The Thing is a roadside museum in Bowman, Arizona, about 160 miles west of Phoenix on Interstate 10
The Thing sits in the middle of the desert between Tucson and California, impossible to miss because of the hand-painted signs that start appearing 40 miles before you arrive. It is a small building filled with oddities, taxidermied animals, and objects of unclear origin or purpose. The main draw is a mummified two-headed calf that has been there since the 1950s, though the collection has grown to include shrunken heads, a jackalope, medical oddities, and various curiosities that the owner has accumulated over decades.
The Thing opened in 1950 and was originally called "The Thing" without explanation — the mystery was part of the marketing. The owner, a man named Chester McCartney, bought the mummified calf and built a roadside stop around it. The building and collection have changed hands several times since then, but the concept has remained the same: stop, pay admission, and see what's inside. It is one of the last surviving examples of the American roadside attraction boom of the 1950s and 1960s, when families on cross-country drives would pull off the highway for quirky museums and oddball exhibits.
Key Takeaways
- The Thing is located in Bowman, Arizona, on Interstate 10 between Tucson and the California border, marked by distinctive roadside signs starting 40 miles out.
- The main exhibit is a mummified two-headed calf that has been on display since the 1950s, surrounded by taxidermied animals, shrunken heads, and other curiosities.
- Admission costs a few dollars and takes about 15 to 30 minutes to walk through the entire collection.
- The Thing is open year-round, though hours vary seasonally and it closes occasionally for maintenance or weather.
- The roadside signs advertising The Thing are themselves part of the attraction and have become a cultural reference point for road trips across the Southwest.
What You'll See Inside
The collection is deliberately eclectic and makes no attempt to organize itself by theme or historical period. You walk through rooms filled with taxidermied animals in various states of preservation, medical specimens in jars, Native American artifacts, and objects labeled with handwritten signs that offer minimal explanation. The two-headed calf remains the centerpiece, displayed in a case that has become worn and yellowed from decades of viewing.
Beyond the main attraction, the museum includes a gift shop selling postcards, t-shirts, and small souvenirs. Many visitors buy postcards specifically to send to friends and family — the act of mailing a postcard from The Thing has become part of the roadside attraction ritual. The building itself is part of the experience: it is small, cluttered, and feels frozen in time, which is exactly what draws people who are interested in mid-century Americana or the history of roadside tourism.
Hours, Admission, and Practical Details
The Thing is open daily, though hours shift with the seasons. Winter hours (roughly November through February) are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while summer hours extend later. Admission is inexpensive — usually in the range of $2 to $5 for adults, with discounts for children. The exact price and hours can change, so calling ahead or checking the website before you visit is worth the effort if you are planning your route around a specific stop time.
The location is remote, so there are no nearby restaurants or services within walking distance. The nearest towns are Bowman itself (very small) and Willcox, Arizona, about 30 miles east. If you are driving Interstate 10 and need food or gas, plan to stop in Willcox before or after your visit to The Thing. The drive from Tucson takes roughly two hours; from Phoenix, it is closer to three hours.
Why The Thing Matters to Roadside Culture
The Thing is one of the few remaining examples of a specific era in American tourism: the roadside attraction designed to pull travelers off the highway with mystery and curiosity rather than practical need. The advertising campaign — those hand-painted signs that start appearing dozens of miles before you arrive — is itself a historical artifact. The signs use phrases like "What is The Thing?" and "See The Thing!" to create intrigue without revealing what you will actually see.
This approach to marketing was common in the 1950s and 1960s, when families took long road trips by car and roadside stops were a major form of entertainment. Most of these attractions have closed or been replaced by chain restaurants and hotels. The Thing has survived because it has remained small, independent, and committed to the original concept. For people interested in mid-century American culture, Route 66 history, or the evolution of tourism, The Thing is a genuine artifact rather than a recreation.
Planning Your Visit
If you are driving Interstate 10 between Tucson and California, The Thing is a straightforward detour. The exit is clearly marked, and the building is visible from the highway. Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes inside, depending on how much time you want to spend reading labels and taking photographs. The visit is quick enough that it does not significantly disrupt a road trip schedule.
Bring cash or a card for admission and any souvenirs you want to purchase. The building has restrooms, which is useful given the remote location. If you are traveling with children, be aware that some of the exhibits — particularly the shrunken heads and medical specimens — may be unsettling to younger visitors. The museum does not hide or soften its collection, so manage expectations accordingly.
Nearby Stops on Interstate 10
If you are already stopping at The Thing, you are in a region with other roadside attractions and historical sites worth considering. Willcox, about 30 miles east, has the Willcox Commercial Historic District and the Chiricahua National Monument, which offers hiking and scenic views. Dragoon, further east, is home to Cochise Stronghold and various Old West historical sites. West of The Thing toward California, the landscape becomes increasingly desert, with fewer developed stops until you reach the California border.
The region is also part of Arizona's mining and ranching history, so if you are interested in that era, the surrounding towns offer museums and historical markers. The Thing itself is not part of that history — it is a mid-century commercial creation — but it sits in a landscape full of genuine historical sites if you want to combine your roadside tourism with regional learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Thing actually worth stopping for?
That depends on what you enjoy. If you are interested in roadside attractions, mid-century Americana, or quirky museums, yes — it is a genuine artifact of that era and one of the few that still operates. If you are looking for educational content or high-quality exhibits, no. The value is in the experience of the place itself, not in what you learn.
How long does it take to see everything?
Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes inside. You can move through quickly if you just want to see the two-headed calf and leave, or spend longer if you read all the labels and take photographs. There is not enough content to occupy more than an hour.
Can I bring children?
Yes, but be aware that some exhibits — shrunken heads, medical specimens, taxidermied animals in various states of decay — may disturb younger children. Older children who enjoy oddities and curiosities typically find it interesting. There is no age restriction, so use your judgment about what your children can handle.
What if I am traveling at night or outside posted hours?
The building closes at night and during off-season hours. If you pass by outside those times, you cannot enter. Plan your route to arrive during operating hours, or check ahead by phone if you are uncertain about the schedule.
Is there anything to eat or drink nearby?
No food or drink is sold at The Thing itself. The nearest restaurants are in Willcox, about 30 miles away. Bring water and snacks if you are planning a stop, or plan to eat before or after your visit.