Planning a road trip centered on UFO lore? Consider Roswell, New Mexico — the city forever linked to the 1947 Roswell Incident and home to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. Founded by Walter Haut, the public information officer at Roswell Army Air Field in 1947, along with Glenn Dennis, a participant in the events, the museum opened in 1992 and has drawn visitors from around the world ever since.
The museum features a wide range of exhibits documenting the Roswell Incident with written records, audio and video materials, and large-scale recreations. Visitors can view a staged alien autopsy display and life‑size figures based on witness descriptions. Additional exhibits explore related topics such as crop circles, Area 51, and theories about ancient astronauts. The center also offers public programs including workshops and lectures by leading researchers, and maintains an extensive research library and a curated gift shop. Regular hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional holiday closures.
To enhance your visit, consider packing a few books that complement the museum’s themes: Colorado UFOs by Richard Estep, which surveys recent sightings across the state with clarity and wit; 48 Hours by William R. Forstchen, a fast‑paced read that intensifies the atmosphere; and Dragon’s Heir by Glenn Parris, a novel that helps set an otherworldly mood for explorations into mystery and speculation.