Willow Creek China Flat Museum — Attraction in California

I have very fond memories of stopping by this museum with my mom and grandma on our way to Oregon. Perhaps it's because it was in the days before smart phones, and we literally mapped out our route from Sacramento to Brookings, OR and part of the surprise of road trips back then was taking wrong turns or accidentally stumbling across a big foot museum in the middle of nowhere. I googled this museum because we are planning a trip up to Humboldt and I want to stop by and see it again. For the people leaving 1 star reviews for this museum -- I'm not sure what you were expecting. We are talking about... Big foot. It's fun, mythical, touristy stop in the middle of NOWHERE California, deep in the woods. This is not a state or federally funded museum with curators and million dollar exhibitions. Also. It's big foot. Aside from the news stories, local legends, foot print impressions... There's not a lot of actual evidence to display. Lol. I could not in good conscience recommend that you drive hours and hours out of your way to visit this museum, as it's not big or elaborate enough to be the only reason for your visit to that area. However, I can absolutely tell you that if it's the same as it was 20 years ago, with the same type of people staffing this place, it was a brilliant and memorable experience. I still remember the enthusiasm and playful nature of the man that was working there that day. Very warm and friendly vibe. I was just a kid back then, maybe 18-19 years old and I remember thinking it was going to be scary and it wasn't. We drove past it at first and I remember my grandma wanted to turn around and go back to see the big foot museum, and I'm so glad we did because I remember it well all these years later. As long as you have reasonable expectations and aren't expecting a Universal Studios VR theme park ride... And you're understanding of the fact that you're stepping off the road for a little fun and nostalgia, I think this is a must do stop if you're...

A HUGE disappointment. Went completely out of our way to go to this place. We were really looking forward to it. They only reason to go is you are already there.

The reason this isn’t a one star rating is because it’s free. If I would have had to pay to get in I would have been really upset.

The “Bigfoot room” has a number of interesting reads BUT nothing is more recent than 1974. The rest of the museum could just go, it’s completely irrelevant to anything. Massive gift shop expansion is needed.

The place is a pending goldmine. The real museum is the bigfoot exhibits, everything but the flood history should go. The “historic bigfoot” room can stay but the next room over needs a serious bigfoot update. Updates daily!

The gift shop should be bringing in a million dollars a year easy. Shirt styles were lame and mostly out of stock. Other Bigfoot items were lacking. Really had to stretch to buy something. Gift shops in other towns had much better bigfoot selections.

The wife and I severely considered moving to Willow Creek and buying this place. If you’re in town and looking for a T-shirt, I recommend the dispensary...

No self respecting purveyor of curiosites can pass up on this place. I went in the summer of 2018 and the museum was open. Multiple reviewers have stated the museum wasn't open during their visit. I would suggest calling ahead. In my case, I was lucky enough to swing on by and walk right in. The museum is small, but offers plenty of factual history on Willow creek itself. There is a room in the back where the magic happens, and thats where you'll be met with the cryptozoological equivalent of the situation room. You don't have to be a believer to appreciate the passion that went into creating this exhibit. Overall, support this museum by paying a visit, getting some merchandise, and speaking to the friendly staff. Then go get a Bigfoot burger...