Beyond the Aliens: A Local's Guide to Roswell's Hidden Treasures

Roswell sits at a fascinating archaeological crossroads that few visitors ever investigate. The Spring River Park and Zoo area contains several unobtrusive markers indicating Paleo-Indian settlements dating back approximately 13,000 years. During my first assignment here in 2009, I befriended a local archaeologist who showed me where to spot worked stone tools eroding from certain embankments after heavy rains (note: observe only, never collect).

Just 40 miles east at Blackwater Draw, you'll find one of North America's most significant archaeological sites where Clovis points were first documented. The museum is modest but informative, and the staff archaeologists are remarkably forthcoming with information if you express genuine interest. I recommend bringing a good pair of binoculars to observe distant excavation areas without disturbing active research. The interpretive center provides excellent context for understanding how ancient peoples thrived in what seems today like an inhospitable environment.

For families with children interested in archaeology, the Roswell Museum and Art Center offers hands-on educational programs where kids can participate in simulated digs. These sessions typically run on Saturday mornings and cost less than taking the family to a movie.

My professional interest in volcanic formations began during a 2011 assignment protecting Native American artifacts from looters near Capulin Volcano. Though Roswell itself sits on relatively flat terrain, a 90-minute drive west takes you to the remarkable Valley of Fires Recreation Area, where one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States created an otherworldly landscape approximately 5,000 years ago.

The black basaltic rock extends for miles, creating what geologists call 'pressure ridges' and 'lava tubes' that my FBI training immediately recognized as excellent concealment locations (a professional hazard, I suppose). The paved pathway through the lava field is fully accessible and provides educational signage explaining the formation process. I've found that a sturdy pair of hiking boots is essential here, as the volcanic rock can be surprisingly sharp.

Closer to Roswell, the Bottomless Lakes State Park features a series of nine sinkholes filled with water. Despite the name, they do have measurable depths (17-90 feet), but appear bottomless due to the unique mineral composition that gives them their striking blue-green color. The scientific explanation involves dissolved gypsum and limestone creating cenote-like formations, but the visual impact is what matters. The entrance fee is a reasonable $5 per vehicle, making this an economical family outing.

During extended surveillance operations (details classified), I've had ample opportunity to document Roswell's remarkable collection of historical murals. The most impressive collection exists along Main Street, where the Roswell Arts Council has commissioned works depicting the authentic history of the region. My personal favorite is the massive cattle drive mural near 4th and Main, which accurately represents the importance of ranching to the area's development long before any purported UFO incidents.

For families with children, I've developed what I call the 'Roswell Mural Investigation' - a self-guided walking tour that transforms into a scavenger hunt. I provide this free to visitors at my presentations, but I'll share the basics here: obtain a downtown map from the visitor center, mark the locations of 12 major murals, and challenge children to find specific historical details within each mural. This activity typically occupies 2-3 hours and costs nothing beyond comfortable walking shoes.

To document these murals properly, I recommend a compact camera with good low-light capabilities for the murals located in shadowed areas. My FBI photography training has taught me that midday sun creates harsh shadows on these artworks, so early morning provides optimal lighting conditions for photography.

As a career federal employee, I understand the importance of finding affordable family activities. Roswell excels in this regard, with numerous options that won't deplete your savings. The Roswell Museum and Art Center (free admission, suggested $5 donation) houses an exceptional collection of Southwestern art and the complete workshop of rocket pioneer Robert Goddard. My background in evidence collection gives me particular appreciation for how meticulously they've preserved his original tools and notebooks.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge sits just 10 miles northeast of town. The refuge protects critical wetland habitat where I've documented over 40 bird species during my visits. The visitor center loans out binoculars to families who don't have their own, making wildlife observation accessible to everyone. The 1-mile accessible loop trail provides excellent viewing opportunities without requiring advanced hiking abilities.

Perhaps the most overlooked family attraction is the Spring River Park and Zoo. Unlike major metropolitan zoos with their substantial entry fees, this compact facility is entirely free and focuses on regional wildlife and rehabilitation. The mountain lion exhibit provides excellent educational information about these elusive predators. I particularly value their conservation messaging, which aligns with my work protecting natural resources from illegal exploitation.

Years of fieldwork have taught me to identify establishments where locals congregate - generally a reliable indicator of quality and value. In Roswell, I consistently return to Martin's Capitol Café on Main Street. This unassuming diner serves New Mexican classics at reasonable prices, with green chile stew that rivals anything I've found in Santa Fe at twice the cost. The breakfast burrito with both red and green chile ('Christmas style' in local parlance) provides sufficient calories for a full day of investigation.

For families seeking dinner options, Peppers Grill and Bar offers a diverse menu with sufficient options to satisfy selective younger diners while still providing authentic regional cuisine for adults. Their children's menu items hover around $6-8, while adult entrées typically range from $12-18. I recommend their sopapillas with honey as a cost-effective dessert the entire family can share.

During extended assignments, I prepare many of my own meals to minimize expenses. The Roswell Farmers Market (Saturday mornings, April-October) offers excellent local produce and Hatch chile when in season. I pack these items in my cooler bag for field lunches, substantially reducing daily expenses while maintaining proper nutrition for physically demanding investigations.