With a growing economy powered by health care, aviation and agriculture, Roswell NM has a lot to offer residents and visitors. From the Walker Aviation Museum to sand dunes, art and world class performing arts, there are many things to do in this enticing city.
The Roswell Museum & Art Center is housed in a historic home and has an impressive archive building next door. This museum is a great place to learn about southwestern New Mexico.
Culture and History
The story of Roswell doesn’t begin in 1947; it starts almost 70 years earlier, during a time of frontier living, Apache Indians and Billy the Kid. But even then, worlds often collided in this one-of-a-kind town. Cattle baron John Chisum’s huge Jingle Bob Ranch and the Lincoln County War are just two examples.
On July 6, 1947, a rancher discovered unidentifiable debris in his field. Although officials at Roswell Army Air Field claimed it was a weather balloon, many people believe that the object was a UFO.
Today, visitors and locals are welcomed with a thriving downtown and plenty of fun attractions and activities. From museums showcasing the works of local artists to a variety of music venues hosting both local and nationally-recognized acts, Roswell has something for everyone.
UFOs
Roswell’s most infamous claim is that a flying saucer was found there in 1947. This sparked conspiracy theories, with some believing the government was hiding evidence of extraterrestrial life.
In the age of 24/7 news and social media, it’s easy to understand why such a story would generate interest. But the Air Force quickly clarified that the “flying saucer” was actually debris from a weather balloon.
Jesse Marcel was the man who retrieved the material from the field, and he and Air Force General Ramey both identified it as parts of a weather balloon kite. The Air Force then issued a public apology for misleading the public.
But the damage was done. The story of aliens visiting Roswell and being autopsied by military officials fueled UFO conspiracy theories. A more recent Air Force report in 1994 and a 1997 follow-up report, however, debunked some of these claims. They concluded that some of the testimonies about alien bodies were either unfounded, made up by speculators or inspired by parachute crash-test dummies.
Bottomless Lakes State Park
What appears from the surface to be a barren tract is home to some pretty amazing natural wonders. The nine lakes within Bottomless Lakes State Park were formerly caverns and have since collapsed to create water filled sinkholes. The lakes range in depth from 18 to 90 feet. The name “bottomless” stems from a legend that says cowboys dropped their ropes into the lakes and when they couldn’t reach the bottom concluded that the lakes were indeed bottomless!
Swimming, hiking and scuba diving are popular activities. The gypsum terrain and strange water chemistry have created habitats for unique plants such as the Pecos sunflower, as well as wildlife like the cricket frog and rainwater killifish.
The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art displays works from former fellows of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. The museum is open seven days a week and hosts a variety of community events. The center also has a planetarium that offers star shows and interactive space-related exhibits.
Food
Nothing rejuvenates the body and mind like a hearty meal. Roswell has a wide variety of restaurant options to satisfy the appetites of locals and visitors alike. From traditional New Mexican dishes to barbecue and Tex-Mex, you’re sure to find something for your taste buds.
One of the most popular restaurants in Roswell is El Toro Bravo, which offers a variety of menu items including green beef burritos and barbacoa tacos. This family-friendly establishment also has a great selection of alcoholic beverages.
Those looking for a casual Italian-American eatery can head to Portofino. Located in a strip mall, this laid-back eatery is known for their show-stopping food and friendly service.
Martin’s Capitol Cafe is another great choice for a quick bite to eat. Founded in 1989, this family-owned and operated cafe is inspired by the history of Roswell. Patrons can enjoy a variety of menu items including steak dishes, chicken, and burgers. For those who love to try a little bit of everything, the restaurant also has combination plates that allow you to sample a few menu items.
