This blog post was updated on March 6, 2023.

One great thing about the quintessential American road trip is how easy it is to make it as quirky as you want. Because, let’s face it:  the U.S. is home to plenty of bizarre and unexpected stuff, from endless roadside attractions to a Jell-O Museum.

And you better believe (see what we did there?) that UFO fanatics can get their fill as well. That’s right, the truth is out there, and America plays an undeniably big part in keeping the passion towards flying saucers alive. From — alleged, of course — UFO crash sites to galactic museums and far out roadside restaurants, this list of places for UFO sightings in the U.S. will turn your usual family trip into a true abduction for your senses.

Roswell, New Mexico

In 1947, the residents of Roswell woke up with startling news about some kind of UFO crash. This event, followed by an alleged alien autopsy (conveniently covered by the U.S. government, of course) stirred up the biggest alien conspiracy theory ever. While some people initially believed it to be the crash of an alien spacecraft, others said the whole thing was just a weather balloon. Decades later, the legend — and the endless debate — still lives on! Roswell is now the home of the International UFO Museum and Research Center, making it the perfect road trip destination for all kinds of believers in extraterrestrial life.

Los Angeles

According to most UFO hotspots map, Los Angeles is one of cities in the United States with the highest rate of sightings. Yep, not only you can visit the land of movie stars, go on fun bus tours, hang out at beaches, and club it up in Hollywood, but you can also have the chance to spot a UFO of your own. The best and most disturbing example of this was the infamous event known as The Battle of Los Angeles in 1942, when the starry night of the City of Angels went into a frenzy after what looked like an unknown fleet of airships prompted the military to use anti-aircraft guns to fight that impossible threat.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells is typically known as true wonderland for those eager to enjoy some old-fashion family fun. And its American UFO Sci-Fi Museum a great example! This unique place covers all areas of UFO and alien knowledge, from historical events involving UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) to the lives of fictitious alien characters in certain movies and TV shows. If you’re really into alien lore, this is a spot you just can’t miss out on.

You may also like: 5 Locations That Alien & UFO Fans Should Visit

Burlington, Wisconsin

There must be something about Wisconsin that really attracts alien life forms, because America’s Dairyland also boasts the Sci Fi Cafe. Not only can you indulge in  Chicago-style hot dogs, but you can also swap stories of the unknown with the owners and the clientele. Although it’s temporarily closed due to relocation, the owner Mary Sutherland will still share tales of the spooky side of Burlington and take visitors on guided tours. There is even an annual Burlington Vortex Conference that focuses on aliens, crop circles, ghosts and so much more.

Rachel, Nevada

Lastly, there’s Rachel, Nevada. Rachel the closest town to world-famous Area 51, a secretive government facility, from which persist countless conspiracies involving alien life and UFOs — from extraterrestrial autopsies to reverse-engineering of spacecrafts. The highway leading to the facility has been dubbed the “Extraterrestrial Highway,” and that could be reason enough to plan your flight to Nevada or even an epic road trip. Just 150 miles from Sin City, Rachel is definitely one of the more appealing day trips from Las Vegas for UFO enthusiasts.

Do you know of a U.S. destination for UFO devotees that we left off our list? Tell us about it in the comments below!