Ready for a fun outing that’ll raise the fur on Fido’s neck? Whether you’re interested in history, folklore, mystery or eerie pop culture, museums in small towns and big cities across the U.S. are dedicated to telling stories that just might plague your dreams at night. From haunted buildings and paranormal exhibits to collections of oddities and curious relics, these creepy museums offer unique experiences for furry thrill-seekers.
Creepy Museums to Visit With Fido
Posted by Lauren Barker
Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery Monster Museum
As if the town of Salem, MA didn’t have enough haunted history, Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery Monster Museum adds a spine-chilling cherry on top. Bring Fido along to view over 60 life-size realistic wax reproductions of classic horror movie characters created by Hollywood special effects artists. Take your pup’s pic with Michael Myers, Reverend Henry Kane from Poltergeist and the original Pennywise the Clown. After your tour, stop by the gift shop to purchase creepy swag to remember your visit. Tickets should be purchased in advance, especially during October.
While you’re in town, bring your small pup to The Witch House at Salem and take a Ghost Tour. Then, if you’re able to fall asleep, rest up at The Salem Inn.
Mothman Museum
The 2002 film, Mothman Prophecies, starring Richard Gere and Laura Linney was loosely based on events that transpired in the small town of Point Pleasant, WV in the late 1960s. Today, the Mothman Museum highlights some of those events along with props from the movie. As you and your pup stroll through the museum, you can read newspaper clippings about Mothman sightings, watch videos from the Silver Bridge disaster that claimed 46 lives, and snap photos with creepy replicas of the creature. Fido can also have his picture taken with the large Mothman statue outside and shop for unique gifts in the museum store and at the neighboring Point Pleasant Trading Company.
Don’t be alarmed if you dream of red eyes in the dark during your stay with Fido just across the Silver Memorial Bridge at Hampton Inn Gallipolis.
Museum of the Bizarre
Just because something is bizarre doesn’t necessarily mean it’s creepy, but at the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington, NC, the two terms go hand-in-hand. During your visit with Fido, you’ll see oddities like the Crystal Skull of Knowledge, a chupacabra hand, Alexander Hamilton's hair, Bigfoot's imprint, Houdini's Ouija board and a variety of strange movie props like the Annabelle doll or Mr. Pinhead from Hellraiser. You can even take your curious pooch in the mirror maze or through the laser escape room.
Make sure Fido keeps his paws off Houdini’s Quija board and avoids bringing any unwanted guests back to your room at Front Street Suites.
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
If you and your pooch are on the hunt for all things freaky but true, The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum in Portland, OR has you covered. Established in 1967, this one-of-a-kind museum and art gallery is home to interactive exhibits for all six senses. You’ll find plenty of fun photo opportunities, giant monsters and creepy scenes keeping Portland weird. If you’re feeling hungry during your visit, grab a bite from The Snackery and then shop for off-the-wall souvenirs like books, candles, t-shirts and art in the gift shop.
Take your finds back to your room at Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Pearl District.
The Sasquatch Outpost
Do you believe? After Fido visits The Sasquatch Outpost in Bailey, CO he certainly will. This museum of all things Bigfoot is a must-see. Small dogs that can be carried are welcome to tour the museum to see footage, figurines and evidence, and read about encounters with the mysterious creature. The museum store also boasts the largest selection of Sasquatch souvenirs anywhere in the Western U.S. including a bandana for Fido, and a huge variety of camping supplies and gear to get your squatching adventure started!
Before you and your four-legged ‘squatch hunter head out on your own search, rest up at nearby Bailey Lodge.
Flatwoods Monster Museum
Two hours west of Point Pleasant, where the Mothman mystery is still unsolved, another mythical creature haunts The Mountaineer State. Bring Fido to the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton, where you can both learn about the mysterious creature reported to have crash-landed in the town in 1952. Just let the owners know you’re bringing your pup inside so they can put the resident cat in the back. Then, browse through the exhibitions which include collections of artifacts, historic items, memorabilia, books, and more, and snag some merch of the monster known as “Braxie” while you’re there. After your visit, stop by the five Flatwoods Monster chairs in town and take Fido’s picture. Photograph all five chairs and the visitor’s bureau will give you a “Free Braxie” sticker.
If you’re willing to spook yourself out, take Fido camping in the woods at Gerald Freeman Camp Campground and tell stories of the Flatwoods Monster around the campfire.
Eyegore's Curiosities and Monster Museum
Have you always wanted to see a baby alien from Roswell? How about an authentic Frankenstein skeleton? Or human brains? You’ll find all three and more at Eyegore’s Curiosities and Moster Museum. Leashed pups are welcome to join you as you tour this collection of oddities and ancient relics or embark on an exciting museum scavenger hunt. Exhibits are frequently changing, so you never know what you might find. Be sure to visit the gift shop to take home some peculiar finds, like Bigfoot’s teeth, for yourself. The museum is located right next to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, a quirky roadside attraction in Cawker City.
If you’ve had all the weird and creepy you can handle for the day, head to Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites in nearby Russell.
The Troll Hole Museum
While you may not find Treasure Trolls from the 90s or the Dreamworks Trolls movie to be creepy, the history and folklore at The Troll Hole Museum might haunt Fido’s dreams at night. Not to mention, the building housing the museum has been known to give the owners and visitors some scares with orbs on video, footsteps, voices and troll dolls moving around. This unique museum in Alliance, OH is in the “Guinness Book of World Records” for having the largest troll doll collection. Bring your pooch in to see for yourself and grab a cup of Grumpy Troll Coffee and shop the gift shop while you’re there.
You won’t have to cross any troll-guarded bridges to get to your dog-friendly room at Hampton Inn & Suites Alliance.