FTF investigates the other-worldly attractions at Roswell, New Mexico and brings you, our curious reader, closer to encounters with the third kind.

On July 8, 1947, an unidentified object careening through the New Mexico sky chose the quiet town of Roswell as its final destination, a fateful occurrence that would remain a mystery to date.

After a military retraction of a press release stating that a flying saucer had been recovered at its crash site just outside the city, the public’s eye swiveled immediately over to the scene in Roswell. The military, in a harried and clandestine frenzy, announced the object had simply been a stray weather balloon, only to change the story much later in 1997, stating that the UFO had actually been a secret spy satellite.

Whether or not the events that unfolded at Roswell were entirely accurate on both sides, the town had gained its claim to fame and is now one of our favorite off-beat Americana activities to experience in the Southwest.

Alien Attractions

Conspiracy theorists, extraterrestrial skeptics and curious tourists all gather at the International UFO Museum and Research Center to learn about the history of the Roswell incident and those involved in the chaos that ensued following the mysterious object’s impact.

Peruse the yellowing newspapers with sensational titles splashed on the front page and read all about “The Great Cover-Up” and concurrent recorded UFO sightings. Also in the facility is a gift shop for all kinds of alien memorabilia and a small research center, full of resources to start your own E.T. conspiracy theories.  

On nearly every street corner of Roswell, pairs of giant almond-shaped eyes on oblong light posts fix their blank, creepy gaze on the tourists milling about and in early July, these oval-headed creatures can actually been seen in the flesh!

Not really, but the annual UFO Festival attracts alien-costumed visitors from all over the states, sparking Martian madness and featuring guest speakers and appearances from Sci-Fi celebrities. Along with an elaborate and fun UFO Festival Parade, the four-day event also includes alien costume contests, live music, UFO plays and rocketry classes for the kids.

Roswell’s Other Side

If the family is tired of little green men and needs to get away from the space-crazed crowds, head over to the Roswell Museum and Art Center. The museum’s permanent collection is comprised of fine art – mostly beautifully rendered watercolor paintings - and historical materials that chronicle specific areas of cultural change in the Southwest.

A Roswell landmark since its construction in 1910, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Chavez County Historical Museum displays antiques, artifacts and a vast collection of photographs, books and newspaper articles dating from the period between 1912 and 1920. Have fun explaining the purpose of an ice box to the kids.

Several miles east of Roswell lies the Bottomless Lakes State Park, designated as New Mexico's first state park in 1933. The lakes were formed when the area’s underground caverns collapsed, filling with rainwater. While they may not actually be bottomless, the deepest, Lea Lake, reaches down to a depth of 90 feet. Year round activities abound here, including trail hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.

Farther north of the park, the Bitterlake National Wildlife Refuge provides a protective wetland for a large number of species of birds, mammals and reptiles and amphibians. Throw in 70 natural sinkholes of different shapes and sizes and a few of the area’s recreational activities and you’ve got a perfect learning experience for the young ones.

Details, Details

Sure you could hole up in your family RV and attach antennas on your roof while wearing aluminum foil on your heads, but these lodgings will make for a more comfortable stay in the city of spooks.

With its complimentary breakfast area and the hotel’s close proximity to all the downtown action, Roswell Hampton Inn & Suites is the perfect place to sit back, relax and catch some episodes of the X-Files.

Located a few miles from the airport, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott offers such great deals and amenities, you’ll think you’re in the Twilight Zone. And no, not the one with vampires. We’re talking old school here.

Just half a mile south of downtown Roswell, La Quinta Inn & Suites is within at least a mile of the best area attractions. A daily free breakfast and a number of nearby restaurants makes for a near paranoia-less experience.

For more information on the city of Roswell visit Roswell Mysteries, which will most likely be monitored by the government. Just kidding…or are we?