What to do and see in Roswell, New Mexico (NM): The Best Nature & Parks

April 8, 2022 Timmy Ribble

Known mostly through myths about aliens and UFOs, there's more to Roswell than mystery and innuendo. No matter what your interests: archaeological and historical sites, special and sporting events, museums, arts and culture, Roswell is a great place for a weekend jaunt. More than anything, the area offers a multitude of outdoor activities, from bird watching and fishing at the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge to swimming and boating at Bottomless Lakes State Park. Families will love the Spring River Park and Zoo, which features a special fishing lake for children, exotic animals and an antique carousel. There's plenty to do inside as well. The Roswell Museum and Art Center will appeal to anyone with an interest in Southwestern painters like Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Historical Center of Southeast New Mexico, a grand house filled with area antiques, artifacts and a changing gallery of historical exhibits. Of course a visit to Roswell would not be complete without a stop at the International UFO Museum and Research Center, where you can find out what really happened when "something" crashed near Roswell in 1947 or maybe not.
Restaurants in Roswell

1. J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center

401 N. Sycamore, Roswell, NM 88201 [email protected] http://www.roswellbirds.org
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center

2. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

4200 E Pine Lodge Rd, Roswell, NM 88201-9220 +1 505-622-6755 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bitter_Lake
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 138 reviews

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Home to thousands of migratory birds, deer, bob cats and badgers, visitors to this refuge can view and photgraph wildlife from several observation platforms.

Reviewed By VJ7250 - Menahga, United States

We have been amazed at all the wildlife (particularly the birds) on the refuge. There is a nice welcome center with exhibits and an auditorium with a movie on the area and dragonflies (only like 20 minutes long). In addition, there is a scenic drive, like 7 plus miles for viewing. There are also some hiking trails, just watch for the snakes in season. Well worth your time, particularly if you are interested in birds (the sandhill cranes and snow geese are currently in!!!)

3. Spring River Park and Zoo

1306 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201-9506 +1 575-624-6760 http://roswell-nm.gov/staticpages/index.php/pd1_zoo
Excellent
38%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
4%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 140 reviews

Spring River Park and Zoo

Reviewed By cindygJ5325SF

This zoo is amazing with a lot of information about the animals along with a great part and picnic area

4. Bottomless Lakes State Park

545 Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, Roswell, NM 88203-9021 +1 575-624-6058 http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/bottomlesslakesstatepark.html
Excellent
45%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 399 reviews

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Reviewed By l-_-Sheila-_-l - Austin, United States

Glad we drove to Bottomless Lake State Park and wondered around for a couple of hours. Most enjoyable part is the Mirror lake - don't miss it You can hike all the way down to the water. Pretty color especially with the contrast of red rock and blue sky.

5. Haystack Mountain Ohv Area

Roswell, NM 88201 +1 575-627-0227 https://www.blm.gov/visit/haystack-mountain-ohv-area

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