The Ultimate Guide for Things to Do in Roswell, New Mexico

The best things to do in Roswell, NM include the International UFO Museum and Research Center, the Roswell Museum and Art Center, Bottomless Lakes State Park and the free Spring River Park and Zoo. Bottomless Lakes State Park is about 15 miles southeast of town.

Known for its intriguing connection to UFO lore, Roswell, NM, is an exciting place to visit and live with lots to do for residents and travelers alike. From the International UFO Museum and Research Center to the Roswell Museum and Art Center, and from the serene Bottomless Lakes State Park to the lively Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro, Roswell is a hub of cultural and recreational activities.

French Brothers builds new homes across Southern New Mexico and West Texas, and we love exploring the region. Here is our guide to the best of what Roswell has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Roswell is best known for UFO lore, with the International UFO Museum and Research Center, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk and UFO-themed shops and murals downtown
• Spring River Park and Zoo offers free admission
• Bottomless Lakes State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Roswell, with swimming, fishing, hiking and camping
• Roswell also has art and history museums, including the Roswell Museum and Art Center, the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art and the Walker Aviation Museum
• Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro features New Mexico wines and beers and is closed Sundays and Mondays
• Hours and admission change, so check each attraction before you visit

Roswell Attractions at a Glance

Attraction	Best For
International UFO Museum and Research Center	The 1947 Roswell incident and UFO history
Roswell Museum and Art Center	Southwestern art and regional history
Downtown Historic District	Strolling, shopping and UFO-themed murals
Bottomless Lakes State Park	Swimming, fishing, hiking and camping
Spring River Park and Zoo	Free family outings
Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art	Contemporary art
Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro	New Mexico wine, beer and a relaxed meal
Walker Aviation Museum	Aviation and Air Force history
Roswell UFO Spacewalk	A quick, playful blacklight walk-through
Cahoon Park	Sports, picnics and trails

International UFO Museum and Research Center

No visit to Roswell is complete without exploring the International UFO Museum and Research Center at 114 N. Main St. Established in 1991, this museum is dedicated to the infamous 1947 UFO incident that put Roswell on the map. Visitors can explore the event’s history through exhibits, documents and testimonies. The museum also covers other UFO sightings and encounters, making it a fascinating stop for enthusiasts and skeptics.

Roswell Museum and Art Center

The Roswell Museum and Art Center, at 1011 N. Richardson Ave., is a cultural gem that showcases American Southwestern art and regional history. It offers a deep dive into the cultural heritage of the Southwest. Check the museum’s website for current exhibits and programs.

Downtown Historic District

Strolling through downtown Roswell offers a blend of the old and new. This area caters not just to UFO enthusiasts but also to those who appreciate history and culture. UFO-themed murals and shops line Main Street, and antique shops, historic buildings and charming eateries provide a delightful experience for anyone looking to enjoy a leisurely day or evening in Roswell.

Bottomless Lakes State Park

For outdoor enthusiasts, Bottomless Lakes State Park is a must-visit, about 15 miles southeast of Roswell. The park features nine stunningly clear lakes popular for swimming, boating and fishing. The unique geological formations make for great hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Picnic areas and camping facilities are also available, making it a fantastic spot for a family outing.

Spring River Park and Zoo

Spring River Park and Zoo is a family-friendly attraction that offers free admission. The zoo features a variety of native and exotic animals, and the adjacent park has a playground, picnic areas and fishing. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry at 3 p.m. Its antique wooden carousel and miniature train are Roswell favorites, though the city currently lists both as temporarily closed for repairs and improvements, so check before you go.

Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art

Art lovers should stop by the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art at 409 E. College Blvd. The museum showcases more than 500 artworks by participants in the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. City listings show hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. on weekends, so confirm before visiting.

Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro

Established in 2004, Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro is a haven for wine and beer enthusiasts. The winery features New Mexico wines and beers and a menu with New Mexican flavors, and it hosts live music. The restaurant is perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner, so stop by to unwind and enjoy Roswell’s local flavors. It is typically closed Sundays and Mondays.

Walker Aviation Museum

The Walker Aviation Museum, located at the Roswell Air Center, tells the story of Roswell Army Air Field and the former Walker Air Force Base through photographs, firsthand accounts and aircraft. It’s an ideal destination for those interested in military history and aviation. Hours are limited, so call ahead before you go.

Roswell UFO Spacewalk

The Roswell UFO Spacewalk, at 116 E. 2nd St., is a blacklight art adventure with space-themed environments and retro sci-fi art in the lobby. The walk-through is quick, so it pairs well with a stop at the nearby International UFO Museum. It’s a fun way to dive deeper into the UFO lore that defines Roswell.

Cahoon Park

Cahoon Park offers something for everyone. From playgrounds and tennis courts to basketball and sand volleyball areas, it’s an excellent place for sports and recreation. The park also features picnic areas, walking and cycling trails and beautiful sunken gardens, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Discover the Best of Roswell

Roswell, NM, is a town that seamlessly blends history, culture and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the variety of attractions and activities always ensures something exciting to explore.

At French Brothers, we build new homes across Southern New Mexico and West Texas, with communities in Alamogordo, Las Cruces and Lubbock. If you’re thinking about a move in the region, contact our team to talk through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roswell, NM

What are the best things to do in Roswell, NM?

Top picks include the International UFO Museum and Research Center, the Roswell Museum and Art Center, Bottomless Lakes State Park, Spring River Park and Zoo and the Roswell UFO Spacewalk. Downtown Roswell is also worth a stroll for its UFO-themed murals and shops.

Is Spring River Park and Zoo free?

Yes. Zoo admission is free. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry at 3 p.m. The city currently lists the carousel and train as temporarily closed for repairs, so check before you visit.

How far is Bottomless Lakes State Park from Roswell?

Bottomless Lakes State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Roswell, roughly a 20-minute drive. The park has nine lakes for swimming, fishing and boating, plus hiking trails and camping.

Is Roswell good for families?

Yes. Families can visit the free Spring River Park and Zoo, take a quick trip through the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, explore the museums or spend a day at Bottomless Lakes State Park.

Does Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro serve food?

Yes. Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro serves lunch and dinner alongside New Mexico wines and beers. It is typically closed Sundays and Mondays, so check its hours before you go.

Does French Brothers build homes in Roswell?

Not at this time. French Brothers currently builds new homes in Alamogordo, Las Cruces and Lubbock. Contact our team to learn more about our communities.