The Thing in Southern Arizona Draws Travelers from Far and Wide
Bright yellow billboards advertise it for miles, from California to Texas. But what exactly is The Thing?
We aren’t telling—you have to see for yourself!
Formally called Bowlin’s The Thing, this mysterious attraction is located in Southern Arizona, just off Interstate 10 between Benson and Willcox.
Roadtrippers from all over make a pit stop to check out odd art, dusty old cars allegedly used by famous people, ancient artifacts and questionable pieces like a “piece of a mammoth’s front leg.” The piece de resistance, however, is the mysterious Thing. It’s encased in a cinderblock display, past all the other “exhibits.”
A former lawyer named Thomas Binkley Prince put The Thing on display in his curio shop in the late 60s or early 70s. Today, a portion of the money from the museum funds a scholarship at the University of Arizona College of Law.
At only $1 (75 cents if you’re under 19), The Thing is a perfect pit stop on a long haul road trip, or a cheap activity if you’ve got a day to kill.
The Thing is located 17 miles east of Benson (or 40 miles east of Tucson), just off I-10 Exit 322.
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