Cryptids—mysterious creatures whose existence is debated and largely unproven—have fascinated humans for generations. Across America, cryptid enthusiasts have built roadside attractions to celebrate these elusive creatures. From towering statues to immersive museums, these locations have become pilgrimage spots for fans of the strange, the paranormal, and the mythic. Below, we’ll explore America’s most famous cryptid roadside attractions, their intriguing histories, and additional must-visit spots for true believers.
What Are Cryptid Roadside Attractions?
Cryptid roadside attractions are locations often found along highways or nestled in small towns, featuring exhibits, statues, or museums dedicated to cryptids. While some might think these legends are pure folklore, cryptid believers know otherwise! Here’s where to go if you want to experience the lore and maybe even catch a glimpse of these mysterious creatures.
Mothman Museum – Point Pleasant, West Virginia
- Cryptid: Mothman
- Location: 400 Main Street, Point Pleasant, WV
- History: The Mothman was first sighted in the 1960s, described as a winged creature with glowing red eyes. After a tragic bridge collapse in 1967, some locals believed the Mothman sightings were an omen. The museum showcases Mothman’s eerie history with reports, documentaries, and memorabilia. Each September, the town hosts the annual Mothman Festival, drawing cryptid enthusiasts from around the world.
Bigfoot Discovery Museum – Felton, California
- Cryptid: Bigfoot
- Location: 5497 Highway 9, Felton, CA
- History: Tucked into Bigfoot territory in the Pacific Northwest, this museum features everything from plaster casts of alleged footprints to audio recordings of “Bigfoot howls.” Located amidst the dense redwoods, it’s a prime spot for Bigfoot believers to dive into the mystery.
The International Cryptozoology Museum – Portland, Maine
- Cryptid: Various
- Location: 4 Thompson’s Point Road, Portland, ME
- History: Founded by renowned cryptozoologist Loren Coleman, this is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to cryptids. With exhibits on creatures like Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Jersey Devil, this museum offers a scientific and historical perspective on cryptozoology and is a must-see for fans of the unknown.
Flatwoods Monster Museum – Sutton, West Virginia
- Cryptid: Flatwoods Monster
- Location: 208 Main Street, Sutton, WV
- History: In 1952, the town of Flatwoods reported sightings of a creature with a spade-shaped head and glowing eyes. The museum features eyewitness accounts, memorabilia, and even a life-sized model of the monster.
Hodag Museum – Rhinelander, Wisconsin
- Cryptid: Hodag
- Location: 450 W Kemp St, Rhinelander, WI
- History: The Hodag is a creature of local Wisconsin folklore with horns, spikes, and a reptilian tail. Though initially revealed as a hoax, the legend persists, and Rhinelander has embraced it with a museum, a statue, and an annual festival dedicated to the creature.
Lizard Man Statue – Bishopville, South Carolina
- Cryptid: Lizard Man
- Location: 2 North Main Street, Bishopville, SC
- History: In the 1980s, sightings of a 7-foot creature with green scales and red eyes terrorized the town of Bishopville. While the legend hasn’t been proven, the town celebrates the story with a Lizard Man statue, giving visitors a glimpse of local lore.
Jersey Devil Sites – Pine Barrens, New Jersey
- Cryptid: Jersey Devil
- Location: Pine Barrens, NJ
- History: The Jersey Devil is said to have the body of a kangaroo, wings, and a horse’s head. Alleged to be the cursed 13th child of Mother Leeds, this creature has haunted the Pine Barrens for centuries, and the region celebrates it with tours, festivals, and a variety of merchandise.
Additional Cryptid Attractions
Below are more must-visit locations, including attractions that capture the essence of cryptid lore across the country.
Alien Zone and International UFO Museum and Research Center
- Location: Roswell, New Mexico
- Cryptid: Aliens
- Highlight: Dedicated to the 1947 UFO incident, these locations feature alien exhibits, memorabilia, and research material on one of the most famous alleged extraterrestrial encounters.
UFO Watchtower
- Location: Hooper, Colorado
- Cryptid: Aliens
- Highlight: A unique spot for UFO sightings with an observatory and information on local extraterrestrial encounters.
Abita Mystery House (Bassigator)
- Location: Abita Springs, Louisiana
- Cryptid: Hybrid creature (Alligator-Bass)
- Highlight: A quirky museum with the famed “Bassigator” and other oddities, celebrating local lore and creativity.
Willow Creek – Bigfoot Capital of the World
- Location: Willow Creek, California
- Cryptid: Bigfoot
- Highlight: Known for frequent sightings and its dedication to Bigfoot research and culture, Willow Creek is a must for Bigfoot enthusiasts.
Espresso Chalet
- Location: Goldbar, Washington
- Cryptid: Bigfoot
- Highlight: This roadside café features Bigfoot-themed decor and souvenirs, surrounded by the dense forests where Bigfoot sightings are common.
Champ Sightings Billboard
- Location: Port Henry, New York
- Cryptid: Champ, Lake Champlain Monster
- Highlight: A billboard marking Champ’s habitat, offering visitors a great photo op and a chance to learn about this legendary lake monster.
The Buckhorn Museum
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Cryptid: Chupacabra
- Highlight: Features exhibits on the Chupacabra along with other Texas legends and creatures.
Loveland Castle
- Location: Loveland, Ohio
- Cryptid: Frog People
- Highlight: Known for local tales of mysterious frog people sightings, adding an element of cryptid mystery to this historic castle.
Governor’s Bridge
- Location: Bowie, Maryland
- Cryptid: Goatman
- Highlight: Linked to sightings of the Goatman, this eerie bridge has become synonymous with cryptid lore in the region.
Douglas and Dubois, Wyoming – Jackalope Country
- Location: Douglas and Dubois, WY
- Cryptid: Jackalope
- Highlight: Statues and attractions dedicated to the Jackalope, a horned rabbit from local folklore, provide photo ops and quirky souvenirs.
Camping in the Pine Barrens
- Location: Southern New Jersey
- Cryptid: Jersey Devil
- Highlight: For those brave enough, camping in the Pine Barrens offers an immersive experience into Jersey Devil territory.
Piasa Bird Mural
- Location: Alton, Illinois
- Cryptid: Piasa Bird
- Highlight: A massive mural depicting the Piasa Bird, a legendary creature based on Native American lore, on the cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
- Location: Ochopee, Florida
- Cryptid: Skunk Ape
- Highlight: A research center dedicated to Florida’s version of Bigfoot, offering exhibits and firsthand accounts of sightings in the Everglades.
Conclusion
Cryptid roadside attractions across America offer a unique blend of folklore, history, and mystery. These locations are more than just tourist stops—they’re celebrations of humanity’s fascination with the unknown. Whether you’re hoping to spot the Mothman, learn about Bigfoot, or simply take in the stories and artifacts, these attractions provide a thrilling journey into the world of the unexplained. So, gather your gear and head out on the ultimate cryptid road trip—you never know what you might find!
