The Thing is not only the name of the store, but of the star exhibit of the museum. Originally owned by lawyer Thomas Binkley Prince, The Thing was built  as a tourist stop and museum around the strange exhibit and other collected items. The old museum was reminiscent of an circus side-show and set up in a series of three consecutive metal buildings, open to the elements.

In the summer of 2018, Bowlin Travel Centers doubled the size of the store and constructed a brand new museum to house many of the original curiosities

The Thing is located in Texas Canyon, a fairly remote stretch of I-10. Literally hundreds of billboards advertise The Thing to draw in the inquisitive traveler. A Dairy Queen restaurant and Shell gasoline are also available

Above text and all pictures copyright Bowlin Travel Centers