Flatwoods Monster Museum — Life Downstream

West Virginia seems to attract cryptids (a.k.a. mythical creatures whose existence or survival is disputed, unsubstantiated, and/or controversial). It is famous for a number of them, including the Mothman, Mamie Thurman, and the Flatwoods Monster (a.k.a. Braxxie or the Green Monster). The Flatwoods Monster is celebrated in its Braxton County home at the Flatwoods Monster Museum on Main Street in Sutton.

The most recent reported sighting was on September 12, 1952 and, while it just seems like an interesting piece of trivia now, History.com explains how this mythical creature terrified the residents of Flatwoods and the surrounding Braxton County communities for over six decades.

The Flatwoods Monster Museum presents a collection of artifacts and pop-culture interpretations of the monster’s likeness. They have also amassed all kinds of media that has focused on the Monster, including a How it’s Made segment about making novelty ceramic lanterns (yes, I bought one at the museum).

The museum is about a five-minute drive off I-79 (WV Exit 62) and worth a brief stop to learn more about this unique bit of West Virginia folklore in an adorable small-town setting.