Rogue_Trippers visited the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton, California. #Roguetrippers
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Bigfoot Discovery Museum

4.3
·363 reviews·Felton, United States

A quirky museum dedicated to Bigfoot, featuring eyewitness accounts, artifacts, and pop culture history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal time

CrowdLow
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Rogue_Trippers visited the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton, California. #Roguetrippers

Bigfoot Discovery Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A quirky museum dedicated to Bigfoot, featuring eyewitness accounts, artifacts, and pop culture history.

4.3
(363 reviews)

"One of the best experiences for a bigfoot enthusiast. Lots of information, sightings, photos, videos, etc!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Chat with the Curator! 🗣️

Michael, the curator, is a wealth of knowledge and has a fascinating personal story. Don't miss the chance to talk with him!

Plan for Felton's Charm 🌲

The museum is small but worth the drive. Explore the cool little town of Felton and its beautiful redwoods.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Curator's Personal Collection

Curator's Personal Collection

Main Exhibit Hall

See a vast array of Bigfoot ephemera, from footprint casts to pop culture items, gathered by a lifelong eyewitness.

Original Artwork & Artifacts

Original Artwork & Artifacts

Gallery Walls

Admire unique artwork and intriguing artifacts related to Bigfoot sightings and lore.

Interactive Displays

Interactive Displays

Throughout the Museum

Engage with charts, maps, and videos that detail Bigfoot sightings and evidence.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Bigfoot Hunters

While the museum is open year-round, consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully immerse yourself in the exhibits. Weekday mornings are often less crowded, allowing for more personal interaction with the displays and the curator. Check their website for any special events or guest speakers that might enhance your visit.

Support a Passion Project

The Bigfoot Discovery Museum is a labor of love, often relying on donations to stay open. Be prepared to contribute generously to support the curator's lifelong dedication to Bigfoot research and the preservation of this unique attraction. Your visit directly helps keep the legend alive.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal time
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Experience the buzz of fellow enthusiasts
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Trump got me! #bigfoot#ai#Vlog
@vloggerboys8
681.6K likes • 4.5M views

Chat with the Curator! 🗣️

Michael, the curator, is a wealth of knowledge and has a fascinating personal story. Don't miss the chance to talk with him! InstagramReddit

Plan for Felton's Charm 🌲

The museum is small but worth the drive. Explore the cool little town of Felton and its beautiful redwoods. Reddit

Downzy is freaky 😟 #bigfoot #vlogs #yeti #bigfootvlog
@biggfootdaily
391.1K likes • 4.8M views
Come with me, a real life sasquatch, to tour the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton CA! #sasquatch #bigfoot #cryptid #felton #california #cali #bayarea #santacruz #horror #spookyseason #museum #roadside #travel #traveling #roadtrip
tice.tomes
10 likes • 437 views

Donate Generously 🙏

This museum is a passion project. Your donations help keep the Bigfoot legend alive! Reddit

Photo Ops Galore! 📸

Plenty of great opportunities to capture unique photos of the exhibits and the museum's quirky charm. Reddit

🦶The Bigfoot Museum in Santa Cruz, California, is a quirky and intriguing destination for enthusiasts of the elusive creature. Here are some facts about the museum: 🌲 Exhibits: The museum features a variety of exhibits related to Bigfoot, including alleged footprints, castings, and photos. It also showcases historical accounts and evidence from purported Bigfoot sightings. 👣 Educational Focus:...
thescenicwayy
19 likes • 715 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Chat with the Curator! 🗣️

Michael, the curator, is a wealth of knowledge and has a fascinating personal story. Don't miss the chance to talk with him! InstagramReddit

Plan for Felton's Charm 🌲

The museum is small but worth the drive. Explore the cool little town of Felton and its beautiful redwoods. Reddit

Donate Generously 🙏

This museum is a passion project. Your donations help keep the Bigfoot legend alive! Reddit

Photo Ops Galore! 📸

Plenty of great opportunities to capture unique photos of the exhibits and the museum's quirky charm. Reddit

Embrace the Mystery 🕵️

Go in with an open mind and enjoy the journey into the world of cryptids and folklore. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(363 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bigfoot Discovery Museum for its extensive collection of Bigfoot ephemera, curated with passion by eyewitness Michael Rugg. Many highlight the opportunity to interact with the knowledgeable curator and appreciate the unique artifacts and pop culture displays. While some note its small size, most agree it's a worthwhile destination for enthusiasts, especially when combined with the charm of Felton and the surrounding redwoods.

"As true believers we were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the Bigfoot Discovery museum. An in-depth, extensive and rich curated collection of Bigfoot ephemera gathered by a real Bigfoot eye witness! From castings to pop culture items, charts, maps, and videos. We loved it so much. Please visit and donate generously!"

Darlene Aaron

"Wonderful original art, information, and footprint casts. I loved it. Small but worth the drive. Plan to stay in Felton for a few hours. It’s a cool little town with friendly people and beautiful redwoods."

Molly Ireland

"One of the best experiences for a bigfoot enthusiast. Lots of information, sightings, photos, videos, etc! Could spend hours reading and looking through everything! Great photo opportunities! Mike is great to talk to and hear his story!"

Landrie Gainey

What People Like

Extensive collection of artifacts
Passionate and knowledgeable curator
Unique pop culture displays

What People Dislike

Small size of the museum

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bigfoot Discovery Museum is located in Felton, California, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It's accessible by car, and many visitors find it a scenic drive through Highway 9. Parking is available nearby, though it can be limited during peak times. Instagram+1

Yes, the museum is located in Felton, which is a short drive from the city of Santa Cruz. It's a popular stop for those exploring the Santa Cruz County area. Instagram+1

Driving is the most common method. If you're coming from further afield, you might fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC) and then rent a car for the approximately 1-hour drive to Felton. TikTok

Public transportation options directly to Felton can be limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for the best experience exploring the area around the museum. Instagram

The drive along Highway 9 can be winding and scenic, typical of mountain roads. Be prepared for slower speeds and enjoy the redwood forest scenery. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees can vary, and it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most current pricing. Donations are also highly encouraged to support the museum's operations. Reddit

Operating hours can change, especially seasonally. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit. Instagram

Typically, advance booking isn't required for general admission, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially if you plan to visit during a special event or holiday. Reddit

The museum is a smaller, independent establishment. While efforts are made to accommodate visitors, it's advisable to contact them directly if you have specific accessibility concerns. Instagram

Holiday hours can differ. It's crucial to verify their schedule directly with the museum before planning a visit on a public holiday. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a curated collection of Bigfoot ephemera, including alleged footprint casts, photos, videos, historical accounts, and pop culture memorabilia. It's a deep dive into the lore. InstagramReddit

While the museum is relatively small, enthusiasts can easily spend a couple of hours poring over the detailed exhibits and chatting with the curator. Plan for at least 1-2 hours. Reddit

The museum can be fascinating for older children interested in mysteries and folklore. However, the content is geared more towards adults and enthusiasts of cryptids. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always polite to ask the curator if you plan on extensive shooting or using flash. Reddit

It's renowned for its extensive collection of Bigfoot-related artifacts and memorabilia, curated by a lifelong eyewitness, making it a significant stop for enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically offer food services. However, the charming town of Felton has several local eateries and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite. Reddit

Felton offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to local pubs. You can find places serving everything from sandwiches to more substantial meals. Reddit

It's generally best to consume outside food and drinks before or after your visit to maintain the integrity of the exhibits. Check with the museum staff if you have specific needs. Reddit

Felton and the surrounding Santa Cruz area are known for their farm-to-table options and local produce. Exploring the nearby towns can lead to delightful culinary discoveries. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy the casual atmosphere of Felton's local cafes for a quick and satisfying meal after their museum visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The museum offers unique photo opportunities with its various footprint casts, quirky displays, and the chance to capture the essence of Bigfoot lore. The exterior also provides a distinctive backdrop. Reddit

Selfies are generally permitted, but be mindful of other visitors and the delicate nature of some exhibits. Always ask if unsure. Reddit

The various footprint casts and the museum's entrance often make for popular photo spots. The curator himself can also be a great subject if he's open to it! InstagramReddit

Lighting can vary within the museum. Some areas might be dimly lit to preserve artifacts, while others are brighter. Be prepared to adjust your camera settings accordingly. Reddit

A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the highlights. If you're a photography enthusiast, a DSLR or mirrorless camera can offer more flexibility, but be respectful of the space. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Bigfoot Discovery Museum is a unique experience, it's best suited for families with older children or teens who have a genuine interest in cryptids and mysteries. The exhibits are detailed and focus on evidence and lore, which might be less engaging for very young children. TikTok Consider it as a stop for families who enjoy quirky roadside attractions and are looking for something a bit different. The surrounding redwood forests offer more universally appealing natural activities for younger kids. Instagram+1

🕵️ Cryptid Enthusiasts & Believers

This museum is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by Bigfoot and other cryptids. You'll find a wealth of information, from alleged footprint casts to historical accounts and pop culture references. InstagramReddit The curator, Michael Rugg, is a key draw, offering personal insights and a deep passion for the subject. InstagramReddit Be prepared to spend time absorbing the details and perhaps engage in lively discussions about the evidence. Your generous donations are crucial for keeping this unique institution alive. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

The Bigfoot Discovery Museum makes for an excellent and memorable stop on a California road trip, especially if you're exploring the Santa Cruz area. Instagram+1 It's a classic roadside attraction that offers a unique break from typical tourist spots. Combine your visit with exploring the charming town of Felton and the breathtaking redwood forests nearby for a full day of adventure. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Man Behind the Museum: Michael Rugg

The Bigfoot Discovery Museum is largely the creation of Michael Rugg, a dedicated Bigfoot enthusiast and eyewitness. His personal experiences and lifelong pursuit of evidence have shaped the museum into a unique repository of Bigfoot lore. InstagramReddit Visitors often highlight Rugg's passion and willingness to share his story, making interactions with him a memorable part of the experience. He has meticulously gathered a diverse collection, ranging from alleged footprint casts and photographs to popular culture items and historical accounts, all stemming from his deep connection to the subject. Reddit

This dedication is what saved the museum from closing during challenging times. A GoFundMe campaign, supported by a strong community of Bigfoot believers, helped raise funds to keep the doors open, underscoring the profound impact the museum and Rugg have on their visitors. InstagramReddit Visiting the museum isn't just about seeing exhibits; it's about connecting with a personal quest and supporting a passionate individual's dream. Instagram

Bigfoot in Pop Culture and Lore

The Bigfoot Discovery Museum delves into more than just alleged sightings; it explores the broader cultural impact of the Sasquatch legend. Exhibits often showcase how Bigfoot has permeated movies, books, art, and general folklore, reflecting its status as a modern myth. TikTokInstagram From the iconic Patterson-Gimlin film to contemporary interpretations, the museum provides context for why this elusive creature continues to capture the public imagination. TikTok

This exploration of Bigfoot in pop culture offers a fascinating contrast to the more scientific or evidence-based displays. It highlights how the idea of Bigfoot has evolved and been adapted across different media, making the museum a comprehensive look at the phenomenon. Instagram Visitors can see how the legend has been shaped and reshaped, offering a unique perspective on cryptozoology and its place in society. TikTok

Exploring Felton and the Redwoods

The Bigfoot Discovery Museum is situated in the charming town of Felton, California, a gateway to the majestic redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The museum itself is a small but significant attraction, but the surrounding area offers a wealth of natural beauty and local character. Instagram+1 Visitors often recommend spending extra time in Felton to explore its unique shops, cafes, and the stunning natural landscapes that define the region. Reddit

The proximity to the redwoods means that a visit to the museum can easily be combined with a hike or a scenic drive through towering trees. This combination of quirky roadside attraction and natural wonder makes for a memorable day trip. Instagram+1 The area provides a perfect backdrop for the Bigfoot theme, adding to the overall mystique and adventure of the visit. TikTok

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