Who wouldn’t want to visit a place with a name like the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium? It is filled with creepy oddities, homemade exhibits and weird experiences, like the opportunity to have your photo taken getting an alien autopsy or viewing a dollhouse where one of the disturbing rooms has just had a bloody massacre. If that wasn’t enough, you can also eat a tasty Bug Eater’s Delight sundae.
It’s one of the most bizarre, but fun things to do in Portland.
Peter and I arrived at the peculiarium in the morning as the shop attendant was setting up, pulling eerie statues through the front of the doors. We couldn’t resist a few cheesy poses with these ghoulish guys as we waited for the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium to open its doors to the public waiting, which consisted of just me and my husband.
This museum, dedicated to learning and terror, is the brain child Conrad Talmadge Elwood who has traveled the globe searching for the freaky.
The bizarre items he found may make you question his sanity.
We entered the peculiarium and were struck by oddities in every direction. To the left was the museum section, where we started our visit, and to the right was a shopping section. So many things to do!
In the first room, questionable artwork hung on the walls, interesting statues lined the shelves and weird items were for sale, like a crocheted donut.
The Haunted Dollhouse would scare any seven year old, with it’s terror filled rooms. It kind of freaked me out, especially the massacre room with bloody body parts scattered about.
This was nothing like my childhood dollhouse. And I’m glad.
The second section got even creepier, if that was even possible. We strolled by a scorched armchair with severed feet in front, Al Capone’s “Real Safe” and an alien autopsy photo op.
Not a chance I would be passing that up:
The store section had everything from scorpion lollipops to zombie feet slippers to an emergency inflatable brain (do you know a few people who could use one of those?).
We perused the entire building saying “that’s freaky”. True to its name.
Not only is the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium bizarre (and free), but you can also order a Bug Eaters Delight sundae before leaving. It has two scoops of ice cream, caramel, chocolate ooze, an ant cookie and is sprinkled with real bug larva. If you dare to eat it your photo will make it onto the elite Insectatarian Club Hall of Fame. Look for my picture there.
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium | 2234 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210 | Map | WEBSITE
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
Related
Portland Bucket List: 55 Fun Things to Do in Oregon’s Top City
Weird Food Bucket List: 60 Strange Foods From Around the World
Visit the 611 Foot Multnomah Waterfall in Oregon
Tell a Love Story Through an International Rose Garden
Do a Liquor Tasting at a Portland Distillery
Why Portland’s Voodoo Doughnut is a Must Visit
One Bucket List Day in Ashland, Oregon: A Chill 12-Hour Itinerary
Thanks for the fun write-up! Glad you found our place entertaining. Come back any time!