This iconic desert roadside oddity has lured curious travelers for decades with its famous yellow billboards. Inside the quirky museum, you will find bizarre historical memorabilia, vintage vehicles, and a wild sci-fi narrative leading to the mysterious 'mummified' creature itself.
- Admission
- $5 per person, $10 for families
- Hours
- Open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Parking
- Large, free paved parking lot accommodating cars, RVs, and trucks
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible throughout the gift shop and museum exhibits
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For decades, travelers driving along Interstate 10 in Arizona have been lured by dozens of yellow billboards asking, "What is 'The Thing'?" This classic roadside oddity, originally created by Thomas Binkley Prince in the 1950s, has transitioned from a simple curiosity shop into an elaborate, alien-themed museum experience.
Visitors pay a small admission fee to walk through a series of exhibits housing an eclectic mix of historical artifacts, bizarre woodcarvings, vintage vehicles, and conspiracy-themed displays detailing an alternate history of aliens and dinosaurs. The self-guided tour culminates in the reveal of the titular "Thing," a mysterious, mummified object housed in a glass-topped coffin.
While modern renovations have added a glossy, extraterrestrial-themed gift shop and travel center, the attraction retains its delightfully campy, mid-century charm. It stands as a testament to the golden age of American road trips, offering a bizarre and memorable break from the desert highway.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Look out for the iconic yellow billboards along I-10 starting miles before the exit to build up the classic road trip anticipation.
- ◆ Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to walk through the museum exhibits and view the main attraction at a leisurely pace.
- ◆ The attraction is attached to a large travel center, making it a convenient stop for fuel, snacks, and clean restrooms.
- ◆ Don't forget to browse the extensive gift shop, which is packed with quirky desert souvenirs, kitschy alien merchandise, and local treats.
Heads Up
- ◆ The identity and authenticity of "The Thing" itself are highly debated, so manage your expectations; it is meant to be campy fun rather than a scientific exhibit.
- ◆ Summer temperatures in the desert can be extreme, and while the main store is air-conditioned, parts of the exhibit pathway can still feel warm.
Common questions
What actually is The Thing in the exhibit?
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a mummified body, widely believed to be a mid-20th-century creation by novelty maker Homer Tate, displayed in a glass-topped coffin. The surrounding museum frames this object within a fictional, sci-fi storyline involving aliens and dinosaurs.
Can you take photos inside The Thing museum?
Yes, photography and video recording are fully permitted throughout the entire exhibit, including the final viewing area of the mummy. There are no restrictions or extra fees for taking pictures.
Is The Thing roadside attraction wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entire self-guided exhibit is wheelchair accessible, featuring flat, concrete pathways and ramps through the indoor displays. The entrance is located inside the main Bowlin Travel Center building, which also has accessible restrooms.