On our way home from a West Virginia road trip, we made a quick stop at the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant—and it turned out to be the perfect quirky, family-friendly place to stretch our legs. It’s right off the highway, easy to find, and makes a great pit stop if you’re into offbeat roadside attractions or just want something fun and low-cost along your route.
Is the Mothman Museum Worth It?
The Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, WV is a fun, quirky stop perfect for families with kids 6 and up. Expect a quick visit with a photo-worthy statue, a small museum, and a few themed shops nearby. Great for road-trippers looking for something offbeat and low-cost.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 400 Main St., Point Pleasant, WV |
| Museum Admission | $4.99 (ages 11+), $1.99 kids (under 10) |
| Hours | Mon–Thu 10–5, Fri–Sat 10–6, Sun 12–5 |
| Parking | along the street and parking lot across the street |
| Kid-Friendly? | Yes |
| Time Needed | 30 minutes to 1 hour (not including shops) |
What to Expect at the Mothman Museum
The Mothman Museum is a small, budget-friendly museum dedicated to the 1966 Mothman sightings and the tragic Silver Bridge collapse in 1967. Inside you’ll find newspaper clippings, police reports, and props from The Mothman Prophecies movie. It’s more folklore-meets-small-town-history than it is spooky.
How Crowded Is It?
When we visited, it was incredibly crowded—especially in the small store at the front of the museum. We made it inside the gift shop area but could barely move around, so we just browsed what we could and stepped back out. If you’re visiting with young kids or don’t like crowded, small places, try to opt for a weekday visit.
What If the Museum Is Too Crowded?
The museum itself is located in a separate back room behind the gift shop, so you can’t actually see inside the museum from the front of the store. Because we couldn’t see into the museum, we’re not sure if it was crowded too—but judging by how packed the shop was, it’s definitely possible.
If the small shop and entrance area feel overwhelming:
There’s a store right next to the museum that also has Mothman-themed stuff—and it was practically empty.
We wandered in, and it turned out to be larger, calmer, and had a lot of the same type of merchandise. My kids went crazy for the Mothman-themed pop (or soda, depending on where you’re from). If your crew needs a break from the crowds, definitely stop in the other stores on the street. You can still grab a fun souvenir and stretch your legs without feeling rushed or boxed in.
Inside the Mothman Museum: Exhibits & What’s There
While we didn’t get to walk through the museum ourselves due to how packed it was during our visit, I pulled together details from the museum’s official sources and visitor reviews so you know what to expect.
If you manage to beat the crowds and head inside, the museum offers:
- Rare newspaper clippings and eyewitness reports from the original 1966–1967 Mothman sightings
- Historical artifacts and photos from the Silver Bridge collapse
- Props and memorabilia from The Mothman Prophecies movie
- Life-sized Mothman replicas and photo ops
It’s a blend of quirky roadside fun and small-town folklore history.
Don’t Miss the Mothman Statue
Right outside the museum is the famous 12-foot stainless steel Mothman statue. This is free to see and always a hit with families. Even though the shop was packed, I managed to get a quick photo of the statue before others found it.
Honestly, it’s one of the most photogenic roadside oddities we’ve stopped at. If your kids are into legends, creatures, or just weird Americana—they’ll love it.
Is It Good for Kids?
Yes, especially older kids who are curious about legends and odd stories. It’s not scary—more like stepping into a local history exhibit. Most kids will enjoy the photo ops and fun atmosphere. Younger kids might not get the full story, but they’ll love seeing the big metal statue.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Ages 3–6: Will enjoy the statue and gift shop more than the museum itself
- Ages 7–12: Most will enjoy the legend, museum exhibits, and mini golf
- Teens: Escape room and movie memorabilia will likely appeal to this age group
Also, the entry fee is super budget-friendly, and the museum is small enough that it won’t eat up your whole day.
Other Mothman-Themed Attractions in Town
If you’re up for more Mothman fun, there are a few nearby extras worth checking out:
Mothman ’66 Escape Room – Step back into 1966 and help the fictional Water Panther Paranormal group rescue a fellow investigator. It’s a fully themed escape room experience with props and puzzles, designed for older kids, teens, and adults.
Mothman Blacklight Mini Golf – A 9-hole indoor blacklight mini golf course filled with murals, props, and animatronics themed around the Mothman sightings. It’s fun, and family-friendly.
Both are great options if the museum is crowded or if your family wants to stretch the stop into a full afternoon.
Where to Eat Nearby
We didn’t eat here ourselves, but after checking online reviews and Google Maps, a few local spots come up again and again as favorites among visitors:
- The Coffee Grinder – A cozy stop for coffee, food, and a mothman cookie, just a short walk away
- Village Inn Pizza – A local pizza joint that’s affordable and family-friendly. A great option if you want something quick and casual after exploring.
- Rio Bravo 2 – A casual Mexican restaurant located just a few minutes from the museum. Reviewers say the portions are generous and the food is kid-approved.
If you’re visiting during the festival, expect lines at all food spots, so it may help to pack snacks or plan an off-time meal.
If You Only Have 20 Minutes…
Tight on time? Here’s how to make the most of a super short visit:
- ✅ Snap a family photo at the Mothman statue
- ✅ Browse the museum gift shop (even if you don’t go into the museum itself)
- ✅ Pop into the quieter souvenir store next door
- ✅ Walk across the street to the riverfront for a quick view
It’s quick, fun, and makes a great break from the road.
Tips for Visiting the Mothman Museum
- Go early or on a weekday to avoid big crowds—weekends can be overwhelming.
- Bring cash if you’re visiting during the Mothman Festival (3rd weekend in September). Vendors and some activities may be cash-only.
- Check the store next door if the museum shop is too packed—it was a hidden gem for us.
- Plan 30 minutes to 1 hour for the museum, more if you’re doing all the shops or walking the nearby riverfront.
Mothman Festival (If You’re There in September)
Every third weekend in September, Point Pleasant hosts the Mothman Festival. It’s free to attend and family-friendly, with vendors, panels, live music, and a haunted hayride.
If you go during the festival, expect big crowds. If you want to do the museum, try going on Friday instead of Saturday or Sunday to beat the lines.
More Quirky Roadside Stops We’ve Loved
If weird and wonderful is your thing, here are a few other offbeat stops we’ve visited and loved:
- West Virginia Penitentiary – A spooky prison tour full of strange history.
- Meow Wolf in Denver, Las Vegas, or Santa Fe – Mind-bending art installations that kids and adults love.
- Unclaimed Baggage – An Alabama roadside store where you can buy lost airline luggage.
- Secret Beach in Oregon – Hard to find and beautiful.
They’re all budget-friendly, weird in the best way, and perfect for families who love doing things a little differently.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mothman Museum
Is the Mothman Museum worth visiting with kids?
Yes! Older kids will enjoy the quirky legend and the photo ops. Younger ones may not understand the backstory but will love the statue and gift shop.
How long does it take to go through the museum?
Most visitors spend about 30 to 60 minutes. It’s a fairly quick stop.
What else is there to do near the Mothman Museum?
Don’t miss the 12-foot statue outside, the quieter souvenir shop next door, the nearby riverfront, and attractions like the Mothman mini golf or escape room.
When is the Mothman Festival?
Every third weekend in September. It’s free to attend and has vendors, panels, live music, and activities for all ages.
Our Final Thoughts: Is the Mothman Museum Worth Visiting?
We didn’t get to experience the full museum, but we still had a blast. It’s quirky, unique, and one of those stops that your kids will remember and talk about later. Even if you just stop for a quick statue selfie and poke around the shops, it’s worth it.
Point Pleasant made for a fun, low-cost stop on our road trip—and the Mothman Museum added just the right amount of weird.
For more tips on fun family-friendly stops in West Virginia, check out our full West Virginia travel guide.
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About the Author
Melissa is the voice behind Hello Wanderlust Family — a Michigan-based travel blog that helps families find fun, affordable, and unforgettable adventures across the U.S. From road trips to quirky roadside stops like the Mothman Museum, she shares firsthand tips, gear guides, and honest reviews to make planning easier.