Bigfoot Discovery Museum

Located adjecent to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park just outside the city of Santa Cruz is the Bigfoot Discovery Museum, a small collection open and free to the public on the subject and sightings of Bigfoot. Opened in 2006 with a goal of educating the public on the probability of Bigfoot, as well as its habits and place in the natural world, the museum contains a varied and interesting collection ranging from the scientific and narrative history to novelties, toys, and entertainment media referencing the creature.

Northern California is one of the most dense concentrations of Bigfoot sightings and encounters in the world. It turns out the Pacific Coast Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, is the species believed to be native to the area, and the museum has maps on display showing where sightings of Bigfoot or its tracks have occurred throughout the area.

Plaster casts of bones and footprints are on display, allowing visitors to compare the size of Bigfoot tracks to that of their own feet. An extensive media collection is housed here, with museum members able to check out books. 

Though small, the Bigfoot Discovery Museum is a very interesting stop for those in the area. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. A small gift shop offers postcards, hats, and stickers. My personal suggestion would be to strike up a conversation with the person working. They tend amaze me with their stories, knowledge, and experience in the subject of Bigfoot and the narrative and educational trends surrounding it. Museum hours are Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) 11am-6pm. More information can be found here.