Roswell
Around Roswell
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Town and around · New Mexico · 63k people
Roswell
Locals say Pecos Valley · “UFO Capital”, “Alien City”
Big skies, alien vibes, and green chile.
New Mexico flag redNew Mexico flag gold
Welcome to the Pecos Valley! Whether you're here for the alien lore or the wide-open skies, you'll find a friendly town with a quirky streak. Grab a green chile cheeseburger and enjoy the desert calm.
Clubs for Roswell
No clubs for Roswell yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Roswell. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
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Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Roswell. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- International UFO Museum and Research Center The go-to spot for all things alien, from the 1947 incident to modern sightings.
- Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge Rare sinkhole lakes and a stunning array of birds, especially during migration.
- Bottomless Lakes State Park A chain of deep sinkhole lakes perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Roswell Museum and Art Center Houses the Robert Goddard rocketry collection and Southwestern art.
- Spring River Park and Zoo A small community zoo with native animals and a miniature train.
- Joe Bauman Park Home field of the Roswell Invaders baseball team.
- Outdoors Hike the trails at Bottomless Lakes
- Outdoors Birdwatch at Bitter Lake
- With kids Visit the International UFO Museum
- With kids Swim at Bottomless Lakes State Park
- Evenings Catch a Roswell Invaders night game
- Evenings Stargazing in the desert
- Locals love Alien-themed gift shops
- Locals love Green chile burger joints
Through the year
- Roswell UFO Festival July Celebrates the 1947 incident with speakers, costume contests, and a parade.
- Eastern New Mexico State Fair September County fair with livestock shows, carnival rides, and local food vendors.
- Roswell Invaders Baseball Season Summer Pecos League games at Joe Bauman Park draw locals on summer evenings.
High desert climate with low humidity, hot summers, and mild winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and clear skies.
Talk like a local
- “UFO”
- Anything related to aliens or the 1947 incident.
- “Pecos”
- The local valley and its people.
- “Green chile”
- The green chile pepper that's a staple in local food.
- “Sinkholes”
- The sinkhole lakes at Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Getaways
- Ruidoso Mountain town with skiing, hiking, and horse racing.
- Carlsbad Caverns World-famous limestone caves and desert wildlife.
- Alamogordo and White Sands Dunes of gypsum sand, plus the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
- Hobbs Oil town with a lake and golf courses.
Local flavour
Teams
- Roswell Invaders Pecos League
Also rooting for Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds, New Mexico Lobos, New Mexico State Aggies
Eat and drink
- Green chile cheeseburger A New Mexico staple, often with roasted Hatch green chile.
- Enchiladas with red and green chile Classic New Mexican dish, often served with a fried egg.
- Sopapillas Fried pastry served with honey, a local dessert.
- Blake's Lotaburger A beloved New Mexico fast-food chain known for green chile burgers.
Where people go
- UFO museums Institutions like the International UFO Museum and Research Center.
- Desert landscapes The Chihuahuan Desert with its wide-open spaces and rugged beauty.
- Wildlife refuges Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birds and wildlife.
- Alien-themed attractions Streetlights, murals, and shops celebrating the 1947 incident.
Heritage and traditions
Roswell is proud of its unique blend of Old West ranching heritage, its role in space history through Robert Goddard's rocketry, and its world‑famous UFO lore that makes it a quirky cultural landmark.
This time of year in Roswell
- Bird migrations at Bitter Lake Spring and Fall Spring and fall – thousands of sandhill cranes and other birds stop over.
- Pecos Valley Art Festival Fall Local artists showcase paintings, pottery, and photography in the fall.
- NMMI Homecoming Fall A parade, football game, and alumni events celebrating the military institute.
Say it like a local: “Howdy” — A common greeting, especially in rural areas
Festivals
- Pecos Valley Art Festival Fall Local artists showcase paintings, pottery, and photography in the fall.
- Día de los Muertos Celebration November Community altars, marigolds, and pan de muerto at the Roswell Museum and Art Center.
- NMMI Homecoming Fall A parade, football game, and alumni events celebrating the military institute.
Landmarks with a story
- New Mexico Military Institute Founded in 1891, this campus is a landmark with historic buildings and a proud military tradition.
- Chaves County Courthouse Built in 1911, this courthouse anchors the downtown and features a distinctive clock tower.
- Roswell Downtown Historic District A walkable area with early 20th‑century buildings, murals, and local shops.
- Robert Goddard Rocket Launch Site Where rocketry pioneer Robert Goddard tested 30+ rockets in the 1930s, a key site in space history.
Food traditions
- Chile roasting season In late summer, locals buy fresh green chile and roast it in parking lots, filling the air with a smoky aroma.
- Carne adovada Pork marinated in red chile, a slow‑cooked staple served in many homes and restaurants.
- Posole A hominy and pork stew traditionally served at Christmas and New Year's.
- Tamales Made during the holidays, often with red chile and masa, a family tradition.
- Sopaipillas with honey Though already a local favorite, they are a must with any meal, especially with green chile.
Music and arts
- Roswell Symphony Orchestra A community orchestra performing classical and pops concerts throughout the year.
- Roswell Museum and Art Center Houses a notable art collection, including works by Peter Hurd, and Goddard's workshop.
- Cowboy poetry A tradition of the ranching community, with local gatherings and readings.
- Alien‑themed art Local artists incorporate UFO themes into paintings, sculptures, and murals.
A little history
- 1869 Roswell was founded by ranchers along the Pecos River.
- 1891 The New Mexico Military Institute was established, shaping the town's identity.
- 1920s Oil was discovered in the area, bringing an economic boom.
- 1930s Robert Goddard conducted pioneering rocket tests near Roswell.
- 1947 The famous UFO incident sparked global interest and the town's alien identity.
- Game day NMMI football games
- Game day High school football rivalries
- Outdoors Visiting the Robert Goddard Rocket Launch Site
- Outdoors Exploring the historic downtown
- With kids Visiting the New Mexico Military Institute campus
- With kids Exploring the Chaves County Courthouse
Locals speak with a Southwestern accent, blending English and Spanish. They say 'chile' (not 'chili') and often use the state question 'red or green?' when ordering food. The pace is relaxed, and you'll hear cowboy and ranching terms.
Only here
- Alien‑themed street lights in the downtown area.
- The International UFO Museum and Research Center – the only one of its kind.
- The phrase 'Red or green?' is a local rite of passage at every restaurant.
- The Pecos River runs right through town, offering a green oasis in the desert.
New here? A few tips
- The weather is hot and dry in summer; always carry water and sunscreen.
- When ordering food, be ready to answer 'red or green?' – it's the state question for chile.
- Embrace the alien theme – it's everywhere, from street lights to souvenir shops.
- Take a stroll through the downtown historic district to see the courthouse and local murals.
- The New Mexico Military Institute is a big part of the community; catch a parade or football game.
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Nearby
Every areaRuidosoNew MexicoPine-scented mountain air and the thunder of hooves.CarlsbadNew MexicoWhere the desert meets the cavernsAlamogordoNew MexicoSunny days, starry nights, and a whole lot of sky.HobbsNew MexicoWhere the desert sky meets the oil patch.ClovisNew MexicoWhere the high plains meet the skySeminoleTexasBig skies, warm hearts, and the smell of cotton and crude.AndrewsTexasWhere the desert meets the oil patch.PecosTexasDesert skies, warm hearts, and the sweetest cantaloupes.
Roswell, NM. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.