The Mothman statue in Point Pleasant, West Virginia has become unexpectedly famous not just for commemorating a local legend, but for a specific anatomical feature that draws curious visitors from around the world. Photographers, cryptid enthusiasts, and travelers seeking quirky roadside attractions make a point of posing with the statue’s prominently sculpted rear end.
This guide explains what you need to know about visiting this unusual landmark, how to plan your stop in Point Pleasant, and what else the town offers beyond its famous statue.
Why Is the Mothman Statue Butt Famous?
The Mothman statue’s rear has gained internet fame because sculptor Bob Roach created an anatomically detailed, muscular figure with clearly defined glutes visible from the back. The polished stainless steel surface makes the statue’s posterior a popular photo opportunity, and the pose positions the creature in a crouch that emphasizes its physique from behind.
Where You’ll Find the Statue
The 12-foot-tall chrome Mothman statue stands at the corner of Main Street and 4th Street in downtown Point Pleasant, West Virginia, adjacent to the Mothman Museum. The statue sits in a small plaza area with benches and informational plaques about the Mothman legend.
Point Pleasant is located in western West Virginia along the Ohio River, approximately 40 miles northwest of Charleston and 90 miles east of Huntington. The town is easily accessible via US Route 35 and State Route 2.
Getting to Point Pleasant
Most visitors arrive by car, as public transportation options to Point Pleasant are limited. The nearest commercial airports are Yeager Airport in Charleston and Tri-State Airport near Huntington, both requiring roughly an hour’s drive to reach the town.
If you’re traveling along the Ohio River Scenic Byway or exploring Appalachian roadside attractions, Point Pleasant makes a natural stopping point. Parking is generally available along Main Street and in public lots near the downtown area, though availability may vary during the annual Mothman Festival in September.
Understanding the Mothman Legend
Between November 1966 and December 1967, residents of Point Pleasant reported sightings of a large, winged creature with glowing red eyes. The sightings gained national attention and were later connected in local folklore to the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge on December 15, 1967, which killed 46 people.
Author John Keel’s 1975 book “The Mothman Prophecies” popularized the legend nationally, and a 2002 film adaptation starring Richard Gere brought renewed interest. The town has since embraced Mothman as a cultural symbol and tourist draw.
Photographing the Statue
The statue is accessible 24 hours a day in an outdoor public space, so you can visit and photograph it at any time. The polished chrome surface reflects surroundings and creates interesting photographic effects, though it can also produce glare in direct sunlight.
Popular photo angles include standing behind the statue for a humorous perspective highlighting its muscular posterior, crouching beneath it to appear dwarfed by the creature, or capturing the full figure with the museum in the background. Early morning or late afternoon light tends to work best for reducing reflective glare on the metal surface.
Photo Etiquette
The statue sits in a shared public space where locals conduct daily business, so be mindful of pedestrian traffic and storefront access when setting up photos. The area can get crowded during festival weekends and peak tourism months from May through October.
While playful photos with the statue’s backside are common and generally accepted, remember you’re in a small town where residents have experienced real tragedy associated with the Mothman timeline. Balance your enthusiasm with respect for the community that calls Point Pleasant home.
The Mothman Museum
Located immediately next to the statue at 400 Main Street, the Mothman Museum houses exhibits about the 1966-67 sightings, the Silver Bridge collapse, local history, and Mothman’s place in popular culture. The museum typically opens daily, though hours may vary seasonally, so verify current schedules before planning your visit.
Admission fees are modest (under $5 per adult at recent check), and the museum is independently operated. Inside you’ll find newspaper clippings, witness accounts, props from the 2002 film, and various Mothman-themed artwork and memorabilia.
How Long to Spend
Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes in the museum and another 15-20 minutes photographing and examining the statue. If you’re a dedicated cryptozoology enthusiast or enjoy reading detailed historical accounts, you might allocate an hour or more inside the museum.
The combination of statue and museum makes for an easy 1-2 hour stop when traveling through the region. Budget additional time if you plan to explore other Point Pleasant attractions or grab a meal downtown.
Other Point Pleasant Attractions
Point Pleasant offers several other sites worth considering if you’re already in town. The Point Pleasant River Museum, located in a historic 1928 hardware building, documents regional river history and the Silver Bridge disaster with artifacts and photographs.
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park sits at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers and marks the site of the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant. The park features monuments, a mansion museum, and river views with picnic facilities.
West Virginia State Farm Museum
About three miles outside downtown, this 50-acre complex preserves 19th and early 20th-century rural Appalachian life with historic buildings, farm equipment, and seasonal demonstrations. The museum typically operates with limited hours and may close during winter months, so check availability in advance.
The Mothman Festival
Held annually on the third weekend of September, the Mothman Festival draws thousands of visitors for vendors, guest speakers, hayride tours, live music, and costume contests. If you want to experience Point Pleasant at its liveliest, this is the time, but expect crowds, limited parking, and the need to book accommodations well in advance.
If you prefer a quieter visit focused on the statue itself, plan your trip outside festival weekend and peak summer months.
Where to Eat in Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant is a small town with local diners, pizza shops, and regional chain restaurants rather than extensive dining options. Downtown establishments near the statue include casual American fare and sandwich shops convenient for a quick lunch.
For a meal with local character, ask residents for current recommendations, as small-town restaurants can change ownership or hours with little advance notice. Verify operating hours before counting on a specific establishment, especially on Sundays or holidays.
Practical Visitor Information
Point Pleasant experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters that can bring snow and ice. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for walking around downtown and photographing the statue without weather extremes.
The statue itself requires no admission fee, is wheelchair accessible at ground level, and can be viewed year-round regardless of weather. The museum has step access and may present challenges for visitors with mobility limitations; contact them directly about accessibility accommodations.
What to Bring
- Camera or smartphone for photos with the statue
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring downtown
- Sunglasses or polarizing filter to manage glare on the chrome surface
- Cash for museum admission and local shops that may not accept cards
- Weather-appropriate clothing based on season
Nearby Destinations to Combine
Point Pleasant’s location along the Ohio River makes it easy to combine with other West Virginia or Ohio attractions. The town sits approximately 40 miles from Charleston, West Virginia’s capital, which offers museums, dining, and the State Capitol building with its gold dome.
If you’re interested in cryptozoology or roadside Americana, consider planning a broader Appalachian road trip that might include the Mystery Hole near Ansted, West Virginia (about 75 miles south) or the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Flatwoods (roughly 90 miles east). These destinations share the quirky, legend-based appeal of the Mothman statue.
River-Focused Itineraries
The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs through Point Pleasant and connects multiple river towns with historical sites, parks, and scenic overlooks. If you enjoy river landscapes and small-town exploration, consider following the byway north toward Gallipolis, Ohio, or south toward Huntington.
Krodel Park, just outside Point Pleasant, offers riverfront access with a swimming pool, miniature golf, and picnic facilities during warmer months if you want to extend your visit with outdoor recreation.
Accommodations
Point Pleasant has a handful of budget-friendly chain motels along the main highway approaches to town. For more extensive lodging options, Charleston or Huntington provide wider selections including mid-range hotels and historic inns, though both require 45-60 minute drives.
During the Mothman Festival, book accommodations months in advance or consider staying in surrounding communities. Outside festival weekend, finding same-day lodging is usually possible, though calling ahead remains advisable given limited inventory.
Shopping for Mothman Souvenirs
The Mothman Museum gift shop stocks themed merchandise including t-shirts, mugs, books, patches, and collectibles featuring the creature and the statue. Several downtown shops also carry Mothman items, allowing you to support local businesses while finding memorabilia.
Prices for souvenirs range from a few dollars for stickers to $30 or more for apparel and specialty items. The unique nature of Mothman merchandise makes it distinct from generic roadside attraction goods you might find elsewhere.
Is the Trip Worth It?
Whether the Mothman statue justifies a dedicated trip depends on your interests and travel style. If you appreciate quirky Americana, cryptid lore, or unusual photo opportunities, the statue delivers a memorable experience that takes minimal time and costs nothing to view.
For travelers already passing through western West Virginia or southern Ohio, Point Pleasant makes an easy detour that adds personality to a longer journey. The statue and museum together provide context that makes the stop more substantial than a simple roadside photo opportunity.
Who Will Enjoy This Most
The Mothman statue appeals particularly to road trippers seeking offbeat destinations, fans of cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena, photographers hunting for unusual subjects, and families looking for a quick, budget-friendly attraction. The humor of the statue’s famous posterior gives the visit a lighthearted quality that works well for groups with varied interests.
If you prefer conventional tourist attractions, major museums, or natural wonders, Point Pleasant may feel too niche or small-town. Set realistic expectations: this is a 12-foot statue in a small Appalachian river town, not a theme park or extensive attraction complex.
Before You Visit
Verify current museum hours, festival dates, and any downtown events that might affect parking or access through the Point Pleasant visitor information sources or the Mothman Museum’s official channels. While the statue itself is always viewable, coordinating with museum hours enhances the overall experience.
Check weather forecasts if you’re visiting during winter months, as icy conditions can make driving and walking more challenging in this hilly region. Summer humidity can be intense, so plan statue photography for morning or evening if possible.
Planning Your Visit
The Mothman statue’s famous posterior has become an unlikely but enduring attraction that draws visitors to Point Pleasant year-round. Combine the statue photo opportunity with the museum, local dining, and riverfront exploration for a satisfying stop that captures small-town Appalachian character alongside internet-famous roadside oddity.
Start by confirming current Mothman Museum hours and any special events through official Point Pleasant tourism resources before you travel.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Point Pleasant and appreciate this unique attraction. Explore more helpful Tourist Destination articles to discover other interesting places to visit on your travels.