Roswell, NM

This was day 6 of our Southwest Road-Trip and we are on our way to Santa Fe via U.S. Highway 285. Since Roswell was only 77 miles north of Carlsbad - and - since aliens are known to have landed here in 1947 (controversial we know, but who knows for certain?) we decided we would stop here and explore the International UFO Museum before continuing the drive north.

Roswell, New Mexico, is a small town with a population of 47,390 as of 2022. While modest in size, its fame far outweighs its footprint, thanks to its association with UFO lore and science fiction culture. Located in a sparsely populated area of New Mexico, Roswell was a must-visit for us as avid science fiction fans. The town’s International UFO Museum and Research Center provided a fascinating and entertaining experience. The exhibits, videos, and presentations offered insight into the history and theories surrounding the infamous 1947 Roswell Incident, captivating both skeptics and believers alike. We spent about an hour and a half immersing ourselves in the museum’s exhibits, browsing the research center, and exploring the quirky gift shop filled with extraterrestrial-themed memorabilia.

The International UFO Museum is easy to find, as U.S. 285 proceeds right through the middle of Roswell and Main Street (where the museum resides) is one and the same as U.S. 285. It is located on the west side of the street with an adjacent parking lot, so it is very easy to get to for your visit.

The Museum is a haven for extraterrestrial enthusiasts and it digs deep into the famed 1947 Roswell Incident, showcasing artifacts and information that will leave you pondering. We explored exhibits about global UFO sightings (including the famous U.S. Navy videos), alien abductions, and even the possibility of ancient astronauts. Their extensive research library (separate but adjacent to the museum), brimming with thousands of documents and videos, is a treasure trove for curious minds.

Step inside and you are greeted by a prominent display dedicated to the 1947 Roswell Incident. Newspaper clippings, recovered debris replicas, and witness testimonies paint a vivid picture of this groundbreaking event. Whether a believer or a skeptic, the exhibit ignites curiosity and invites you to delve deeper.

Visitors to the International UFO Museum can explore a wide range of exhibits, including:

With its quirky and immersive atmosphere, the museum is a must-visit for UFO believers, skeptics, sci-fi fans, and history buffs alike. Plus, Roswell’s alien-themed shops, street art, and annual UFO Festival make for an unforgettable experience!

After we completed our International UFO Museum visit, we continued our journey north toward Santa Fe, 191 miles to the north. U.S. Highway 285 cuts through vast, open landscapes with little in the way of amenities, so it’s essential to fill up your gas tank before leaving Roswell. While there’s a gas station in Vaughn, NM, the route is otherwise characterized by its stunningly wide-open expanse and a sense of solitude, offering a peaceful drive through the heart of New Mexico’s desert scenery.

In the trip menu list below, a "dark filled circle" represents a destination where we stayed, and the "dark filled arrow" items below that circle location, represent the destinations we visited while in that city or location. A circle icon that is not filled represents a city that we visited or stayed in, but did not necessarily explore.

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 Trip Overview Page

 Albuquerque, NM

• Sandia Peak Tramway
• Petroglyph National Monument
• Old-Town Albuquerque
• National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

 Alamogordo, NM

• McGinn's PistachioLand Farm
• White Sands National Park

 Carlsbad, NM

• Tunnel Vista Observation Site
• Trestle Depot Recreation Area
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

 Roswell, NM

• International UFO Museum

 Santa Fe, NM

• Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, NM
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, NM
• Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, NM
• Bradbury Science Museum - Los Alamos, NM
• Los Alamos, NM
• Bandelier National Monument, NM
• Nambé Falls, NM
• Meow Wolf, NM

 Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM

 Bisti Badlands, NM

 Monument Valley

 Grand Canyon, AZ

• Planning Your Grand Canyon Visit
• Grand Canyon South Rim Top Sites and Itineraries
• Grand Canyon El Tovar Hotel

 Sedona, AZ