Roswell, New Mexico, is a small city in the southeastern corner of the state that gained global recognition following the July 1947 incident in which a high-altitude object crashed in the desert northwest of town. Whatever the interpretation, Roswell has developed a well-organized tourist district along North Main Street with multiple museums, UFO-themed shops, galleries, and restaurants. The city lies 200 miles from Albuquerque — approximately three hours via I-40 east to US-285 south, or via US-285 south directly. Greyhound Bus Service also operates between Albuquerque and Roswell with schedules at greyhound.com and fares of approximately $25–45 one way.
The International UFO Museum and Research Center at 114 N. Main Street is the primary attraction, with exhibits on the 1947 crash, recovered debris, government documentation, and popular culture artifacts. Admission is $6 per adult. The museum is informal and somewhat kitsch in presentation, but genuinely engaging for visitors interested in American UFO culture and Cold War history. One block away, the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art is a free private gallery with a surprisingly strong collection of contemporary paintings and sculpture. The Roswell Museum and Art Center (free admission), a few blocks further north, is perhaps the most underrated stop — its Robert Goddard collection documents the liquid-fuel rocket experiments Goddard conducted outside Roswell in the 1930s, making this city an authentic site of aerospace history as well as alien mythology.
A recommended day arc arrives in Roswell by late morning after the three-hour drive. Spend 1.5 hours at the UFO Museum, walk North Main Street for lunch — Alien Zone Cafe and Big D's Downtown Dive are popular nearby options — then visit the Roswell Museum and Art Center in the early afternoon. If time and energy permit, Bottomless Lakes State Park (12 miles east on US-380) adds spring-fed lakes, swimming, and short desert trails, extending the visit by two to three hours.
The Roswell UFO Festival in late June and early July draws tens of thousands of visitors with live music, a costume parade, and themed events across the city. Accommodations in Roswell are scarce during Festival week; overnight visitors should book months in advance.
How to get there
- Drive I-40 east to US-285 south (via Vaughn)
- Drive US-285 south directly from Albuquerque
Location
114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201 (UFO Museum)
33.3943, -104.5231 View on map
Highlights
- International UFO Museum and Research Center — the cultural heart of Roswell's alien-themed tourism district ($6 admission)
- Roswell Museum and Art Center with the Robert Goddard rocket collection documenting 1930s liquid-fuel rocket experiments near Roswell
- Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, a free private gallery with an unexpectedly strong regional and national collection
- North Main Street alien-themed shops, public art installations, and multiple casual dining options
- Bottomless Lakes State Park (12 miles east), offering spring-fed swimming lakes and desert hiking trails
Tips for visiting
- The UFO Museum opens at 9 a.m.; arriving early on summer days avoids mid-morning tour-bus groups
- The Roswell Museum and Art Center is free and often skipped — the Goddard Rocket Display alone justifies 30 minutes
- The UFO Festival in late June/early July requires hotel booking months ahead; day-trip visitors should arrive and depart early to avoid severe traffic
- Bottomless Lakes State Park is a worthwhile add-on for families or visitors wanting outdoor recreation beyond the North Main Street district
- Greyhound operates service between Albuquerque and Roswell (greyhound.com, ~$25–45 one way) for visitors without access to a car
When to visit
Year-round visitation is feasible; the UFO Festival in late June and early July brings the largest crowds and most events. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for combining the museum district with outdoor time at Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Accessibility
The International UFO Museum and the Roswell Museum and Art Center are both fully accessible to wheelchair users with ramp access and level floors. North Main Street sidewalks are flat and well-maintained. Bottomless Lakes State Park has accessible restrooms and a paved viewpoint path to the main lake.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Roswell from Albuquerque and how long does the drive take?
Roswell is approximately 200 miles from Albuquerque, with the fastest route via US-285 south taking about three hours. The I-40 east to US-285 south route through Vaughn is an alternative that joins the same US-285 corridor into Roswell.
What is the admission fee for the UFO Museum?
Admission to the International UFO Museum and Research Center is $6 per adult, with reduced rates for children and seniors. The museum is open daily and typically operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours during the UFO Festival in July.
Is Roswell worth visiting outside of the UFO Festival?
Yes. The North Main Street museum district, the Roswell Museum and Art Center, and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art offer a genuinely interesting half-day. Bottomless Lakes State Park provides outdoor recreation suitable for families. The Festival simply adds the largest crowd and the most organized events.
Can visitors reach Roswell by public transit?
Greyhound Bus Service operates between Albuquerque and Roswell with schedules at greyhound.com; one-way fares are approximately $25–45. The bus stop is near the downtown museum district. The main North Main Street attractions are walkable from the Greyhound stop.
What is Bottomless Lakes State Park, and is it worth adding to the itinerary?
Bottomless Lakes State Park, 12 miles east of Roswell on US-380, contains seven spring-fed sinkholes filled with clear, tinted water set in red sandstone bluffs. Swimming and kayaking are permitted at designated lakes. The park adds 30 minutes of driving and two to three hours of recreation time to the day trip.