a folk art fever dream, 45 minutes from New Orleans

Louisiana's Most Gloriously Weird Museum

Step off Highway 36 and into artist John Preble's fifty-thousand-piece universe of found objects, homemade inventions, and Southern folk art — built inside a vintage gas station and still growing, one weird idea at a time.

Plan Your Visit See What's Inside ↓

0Found Objects & Counting

0Historic Buildings to Explore

TVFeatured on American Pickers

HOUSE OF SHARDS✦ DARREL THE DOGIGATOR✦ FEATURED ON AMERICAN PICKERS✦ HAND-CRANKED PIANO✦ 50,000+ FOUND OBJECTS✦ THE AIRSTREAM UFO✦ HOUSE OF SHARDS✦ DARREL THE DOGIGATOR✦ FEATURED ON AMERICAN PICKERS✦ HAND-CRANKED PIANO✦ 50,000+ FOUND OBJECTS✦ THE AIRSTREAM UFO✦

The Man Behind the Mystery

One Artist. One Gas Station. Thirty Years of Weird.

In the early 1990s, folk artist John Preble looked at a worn-out gas station on Highway 36 and saw something nobody else did: a museum. Inspired by a visit to Tinkertown in New Mexico, he began filling the station — and every building he could add to it since — with found objects, hand-built inventions, and the kind of art that doesn't ask permission.

What started as the "UCM Museum" (a wink at "you-see-'em") has grown into a sprawling, self-guided folk art environment connecting a century-old Creole cottage, an open-air House of Shards, and an Airstream trailer with a flying saucer wedged in its side. More than 50,000 objects later, it's still Preble's world. You're just visiting.

"The most intriguing and provocative museum in Louisiana."

— John Bullard, former director, New Orleans Museum of Art

A curiosity around every corner

What You'll Find Inside

No two visits are the same. Here are a few of the wonders waiting between the gas pumps and the gift shop.

The House of Shards

A walkway entirely mosaicked in broken pottery, glass, and tile.

The Airstream UFO

A vintage trailer, permanently visited by a flying saucer.

The Arcade Room

A hand-cranked piano and a lineup of vintage coin-op machines.

Darrel, Edmond & Buford

Preble's beloved half-animal creatures: the Dogigator, Allisapien, and Bassigator.

The Miniature Southern Town

Push a button and watch Preble's tiny, animated scenes of small-town Southern life come to life.

The Vintage Bike Collection

A rotating lineup of antique bicycles tucked in among the folk art and memorabilia.

Found Objects

Years of Weird

Historic Buildings

One-of-a-Kind Museum

Highway 36, Abita Springs

Plan Your Visit

The Mystery House is self-guided, family-friendly, and easy to fold into a day trip on the Northshore.

Hours & Admission

Every Day10 AM – 5 PM
Admission$5 (free ages 5 & under)
Phone985-892-2624

Good to Know

Self-guided — explore at your own pace, no tour times to catch.
Most visits run 45 minutes to an hour, longer if you love details.
A mix of indoor and open-air sections, so dress for the weather.
Photography is welcome throughout — bring your camera.
The gift shop features handmade work from local Louisiana artists.

Address

22275 Hwy 36
Abita Springs, LA 70420

From fellow travelers

Visitors Leave Talking

"We drove out of our way and it was worth every mile. My kids talked about the Dogigator for a week."

— Visitor from Baton Rouge, LA

"I've been to Tinkertown. This might be even weirder — in the very best way."

— Roadside attraction regular

"Equal parts junkyard, museum, and fever dream. Give yourself a full hour and bring cash for the shop."

— First-time visitor, Northshore day trip

Before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There are no scheduled tours — you're free to wander the grounds and buildings at your own pace, in whatever order catches your eye.

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour. If you love reading every hand-lettered sign and found-object display, you can easily spend longer.

Absolutely — the interactive vignettes, arcade machines, and folk-art creatures tend to be a hit with all ages, from curious six-year-olds to lifelong roadside-attraction fans.

Yes, photography is welcome throughout the museum and grounds — it's part of the fun.

Both. The experience moves between indoor buildings and open-air walkways, so check the weather and dress accordingly.

Give us a call at 985-892-2624 before you head out — hours can shift seasonally and we're happy to answer questions.

Come see it for yourself

Get In Touch

Questions about hours, group visits, or just want directions? Reach out however's easiest.

📞 Call 985-892-2624 💬 WhatsApp Us

Address

22275 Hwy 36
Abita Springs, LA 70420