Roswell, NM: Not What I Expected

There are some places that, if you’re in the area, you just have to stop. Roswell, New Mexico is definitely one of those places. Personally, I’m not into the whole conspiracy-theory stuff (though, didn’t the US Government slip a little “oh, yeah, UFOs are a thing” into 2020? Seriously, what a bazaar year). No matter your thoughts on the matter, how can you not stop in Roswell when your route takes your directly through the city? I certainly couldn’t resist!

I was surprised when I looked it up and found that the International UFO Museum and Research Center (yes, that’s the name, they make it sound so official!) was actually open when so much in New Mexico was closed (ahhh, Covid).

With no idea what to expect, I entered the museum with some hesitation. This sort of place could really go any direction, from kitschy to overly scientific.

I was pleasantly surprised; they hit a nice balance. Parts were pretty serious, with details and statements from people who had been around for the alleged crash in 1947.

My favorite parts, however, were the props from different alien invasion movies. I mean, how can you not love a group of little aliens standing below their spaceship, or mannequins doing an alien autopsy?

They of course also had testimonies (and artwork?) by people who claimed alien abduction . . . I kinda skipped that section. They went a little too far (for me) with the collection of Star Wars cardboard cutouts at the end (like, really? Do they want people to take this seriously or not? I should’ve taken a picture, but it was too much, I just couldn’t bring myself to capture it). The experience was worth the five bucks I’d paid, but no more.

The town of Roswell has capitalized on the whole “Alien Crash” theme (and why not, tourist dollars are tourist dollars!). Everywhere on the main drag were UFO and alien shops and attractions. McDonald’s even got in the game with a spaceship shaped building.

That, however, was not what caught my attention; as I meandered down the sidewalk I was amazed by the number (and quality) of murals and other street art. Once I started looking for them in earnest I barely made it a few steps without encountering another artistic expression. They even painted their utility boxes!

It was so outside of anything I’d expected from a town known for cheesy souvenirs and little green men. My experience reminded me that making assumptions, and not visiting a place because you think it’ll be “dumb” or such, may cause you to miss out on something really interesting and surprising. I will probably never go back to Roswell, but I do think I’ll be more willing to explore places I hadn’t considered because you just don’t really know what you’ll find. Go in with an open mind and you’ll always find something to enjoy.