Look Out for These Six Mythical Monsters on Your Next Road Trip
Thought you were safe from mythical creatures and mystical monsters this summer just by planning a road trip and avoiding national parks? Think again! Yes, our Legends of the National Parks poster art collection showcases the dozens of mythical monsters and mystical beings said to inhabit the 63 American National Parks.
But are those the only places in the U.S. said to be home to spooky creatures and legendary monsters? Nope!
We conducted further research and immediately found evidence and local folk stories suggesting that numerous cryptids, monsters, and legendary beings roam across different U.S. states. So even if you’re arranging a road trip and weren’t planning on getting too far off the beaten path this summer, it would still be a good idea to be mindful of these six American mythical creatures!
Before we dive into these six creatures, check out the YouTube reel below, where we celebrate some of our favorite cryptids!
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for the Jersey Devil in New Jersey
Those who call New Jersey home will have almost certainly heard the tale of the Jersey Devil, an icon of the region’s folklore. Also referred to as the Leeds Devil, this beast is a legendary creature said to inhabit the Pine Barrens in South Jersey. (The Pine Barrens are the largest remaining example of an Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecosystem, stretching across more than seven counties of New Jersey.) This unique beast is said to have the face of a horse or a goat, the head shape of a dog, bat-like wings, goat-like horns, and a serpentine tail. The beast is said to be kangaroo-like in its movement and stance.
Otherwise, New Jersey travel sounds like a great idea! The state’s natural beauty is often underrated, and it is a hub for music, food, art, culture, and history. Quoting their travel bureau, “You could visit New Jersey over a thousand times and still miss out on amazing places to see and thrilling things to do. Far from a one-and-done destination, we wow with 130 miles of spectacularly soft shorelines. Beyond these beautiful beaches, our cities pulse with exciting entertainment and culinary pleasures. Parks and natural wonders invite exhilarating recreation—or complete relaxation. One-of-a-kind attractions keep visitors coming back for more. And history, art, and culture come to life at sites that can only be found here. No matter what your interests are, there’s a perfect vacation waiting for you in New Jersey.”
We’d like to take a trip to the Garden State, but if we do, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for the Jersey Devil.
Be Mindful of Alien Visitors at Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower has held deep cultural significance for centuries. Located in Wyoming, the first American national monument (designated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt), Devils Tower has been an important marker and a historic meeting ground for European-American settlers and numerous Native American tribes.
But there’s a more peculiar side to the stone monolith. Some have reported alien sightings at the towering rock spire! Soaring above the plains of northeastern Wyoming, the spire was used in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 film, “Close Encounters of a Third Kind.” But the idea of aliens making first contact at the monument isn’t just a fiction. Some have reported seeing strange, potentially extraterrestrial things there.
If it weren’t for that, the monument would be way less spooky. Quoting the National Park Service’s summary description of the monument, “Devils Tower rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, and features the world’s largest example of columnar jointing. The Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people. Hundreds of parallel cracks make it one of the finest crack climbing areas in North America. Devils Tower entices us to learn more, explore more, and define our place in the natural and cultural world.”
Watch Out for the Loveland Frog in Ohio
One of the most unusual stories of mythical creatures and monsters in America originated in Ohio. In local folklore, the Loveland Frog is a legendary amphibious creature that resembles a giant humanoid frog, standing roughly four feet tall when on its hind legs. The creature has allegedly been spotted multiple times in Loveland, Ohio. Although rumors of a local frogman had been circulating since the early 20th century, a 1972 incident involving an on-duty police officer’s sighting of the creature was certainly the most famous. This sighting furthered local interest in the beast. Sightings continued, with the most recent occurring in 2016.
If it weren’t for stories of an intrepid frog eliciting terror in residents, a road trip through the Buckeye State might be smooth sailing!
Beware the Lake Worth Monster in Texas
This story is especially creepy, given that this mythical monster is said to live in a nature preserve very near the bustling metropolis of Fort Worth. Sure enough, while many of the nation’s most famous spooky creatures and legendary beings are said to live in remote national parks, some creatures seem to make their homes in wilderness spaces not far from densely packed urban settings. Case in point, the Lake Worth Monster is a legendary creature said to inhabit Lake Worth and Greer Island at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, just outside Fort Worth! Eyewitnesses describe the creature as part man and part goat, with fur, scales, and clawed fingers.
Does the monster exist? Some say it goes by a different name, “Goatman” but we found an old newspaper clipping from residents who insisted they’d seen the beast. One thing is certain: we found no mention of the mythical monster on the Fort Worth tourism website, indicating that city officials are not keen on boasting about their local cryptid legend.
Keep a Lookout for the Rougarou in Louisiana
One of the most alarming aspects of mythical creatures and the legends that describe them is that some creatures appear in multiple cultures across the planet, despite those cultures having no known connection to explain the shared presence. Case in point, early French-Canadian explorers and trappers from the 17th century had their version of a werewolf legend called the Rougarou (this despite the more commonly known werewolf legend allegedly originating in Greece). This Louisiana beast is said to be part man, part wolf, and capable of shape-shifting at will (in contrast to many other werewolf and wolf-man legends, which typically only suggest shape-shifting during the full moon).
Otherwise, Louisiana is absolutely a worthwhile destination on this summer’s American road trip. According to Louisiana’s travel bureau, the state has much to offer: “Immerse yourself in our rich history and vibrant culture, from the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail and scenic state parks to diverse museums and outdoor adventures. Experience the state’s unique music, savor local flavors on the Culinary Trail and explore endless attractions like biking, fishing, and local libations.” No mention of the Rougarou…Hopefully, it’s just a myth!
No Matter What Happens, Believe in Yourself, Even if Nobody Else Does
Last but not least, of course, is Bigfoot. Yes, Bigfoot is associated with several national parks, but let’s be real, there have been thousands of Bigfoot sightings reported in nearly every state across the U.S., with PBS reporting at least 3,300 credible sightings!
Bigfoot’s advice, to believe in yourself, even if nobody else does, is particularly relevant here. Will you have a run-in with a mystical monster or mythical creature while on this summer’s road trip? Who knows. But you’ll never find out unless you believe in yourself and take the trip!
If you’re planning a road trip this year, our American Travel collection is our largest composition of vintage-styled poster art to date, with over 400 designs and counting. Use original travel art from this collection to commemorate your trip. If you want to decorate with something more on the spooky side, our Legends of the National Parks and Mythical Creatures Around the World collection has become our most popular artwork collection yet.
Stay safe out there, and if you see anything spooky, please take pictures!
-Ren Brabenec
Anderson Design Group Staff Writer
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