If you’re the kind of person that prefers the wackier side of life, Maine is definitely the right place for you! Between our fun restaurants and unique places to visit, you could spend every weekend exploring unique attractions and unexpected spots. There are plenty to choose from, but this museum in Portland has got to be one of the most interestingly strange places we’ve ever seen!
If you’re anything like us, you grew up hearing stories about Bigfoot roaming the nearby woods. It didn’t matter where you lived or whether there were even nearby woods, but the idea that a giant furry creature could come out and greet you was terrifying!
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If stories like these left you with a fascination for all things mythical, you’ll want to visit the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland.
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The official mission of the museum is to “educate, inform, and share cryptozoological evidence, artifacts, replicas, and popular cultural items with the general public, media, students, scholars, and cryptozoologists from around the world.”
International Cryptozoology Museum / Facebook
The term “Cryptozoology” refers to the study of unknown or hidden animals and this museum has dedicated itself to revealing these creatures and describing the background of how their stories came to be.
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In addition to creatures that only speculated to exist, cryptozoology also includes the study of animals that have only recently been discovered, such as the megamouth shark, and giant panda.
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Most people stop in their tracks as soon as they enter the door when face-to-face with Coelacanth, a large creature found in Africa in the 1930s. Believed to be the most photographed piece in the museum, this thing is huge! The 5.5-foot tall specimen is definitely worth a selfie.
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The museum features exhibits resulting from over 50 years of travel and field research. These trips have resulted in the collection of art from places these creatures are native as well as proof that these animals even exist.
International Cryptozoology Museum / Facebook
If you firmly believe there’s no such thing as Bigfoot, we encourage you to visit. The pieces, which include examples of actual animals, might just make you change your mind. They stories are compelling and, if nothing else, it’s fun to get lot in the idea that things like mermaids and the Yeti really exist!
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The museum’s director, Loren Coleman, started his collection in 2003 and moved it to a public location in 2009. They recently moved to Thompson’s Point, which means a visit to the museum also provides close proximity to restaurants and bars. We recommend making a day of it!
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The International Cryptozoology Museum is open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. They stay open for 30 minutes after the posted closing time if you’re already inside. Admission is $10 for adults 13 years and older, $5 for children 12 years and younger, and babies in arms or strollers are free. You can learn more about visiting by checking out the website or following them on Facebook. The museum can be reached at 207-518-9496.
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International Cryptozoology Museum / Facebook
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If you’ve visited the museum with kids be sure to plan some time to visit another nearby attraction! The new children’s museum located in Maine offers a great day for family fun.
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Address: International Cryptozoology Museum, 32 Resurgam Pl, Portland, ME 04102, USA
