Exploring Roswell with Your Dog: A Pet-Friendly Guide to Alien Adventures
Roswell, New Mexico, is a city that’s most famous for its connection to the UFO crash of 1947, and, of course, the beloved TV show Roswell that Candy and I were obsessed with in the late ‘90s (with a reboot in 2019!). Located about 3 hours northeast of Las Cruces and 3 hours southeast of Albuquerque, Roswell is known for its quirky alien-themed attractions.
During my cross-country road trip with Kuma, my playful corgi, I discovered that Roswell is not just fun for alien enthusiasts but also incredibly dog-friendly! Kuma and I had an amazing time exploring the town’s UFO-themed sights, and surprisingly, many of the attractions even allowed dogs inside! Here’s a list of the must-visit spots in Roswell, New Mexico, for you and your furry friend.
1. International UFO Museum and Research Center
The International UFO Museum and Research Center is the place to dive deep into the 1947 UFO crash that put Roswell on the map. You’ll get the full story of the alleged UFO crash and see the many debates about whether it was really a UFO or just a weather balloon, as the military later claimed.
The museum is packed with fascinating alien-themed books and research materials. I couldn’t resist sneaking a peek inside the research boxes—it felt a little bit like I was playing detective! Kuma had a blast walking around and even posed for some photos with the alien figures. Her serious expression next to the aliens made for some hilarious photos!
Address: 114 N Main St., Roswell, NM 88203
Admission: $5 (children 5-15 years old: $2)
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
2. Roswell UFO Spacewalk
Not far from the museum is the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, where you’ll find green alien footprints leading you to the entrance. Although the spacewalk is small and you can go through it in less than a minute, it’s packed with fun and colorful displays that both kids and adults will enjoy. The dark tunnel section, where it felt like we were floating in space, was particularly exciting—Kuma wasn’t scared at all, and she’s such a brave girl!
You can walk through the Spacewalk as many times as you like for just $5, and we went through it three times! It’s definitely one of the coolest and most interactive places in Roswell.
Address: 116 E 2nd St, Roswell Space Center, Roswell, NM 88201-6210
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily
3. Roswell We Believe Mural
If you love taking photos, you can’t miss the Roswell We Believe Mural. Painted by Larry Bob Phillips in 2019, this mural is located on the side of the UFO Museum and perfectly captures the town’s quirky alien spirit. The mural is painted with a spaceship ramp aligned so it looks like you’re walking onto the UFO. It’s a fun photo op that reflects Roswell’s playful vibe.
Address: 9058 W. 2nd St., Roswell, NM
4. Roswell Welcome Signs
Roswell has a couple of famous “Welcome” signs that are totally worth stopping for a photo. One sign is on East 2nd Street, and it has a UFO crashing into the sign. The other sign is on Highway 285 and is similar but smaller in size. These signs are iconic, and a perfect snapshot for anyone visiting Roswell.
Address for the East 2nd Street sign: 3785 E 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201
5. The Alien Zone
If you’ve got time, you’ll want to check out The Alien Zone, which is located in downtown Roswell. It’s a quirky gift shop full of alien-themed photo displays, and you can snap some cheesy photos with the aliens for a small fee. While some visitors love the fun photo ops, others have noted that the space is a little outdated, but it’s still a fun stop if you want to take silly pictures with your pup.
Address: 216 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201
6. Woof Bowl Dog Park
If your dog needs a little more space to run around, Woof Bowl Dog Park is the perfect place. Located less than 2 miles from downtown Roswell, this dog park has separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, so everyone can play safely. Kuma loves running around and making new friends here!
Address: 1500 N Grand Ave, Roswell, NM, US 88201
7. Davis Island Dog Beach
For dog lovers who want their pups to get some swim time, Davis Island Dog Beach is the place to be. It’s an off-leash dog beach where Kuma can splash around in the shallow water. I also love the dog wash station that’s available for a quick clean-up before heading home. The beach is small, so it’s a good idea to get there early before it gets crowded.
Address: 864 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL
Conclusion: Roswell Is Perfect for You and Your Pup
I was so pleasantly surprised by how dog-friendly Roswell is. From alien-themed museums to quirky murals and even a dog park, there’s plenty for you and your furry friend to explore. Kuma and I had the best time in this unique town, and I’d definitely recommend it to any dog lover looking for a fun and pet-friendly destination.
FAQs:
Q: Are dogs allowed inside the UFO Museum?
A: Yes, the International UFO Museum is dog-friendly! Kuma and I were able to explore the museum together and even took photos with the alien displays.
Q: What’s the best place to take my dog for a run in Roswell?
A: Woof Bowl Dog Park is a great spot for letting your dog off the leash and running around. It has separate areas for small and large dogs.
Q: Can I take my dog to the Roswell UFO Spacewalk?
A: Yes, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk is pet-friendly! Kuma had a blast going through the blacklight tunnel and exploring the alien-themed displays.
Q: Is the Alien Zone worth visiting?
A: It’s a fun stop if you want some cheesy photos with alien displays, but it’s a little outdated. If you’re short on time, it might be okay to skip, but if you love quirky attractions, it’s worth a visit.