There are several places to visit in Roswell, New Mexico. Some of them include the Bottomless Lakes State Park, the General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum, and the Pecos Flavors Winery. You might also want to visit the Roswell Museum & Art Center, which features local artwork and southwestern art.
Bottomless Lakes State Park
If you are in search of a great place for outdoor activities, try the Bottomless Lakes State Park in Roswell, New Mexico. This park is made up of seven small lakes surrounded by high red bluffs. The state park is located 12 miles east of Roswell on US 380, and is accessible from State Highway 409.
The state park is home to the Lea Lake Day-Use Area, which features a beach, playground, sand volleyball court, and historic Lea Lake Pavillion. The Lea Lake Day-Use Area also has picnic shelters and restrooms. RV/pull-through sites are available, and the park also has primitive camping sites.
The names of the lakes come from a wild west legend. Cowboys discovered cenotes in the area and tied ropes together to see how long it would take them to reach the bottom. Despite their determination to reach the bottom, they failed and quit, claiming there was no bottom.
Water levels in the Bottomless Lakes are constantly changing because of the semi-arid climate. The lakes are not fed by surface drainage, but by upstream movement of ground water. However, recent irrigation has resulted in lowered lake levels. As a result, the lake levels fluctuate depending on the amount of available ground water and seasonal changes in rainfall.
There are many tall tales about the lakes and the mysterious creatures that dwell underneath them. In one case, a horse fell into one of the lakes and drowned. It was pulled out, but its owner did not. Another tale tells that a large turtle monster swims along the bottom of the lakes. While swimming is not permitted in the other lakes, visitors can camp at the state park’s campgrounds. Camping is available from mid-May through Labor Day and is $5 per night.
There are many things to see and do in Roswell. The town is home to several unique landmarks and cultural attractions. For those interested in military history, the Roswell Army Air Field Museum is worth a visit. It also has a theater and popular productions. Additionally, the Roswell area is home to many writers and actors.
There are many types of wildlife in the area, including Pecos pupfish and rainwater killifish. Other animals include skunks, snakes, lizards, and jackrabbits. Most of the park’s activities are focused around the lake.
General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum
The museum is situated in a former natatorium and features an exhibit on the New Mexico military. Visitors can also check out the exhibit at the New Mexico Military Institute. The museum is open to the public free of charge. A visit to the museum is sure to be an educational experience, as the exhibits are arranged by theme and are often interactive.
Other attractions in Roswell include the Bottomless Lakes State Park. These natural sinkholes are a great place for hiking, biking, picnicking, and watching the wildlife. Another outdoor attraction is the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to numerous migratory birds and deer.
The Roswell Aviation Museum is another great place to spend a day. It features model military aircraft, flight jackets, and WWII-era firearms. It also displays photos, videos, and uniforms of former aviators and marines. The museum also has a restaurant and an indoor pool.
The Roswell Historical Center dates back to the 19th century. The building has undergone several remodelings over the years. It also features a UFO exhibit. The town’s 1947 UFO incident brought a huge influx of tourists. The museum offers guided tours to visitors of the area where the incident took place.
The Roswell Visitors Center is another place to visit in Roswell. The museum has information on the history and culture of the area. There are also many artifacts on display. Moreover, visitors can pose for photos with life-sized alien dioramas.
Other museums and art centers in Roswell include the Roswell Museum and Art Center. Both of these museums have free admission. The museum also features a planetarium. Another interesting attraction is the Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico. It is one of the best places to visit in Roswell. However, keep in mind that this museum is closed on weekends.
The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art is also another place to visit in Roswell. The museum is home to works by former AmoCA artists and is a major source of inspiration for the community. It houses 12 galleries and includes a library. Besides, the museum also houses a special artist-in-residence program.
A trip to Roswell isn’t complete without visiting Roswell’s infamous 1947 UFO crash. The city is home to a number of other fascinating attractions and museums. The town has a thriving arts and entertainment scene. This city is an excellent destination for art lovers and people looking for fun in the sun. Just be sure to call ahead to confirm the current hours of each attraction.
Roswell is home to a plethora of annual events. It is home to the Roswell UFO Festival and the Valley Vintage Car Show. It is also home to the Roswell Symphony Orchestra. The annual festival is open to the public, but it is closed on weekends.
Pecos Flavors Winery
Pecos Flavors Winery is located downtown Roswell and features a wide variety of New Mexico wines and products. The winery features a century-old bar and a tasting room that’s adorned with ranch-style decor. The tasting room also offers New Mexico beer and local delicacies.
The city is also home to the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, which is a great place for local artists to display their works of art. The museum hosts six artists each year, providing them with a stipend to work on their projects. They continue to produce beautiful and inventive artwork. Other attractions in Roswell include the Roswell Spacewalk, a black-light art installation that allows visitors to step back into space. It’s open seven days a week, and the museum also hosts several events throughout the year.
Roswell is also home to a vibrant artist community. The town is surrounded by rare natural geography, including state parks and wildlife refuges. While visiting Roswell, be sure to check out the Alien Zone, where visitors can see over a dozen life-size alien dioramas. A commercial artist, Randy Reeves, wanted to share Roswell’s love for the mystical creatures. The museum also allows visitors to pose with life-size dummies of aliens. There are also many different dioramas to explore, including an alien autopsy and a crashed saucer scene.
While there are many things to do in Roswell, you should not miss the Downtown Historic District. It was originally the home of the Comanches and Mescalero Apache tribes. Anglo ranchers arrived from Texas in 1867, establishing the first ranching industry in Southeastern New Mexico. The railroad also brought a population boom and different architectural styles to Roswell. The Downtown Historic District features several beautifully-preserved 19th century buildings, including the Presbyterian Church, Chaves County Courthouse, and the Military Institute. The Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico offers guided tours of the buildings.
Another great place to visit in Roswell is the Roswell Museum of History, which opened in 1991 to investigate the history of the Roswell UFO incident. The museum is located in an old movie house and is one of the best tourist attractions in the town. It boasts a wide variety of exhibits and a large library. It’s also home to unique souvenirs and books about the UFO phenomenon.
When visiting Roswell, don’t forget to take the time to explore the Bottomless Lakes State Park. Its sinkholes are nearly 90 feet deep, and are popular with both tourists and locals. Visitors can hike, kayak, and even go for a swim. If you’re into wildlife photography, you can also visit the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can spot 350 species of migratory birds.
The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art is another great place to visit in Roswell. The museum is a wonderful example of the artistic history of the Southwest. This museum includes several permanent and temporary exhibits of contemporary art, as well as some older works from the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. It also has a 120-seat planetarium. The museum also hosts science workshops and offers regular UFO shows.
