place for city information and shopping the iconic Roswell brand. Stop by for friendly faces, trip advice and treats for your pets. Before leaving make sure to take a FREE souvenir photo with the Visitors Center aliens.
- Shopping: Souvenirs or it didn’t happen! Roswell’s famous gift shops and boutiques are locally owned which means they curate and even produce some of their own merchandise in-house. Along the historic downtown strip, you’ll pass plenty of creatively decorated and painted storefront windows; if you’re a shutterbug like me, they’re all worth a snapshot. The alien-themed stores are fun, too; beyond the funny T-shirts and mugs, you’ll find everything from alien water-squirt guns to baby Yoda cookie jars and alien-themed dog leashes.
- Dog-Friendly Town: Speaking of dogs, Roswell is an exceptionally dog-friendly town.
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.
Annual Roswell UFO Festival
Since 1996, the Roswell UFO Festival has drawn thousands of visitors to the UFO Museum and to Roswell. The UFO Museum hosts lectures from leading UFO researchers while the City of Roswell and MainStreet Roswell bring together numerous vendors with food, memorabilia, music and live entertainment. Other activities include alien costume contests for humans and pets, an evening light parade, carnival rides and Fourth of July fireworks.
Plan Your 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.
I found the people in Roswell to be very friendly and welcoming; at no time did I feel “out of place’ in costume. In fact, passersby and store owners seemed entertained.
Essential Information for Visitors
| Attraction | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
| International UFO Museum and Research Center | 114 N. Main Street | Exhibits on the Roswell Incident, crop circles, UFO sightings, and more. |
| Spaceport Roswell | 121 E. | Virtual reality experiences of space and time. |
| Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery | 116 E. | Blacklight art adventure with retro sci-fi art and souvenirs. |
| Robert H. Goddard Planetarium | 1011 N. | Full-dome digital theater with films and star presentations. |
| Area 52 Tactical Laser Tag | 1008 W. | State-of-the-art laser tag facilities with indoor and outdoor arenas. |