International UFO Museum and Research Center
Explore the mysteries of the 1947 Roswell UFO Incident at this unique museum and research center, surrounded by an alien-themed town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
International UFO Museum and Research Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the mysteries of the 1947 Roswell UFO Incident at this unique museum and research center, surrounded by an alien-themed town.
"A real highlight of our trip and definitely recommended for the curious and believers alike!"
🎯 Embrace the Kitschy Fun
Roswell is all about its alien theme! Enjoy the quirky decorations and unique shops.
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
The museum is comprehensive but can be explored in a few hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Roswell Incident Exhibits
International UFO Museum and Research Center
Explore detailed accounts, witness testimonies, and artifacts related to the 1947 UFO crash. A deep dive into alien lore.
UFO-Themed Town Exploration
Downtown Roswell
Wander through streets adorned with alien statues, themed shops, and extraterrestrial murals. Embrace the fun, quirky atmosphere!
The Museum's Library
International UFO Museum and Research Center
A treasure trove for serious researchers with thousands of books, magazines, and articles on UFO phenomena.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky Charm
Manage Expectations for a Deep Dive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Kitschy Fun
Roswell is all about its alien theme! Enjoy the quirky decorations and unique shops.
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
The museum is comprehensive but can be explored in a few hours.
📚 Research-Ready Library
Serious enthusiasts will love the extensive library for deep dives into UFO lore.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is available but can fill up. Consider nearby lots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Kitschy Fun
Roswell is all about its alien theme! Enjoy the quirky decorations and unique shops.
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
The museum is comprehensive but can be explored in a few hours.
📚 Research-Ready Library
Serious enthusiasts will love the extensive library for deep dives into UFO lore.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is available but can fill up. Consider nearby lots.
👽 Photo Ops Galore
Snap pics with alien statues and themed storefronts around town!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the International UFO Museum a fascinating dive into the Roswell Incident, appreciating its extensive archives and the town's quirky, alien-themed charm. While some find the exhibits more archival than interactive, the overall experience is considered a unique and worthwhile stop, especially for enthusiasts and road-trippers. Accessibility and the museum's remote location are minor drawbacks for some.
"In February 2025, we visited the International UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico. We were on a road trip and visiting National Parks and historical sites in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Carlsbad Caverns National Parks does not allow for any tours after 2:30 PM, so we decided to visit Roswell, NM for the alien attractions. By the time that we arrived at the International UFO Museum, it was closed; nevertheless, the alien decorations and scenery in Roswell were super fun to see. Legend/history has it that an alien landing happened in 1947, and Roswell has been enjoying and benefiting from that legend/history for the past 78 years. Thank you, International UFO Museum of Roswell, New Mexico, for contributing to our amazing Southwestern United States road trip experience.
I included pictures of the International UFO Museum and some of the surrounding stores that all have clever alien displays."
John Cutler
"We always look for fun, unconventional attractions in our travels and this museum certainly fit the bill. Doesn't matter if you're a believer or skeptic it's a nice place to visit. There are some cornball displays that will amuse you, and some more serious displays that just might leave you questioning some things. A real highlight of our trip and definitely recommended"
Gary Griffith
"The museum itself was good. The accessibility to park and the restrooms not so much. There was no accessible stalls in the men's bathroom. And there is only one stall for ramp access and they use it to charge vehicles first and if you're disabled then you can use it if it's not being taken up by charging vehicles."
Jaimee Parks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in downtown Roswell, New Mexico. It's easily accessible by car, with street parking available, though it can get busy. Many visitors arrive on road trips through the Southwest. +1
Roswell is relatively isolated. It's about a 3-hour drive from Albuquerque and a 4-hour drive from El Paso, Texas.
Walking is great for the downtown area where the museum and many themed shops are. For surrounding attractions, a car is recommended.
Public transportation is limited in Roswell. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services if available.
The original crash site is on private ranch land and is no longer open to the public due to past issues with disrespectful visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is generally inexpensive, with special rates for seniors. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the museum's official website or call ahead to confirm their opening and closing times before your visit.
Advance booking is usually not required for general admission, as it's more of an archive-style museum. However, for group visits, it's advisable to inquire.
Accessibility can be a concern, particularly with restroom facilities. Some visitors have noted issues with accessible stalls and parking.
Yes, discounts are often available for seniors, making it a great value for older travelers.
🎫 👽 Onsite Experience
The museum features exhibits on the 1947 Roswell Incident, alien lore, witness accounts, and related art. It's more archive-style than interactive.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the museum. If you plan to delve deep into the library, you could spend much longer.
Interactive exhibits are minimal. The experience leans towards static displays, documents, and research materials.
Many find the extensive library a standout feature for serious UFO research. Others enjoy the historical accounts of the Roswell Incident.
Children might enjoy the alien theme and quirky displays, but the content is more historical and research-oriented, which may not hold younger attention spans.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, downtown Roswell has various dining options, including restaurants with alien-themed decor and local New Mexican cuisine.
New Mexican cuisine, known for its green and red chile, is a local favorite. You'll also find classic American diner fare.
The McDonald's in Roswell is famously UFO-themed and is a popular quick stop for visitors.
Most restaurants offer some vegetarian options, and with New Mexican cuisine, you can often find dishes that can be made vegan upon request.
Beyond the UFO-themed McDonald's, look for local diners and cafes that embrace the town's unique extraterrestrial culture.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture photos with alien statues, themed storefronts, the UFO-shaped McDonald's, and the museum's exterior.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with museum staff upon arrival, but generally, personal photos for non-commercial use are permitted.
The iconic UFO-shaped McDonald's, the 'Alien Capital of the World' sign, and various alien murals around town are popular photo spots.
Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the town's unique atmosphere. Golden hour can add a magical touch.
While not widely advertised, local guides or photography enthusiasts might offer informal tours focusing on the town's unique visual elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to spot all the alien decorations, take photos with the UFO-themed McDonald's, and perhaps visit the Crash Landing Bear Factory for a unique souvenir. The overall atmosphere of Roswell is lighthearted and playful, making it an engaging destination for younger visitors who enjoy the novelty of aliens and outer space.
👽 UFO Enthusiasts & Researchers
The exhibits meticulously detail the Roswell Incident, presenting various witness accounts, alleged documents, and theories. While it may not offer definitive answers, it provides a comprehensive archive for study. The town's overall dedication to its UFO lore also adds to the immersive experience, allowing enthusiasts to fully engage with the mystery.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1It offers a memorable break from long drives, with plenty of quirky photo opportunities and a chance to experience a town that has fully embraced its legendary status. Don't miss the UFO-shaped McDonald's for a quick, iconic stop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roswell UFO Incident: A Historical Overview
+1Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the timeline of events, the different witness statements (which sometimes contradict each other), and the subsequent investigations and declassifications. While the museum doesn't claim to have definitive proof of alien life, it serves as a comprehensive archive for those interested in the lore and history of the incident. It's a place where believers and skeptics can find material to ponder, making it a unique stop for anyone fascinated by the unexplained.
It's important to note that the museum's approach is more archival and research-oriented rather than a high-tech, immersive experience. For serious researchers, the library is a significant draw, housing a vast collection of books, magazines, and articles on UFO phenomena. This makes the museum a valuable resource for those seeking to delve deeper into the subject matter beyond the surface-level narrative.
Experiencing Roswell: Beyond the Museum
Exploring downtown Roswell is an experience in itself. Many businesses have creatively incorporated alien motifs into their facades and merchandise, creating a fun and lighthearted atmosphere. You might stumble upon the Crash Landing Bear Factory, where you can stuff your own alien-themed teddy bear, or browse unique art galleries that often feature extraterrestrial themes.
For those interested in other local attractions, the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art offers a different cultural experience, showcasing impressive modern art. The Spring River Park and Zoo provides a more traditional family outing. However, the undeniable draw remains the town's commitment to its alien heritage, offering a unique blend of history, mystery, and pure fun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit