The Roswell UFO Museum is a Major Tourism Driver in the Community

It’s impossible to talk about Roswell, New Mexico, without highlighting the aliens and UFO lore that made it famous. The best place to learn about this history is the International UFO Museum and Research Center (IUFOMRC) in the heart of downtown. The museum opened its doors in 1992 and has since attracted more than 5 million visitors, attracting 200,000 visitors per year.  

“People come from all over the world to visit our museum and see Roswell for themselves,” says Karen Jaramillo, Executive Director of the IUFOMRC. “Our mission is to educate, not convince, the public about the Roswell 1947 incident and other UFO phenomena in the world.”

The “incident” refers to a Roswell rancher who found strange-looking crash debris spanning over a massive area, hundreds of feet wide, on his land, spurring theories that aliens were trying to reach Earth. While the United States Air Force says it was a research balloon that crashed, many people believe the story was a cover-up by the government.

At the very least, the event sparked discussions about life on other planets that have continued for nearly 80 years. This curiosity about extraterrestrials brings visitors to Roswell every year and attracts documentary film crews, researchers, and space enthusiasts from all walks of life. 

The UFO Museum Gives Roswell International Notoriety

People from across the world seek out Roswell to learn about UFOs and explore theories about alien life. Jaramillo says our staff fields several requests from documentary crews looking to film at the museum, giving free publicity to the Roswell community. Countless celebrities have been to the museum, including ZZ Top, Limp Bizkit, and Ozzy Osbourne. Actress Demi Moore, who was born in Roswell, has also been to the museum.

“You can fly across the world, and people will have heard of Roswell,” says Jaramillo.

Not everyone who arrives at the museum is a firm believer in aliens. Many people walk in as skeptics or simply want to enjoy the novelty of UFO mythology. By the time they reach the exit, however, many are convinced or leave with plenty to think about.

“People tell us how amazed they are at our breadth of evidence,” says Jaramillo. “A lot of people leave convinced that there was a cover-up or that somethin did happen in 1947.”

The Museum Also Boasts an Impressive Library 

Researchers studying alien life, UFOs, and other unexplained phenomena can visit the IUFOMRC and pull from its collection of over 8,000 books, 30,000 magazines and periodicals, and hundreds of DVDs. The museum used to lend out books and DVDs, but found borrowers weren’t returning the items. Now the library is a closed collection accessible on-site.

“Some people will come for a few days or a week to conduct their research,” says Jaramillo. “Many people also come to the library to share their stories with us. It’s incredible meeting people from around the world who want to tell us about their personal experiences.”

Jaramillo shared she had met a small boy whose face lit up when he noticed a flying saucer display at the museum. He eagerly told his parents that it was exactly what he saw. 

Roswell Tourists Stay Overnight When Visiting the Museum

Attracting 200,000 visitors to the UFO Museum annually is an impressive feat, but the research center also plays an important role in local economic development. A third of visitors (32%) stay one night when visiting Roswell for the museum, while 11% stay at least two nights. These stays support the hospitality industry while driving tourists to local restaurants and stores.

“Before the UFO Museum, Roswell was a smaller town,” says Jaramillo. “We didn’t have as many stores or hotels, and we didn’t have alien streetlamps or UFOs on the Welcome signs. The UFO Museum sparked interest in Roswell and is a significant tourism driver for the area.”

Jaramillo admits that the vast majority of people who come to the UFO Museum are from out of town. However, new amenities will hopefully attract locals. The museum is opening UFO GLOW mini-golf this fall, an 18-hole indoor course with black lights and fun challenges. This will give tourists something to do at night, while bringing in locals to enjoy the course.

The IUFOMRC is also a member of the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation (RCCEDC). They are an important member of the community and play a major role in attracting visitors each year.

“What began as a local mystery has evolved into one of Roswell’s strongest tourism assets,” says Mike Espiritu, President and CEO of RCCEDC. “The International UFO Museum plays an incredible role in attracting visitors, supporting jobs, and contributing to the long-term vitality of our local economy. This is a must-see venue that people visit from all corners of the globe…and maybe even farther? We are proud of their growth and their economic impact in Roswell.”

While Roswell is becoming known for more than just aliens, especially with the National Championship Air Races moving here, there will always be a place for outer space in the community. Aliens are a huge part of Roswell’s history, and the UFO Museum ensures it is also part of Chaves County’s future.

Learn More About Local Chaves County Businesses 

Roswell-Chaves County has a diverse economic ecosystem with companies that support the tourism, agriculture, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. Every business makes an impact on the community by creating jobs and providing valuable goods and services. Learn more about the businesses that invest in economic development and read their stories. You’re in good company when your organization opens its doors here.

Want to learn more about Chaves County or need to become a member of the EDC? Let’s talk! We can help you reach your goals and thrive in the Roswell community.