After my recent trip to Sutton, I realized I have never dedicated an entire blog post to the WV Bigfoot Museum! Sure, I've shared photos on my social media platforms and mentioned going there a few times, but I never gave this awesome spot the attention it deserves. So, today I'll hopefully remedy that.
In regards to the other popular museums throughout WV dedicated to the fringe sciences (The Mothman Museum, The Archive of the Afterlife, and the Flatwoods Monster Museum), The West Virginia Bigfoot Museum is fairly new to the scene. However, it's been awesome seeing how quickly they've grown and become another great resource for those interested in exploring and learning about WV's unique (and sometimes spooky!) history.
Back in 2019, Louis and Laurel Petolicchio opened up the Mountain Laurel Country Store, located at 400 4th St. in downtown Sutton. The building dates back to 1900 and was built by William Hampton (W.H.) Lee and was used as the home of the W.H. Lee Wholesale and Retail Hardware and Furniture Company. The shop is a cozy, welcoming space filled with one of a kind, handmade gifts and crafts from local artisans. There's jewelry, toys, books, home goods, indoor and outdoor decor, soaps and munchies, and so, so much more. Recently, they've also added a little on-site cafe, Main Street Coffee, serving up coffee, sandwiches, and lots of different goodies. It's an ideal spot for picking up unique gift items and supporting local business/local artisans, as well as just being a wonderful addition to Sutton's growing revitalized downtown. But, within two years, it would become so much more.
A local woodcarver who sold pieces through consignment at the shop brought in a HUGE 6 foot, 300lb carving made from a solid block of hemlock. The carving was of a Bigfoot. The Stone Man, the Yahoo, Sasquatch---he goes by many names, but the hairy man of the woods has long been sighted throughout West Virginia, with plenty of reports coming from right in the area around Sutton! Locals and visitors alike visiting the store would see this beautiful wood carving of a Bigfoot, and it would spark their own stories and sightings. Now, not only was the Mountain Laurel Country Store a gift shop, but it was quickly becoming a repository for Bigfoot reports!
That seemed to suit Louis and his son, David, just fine, as both had an interest in the phenomenon. Around the same time, researcher and investigator, Les O'Dell of WV Cryptids and Strange Encounters was needing a spot to showcase his personal collection of plaster casts of Bigfoot tracks found in the state, as well as his massive collection of reports, spanning back decades. At the same time, more and more reports, including RECENT reports, of Bigfoot activity from the Sutton area were coming to light...and thus, the idea for the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum was born.
Opening officially in May of 2021, the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum's GRAND OPENING would wait until July to coincide with the First Annual WV Bigfoot Festival! The event was a huge success, and has become an annual event, featuring awesome speakers and vendors showcasing all sorts of Squatchy goodness. But, you don't have to wait for the festival or any of the other Bigfoot-related events happening in Sutton---the museum is open year round!
And, it's definitely a cool spot to check out, whether you're a complete skeptic or whether you relish in the idea of an unknown primate lurking about. The collection focuses on West Virginia sightings, reports, and evidence, but a general overview of the Bigfoot phenomenon is displayed. You'll find information on famous cases, such as the Patterson-Gimlin footage, as well as information on Bigfoot's cold weather cousin, the Yeti. It's a neat space filled with Bigfoot artwork (including some new wall murals featuring hidden Bigfoots), plaster casts, and photographs. There's also a HUGE gift shop featuring books, T-shirts, jewelry, home decor, and every manner of Bigfoot novelty you can think of.
Unfortunately, Louis passed away in 2022, but through the rest of the family and support from the community, the WV Bigfoot Museum is still going strong with plans for new exhibits and upcoming events. I cannot recommend this little gem of a museum enough, and even though I've been there a handful of times now, the warm, welcoming atmosphere and hospitality from the owners never changes. They truly want to make sure you enjoy yourself and feel right at home. And, I always happen to see or notice something new, whether in the museum itself, or the gift shop. Definitely add it to your itinerary if you're coming through the area!
Know Before You Go:
This museum is completely FREE to visit and is family-friendly! If you'd like to help support their continued work in the preservation of Bigfoot memorabilia and the education of this fascinating subject, they do accept donations. There is also an extensive gift shop with really cool souvenirs in all price-ranges.
The WV Bigfoot Museum is open year-round. Their current hours are:
Wednesday-Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm
(Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)
WV Bigfoot Festival FaceBook (June 23-24, 2023)
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