The Roswell UFO Museum in New Mexico is the go-to spot for anyone curious about the famous 1947 UFO crash. According to local legend, a rancher named Mac Brazel found a crashed flying saucer—and alien bodies—on his property. The military initially claimed it was a UFO, but then quickly changed their story to say it was just a weather balloon. After that, they allegedly whisked the evidence away to a secret location—likely Area 51 or somewhere equally mysterious.
The museum, which opened in 1992, aims to educate visitors about the UFO phenomenon, covering everything from Roswell to crop circles, alien abductions, Area 51, and government cover-ups. The exhibits feature a mix of UFO sightings, supposed evidence, and stories from people who believe they’ve been abducted by aliens. One of the main attractions is a fake alien corpse from the 1994 Showtime movie Roswell: The UFO Coverup, along with a replica of an ancient Mayan sarcophagus lid that some claim depicts a person launching into space.
I’ll be honest, the museum itself didn’t impress me much. It felt a bit cheesy and disorganized, with lots of pictures and dioramas but no clear narrative or flow. If you’re already familiar with UFOs, you can probably piece things together, but if you’re a newbie, it might leave you more confused than informed. Still, it’s packed with UFO-related stories and videos, so it’s worth a stop if you’re into the subject.
Roswell also hosts the annual UFO Festival, which has become a huge event for alien enthusiasts. Expect everything from carnivals and trade shows to costume contests and lectures from UFO experts. For those really deep into the alien debate, there’s even a library where you can research the phenomenon in more detail.
I’m a UFO believer myself, and while I wasn’t blown away by the museum, I still had fun. It’s quirky, and if you’re passing through Roswell, it’s definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re into sci-fi, aliens, or just want a unique roadside attraction, this museum fits the bill.
How to Visit
The Roswell UFO Museum is located at 114 N Main Street in Roswell, New Mexico. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Albuquerque, 9 hours from Phoenix, and just over 7 hours from Dallas. Admission is $5 for adults, with discounts for kids, seniors, military, and first responders. It’s open daily from 9am-5pm (closed on major holidays). If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to check it out!
