Things To Do in Roswell

Miniatures And Curious Collections Museum

Co-Founded by the bride's mother, this museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Roswell’s Los Pocos Locos Miniature Society and showcases a range of miniatures, curious collections, and rotating exhibits. It also features a gift shop and a play area for children. The museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Word around town is there will be a special exhibit up during the wedding! (And it's free!)

International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop

Buckle up for an out-of-this-world adventure at the Roswell UFO Museum! Dive into the zany world of alien conspiracies and UFO sightings with quirky exhibits, playful documents, and firsthand accounts that will have you questioning reality. Whether you're a seasoned UFO enthusiast or just looking for a good laugh, the Roswell UFO Museum promises an intergalactic journey filled with fun and fascination. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tinfoil hats are not provided but are recommended.

Roswell Museum

This museum is known for its significant collections, including modern works from the Taos and Santa Fe Art colonies, contemporary art of New Mexico, an international print collection, the Robert H. Goddard Collection of Liquid Propellant Rocketry, and the Rogers and Mary Ellen Aston Collection of the American West. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art

Here, you can find artwork from both of the bride's parents, Stephen and Nancy Fleming. The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art showcases works of art produced by former fellows of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. The museum's collection, spanning 12 galleries and 22,000 square feet of exhibition space, includes a diverse range of art forms. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fun fact: this museum houses several photos of Sienna as a baby!

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Discover the serene beauty of the Bitter Lakes Wildlife Area in Roswell, New Mexico. This peaceful sanctuary provides a refuge for a diverse array of bird species, offering visitors a tranquil escape into nature. Take a leisurely stroll along the quiet pathways, observing the graceful movements of waterfowl and appreciating the subtle charm of this unassuming yet ecologically rich environment. Beautiful, but bring bug spray!!

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Dive into the refreshing oasis of Bottomless Lakes State Park in Roswell, New Mexico, where swimming takes on a whole new dimension of fun. Immerse yourself in the cool, crystal-clear waters of the sinkhole lakes, surrounded by the picturesque desert landscape. Whether you're perfecting your backstroke in the peaceful Lea Lake or splashing around with friends at the lively Devil's Inkwell, Bottomless Lakes State Park offers a unique and rejuvenating swimming experience that's sure to make a splash on your summer adventures. Bring the kids but watch out for turtles!

Where to eat in Roswell:

Antigua Cocina Mexicana

Antigua Cocina Mexicana offers Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, with a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, flame broiled fajitas, tacos, house specialties, seafood dishes, steaks, enchiladas, and a kids' menu. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, it is closed on Sundays. Best Mexican food, but a bit pricier than the other options.

Cowboy Cafe

Cowboy Cafe is a popular spot for home-style cooking and is especially known for its homemade pies and brunch service. It offers a variety of American cuisine and is open every day from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A bridal party member claims this place has the best pancakes they have ever eaten. It also has a cowboy ambiance and a 50% chance you will see the mayor.

Farley's Food Fun & Pub

Farley's "food fun and pub", offers a variety of American cuisine and bar meals, including pizzas, burgers, and chicken fried dishes. Farleys is decorated with a collection of UFO movie and TV show memorabilia, celebrating the city's renowned extraterrestrial lore. Farley's is open Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, offering a perfect spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a meal while soaking in the town's famous UFO heritage. Watch out for peanut shells on the floor.

Stellar Coffee Co

Located in the heart of Roswell, Stellar Coffee Co seamlessly combines exceptional craftsmanship with a unique atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those seeking a refined and cosmically-inspired coffee retreat in Roswell. There are also board games!

Burrito Express

Burrito Express is known for its Mexican, Southwestern, and burritos. This restaurant is particularly popular for its breakfast burrito menu. It's open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and is closed on Sundays. Pro tip: it says "Express" in the name but is often very busy and slow. The couple's fav is the steak combo with green chile burrito.

Billy Ray's

Billy Ray's is a restaurant known for its ambiance (this is a dive bar). It's open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. Closed from Sunday to Tuesday. There is karaoke on Saturday.

Looking to make a weekend out of it? See some out of town places of interest below:

White Sands National Park

Located approximately 113 miles from Roswell, NM, White Sands National Park is famous for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. This park offers a unique experience with its vast dune field and is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography. Visitors can also experience the park's remarkable sunsets and learn about the unique ecosystem and wildlife that inhabit the area. Pro tip- get a disk (sled) and some wax at the gift shop, find a good slope, and slide down! make sure to dump out your shoes.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

About 86 miles from Roswell, NM, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to more than 100 limestone caves, including the famous Carlsbad Cavern. Visitors can explore the Big Room, a natural limestone chamber almost 4,000 feet long, and participate in ranger-guided tours to learn about the geology and history of the caves. The park also offers bat flight programs, where visitors can watch hundreds of thousands of bats exit the cave at dusk. Pro tip: Take the last tour of the caverns and then stay to watch the bats at the amphitheater, it's worth it!

Santa Fe

Situated approximately 177 miles from Roswell, NM, Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and a rich arts scene. A must-visit attraction in Santa Fe is Meow Wolf, an immersive and interactive art installation created by a collective of artists. Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return offers a uniquely surreal experience, featuring a combination of storytelling and exploration through a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages and stunning art exhibits. In addition to Meow Wolf, visitors can explore the historic Plaza, visit the Palace of the Governors, and indulge in the local cuisine, which is an exquisite blend of Native American and Spanish flavors. Santa Fe's vibrant cultural landscape, combined with its artistic flair, makes it a captivating destination for travelers.