You'll Never Unsee The Horrors Of The Weirdest Museum In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 15, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Shrunken heads, lifelike dolls with eyes follow people wherever they go, weapons used by real serial killers… these aren’t just the stuff of books and movies. In fact, there one Arizona museum that has compiled quite an impressive collection of the most grotesquely fascinating items imaginable and has put it all on display for curious visitors to see. Take a peek inside and see if you’re brave enough to visit this house of horrors in person…
This building looks like any ordinary shop, but inside, it's harboring one of Tombstone's darkest secrets. Behind the doors of White Raven Trading Company is a collection of the most sinister, evil, and stomach-churning items you’ll ever lay eyes on.
Reminiscent of a twisted carnival, this brightly-colored sign is impossible to miss. It marks the entrance to a museum that’s so strange, you'll never unsee the oddities within.
Bat carcasses in mid-flight are guaranteed to make even those with cast-iron stomachs feel a bit queasy. The more you look at it, the more you half-expect those wings to start flapping away.
An entire case full of fossilized sea creatures is no less creepy. Squid, octopi, and even a seahorse have all been shockingly well-preserved, though manage to evoke an eerie vibe.
Animal skeletons aren't the only dead things you'll be strangely intrigued by; there are real shrunken heads and human skulls - many from ancient civilizations - on display. Don't stare into their eyes for too long, lest they curse you for all eternity.
Momentarily setting creepiness aside, several exhibits feature authentic historical artifacts that can't be found anywhere else. This very gun was used by Pancho Villa himself during a battle in Texas. It's definitely a little rusty, but the ivory grips haven't aged one bit.
Other noteworthy oddities include an actual scythe used by Ed Gein, as well as an array of paraphernalia from other infamous serial killers. There's even a collection of confiscated prison shanks!
Visit at your own risk, and don't be surprised if a very realistic doll is waiting at the front door to greet you. She may look sweet and innocent, but just wait until your back is turned...
White Raven Trading Company & Museum is located at 215 E. Allen St, Tombstone, AZ. It’s open every day except Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the shop’s website or Facebook page.
