Investigating at the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine
By Meg Brunson
My oldest daughter (age, twelve) is currently very interested in big foot, werewolves, and other mysterious and unknown animals. I learned that the study of these creatures is known as cryptozoology - and the world's only cryptozoology museum is located in Portland, Maine - so we HAD to make a trip!
We frequently visit a variety of museums and this museum was a unique for a few different reasons. First, it's largely one man's personal collection. But not just any man - one of the leading cryptozoologists in thw world: Loren Coleman. Coleman has been featured on a variety of tv shows and news segments - my daughter was familiar with him from a few of the shows she watches.
When we arrived, we parked easily in the parking lot, which does require you to pay at a self-serve machine. The museum shares an entrance with a restaurant, and you walk to the back of the building to enter the museum. The space itself is fairly narrow, and takes up two floors. The museum is best suited for older kids (eight and up) who are interested and able to read all the displays, accounts, and theories. There were not any interactive exhibits, so the younger kids were constantly being told not to touch things, and it made the visit a little tougher on them - they were ready to go long before the older kids.
Some of our favorite parts included the pop-culture references throughout the museum - from Yeti In My Spaghetti to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Everyone loved the drawings and "life-size" stuffed creatures. Plus, the kids definitely giggled over the poop displays!
It was certainly interesting to learn about the variety of mysterious creatures, sightings, and theories! If you or your children are interested in the unusual, then the International Cryptozoology Museum is a can't miss! Start planning your trip at http://cryptozoologymuseum.com/
Read about some of the other adventures we're having on our Year-Long Road Trip!
© 2019 Meg Brunson
All opinions expressed are my own. See more on Instagram!
Meg is a mommy blogger, Facebook marketer, and much more. She is a mom to four kids who live full-time in an RV exploring the US! As a former Facebook employee, Meg remains a Facebook addict and handles KidsOutAndAbout.com's Social Media Marketing in addition to providing freelance services for other small businesses on how to best leverage Facebook as a part of their marketing strategy. Meg also hosts the FamilyPreneur Podcast, a podcast for parent entrepreneurs raising entrepreneurial children. Learn more about Meg at MegBrunson.com!