Some people drive through Williams, Arizona on their way to the Grand Canyon and barely slow down. Those who do stop at the Poozeum, however, rarely forget it. Located in the heart of Williams — the gateway to the Grand Canyon — the Poozeum is a free museum and gift shop that describes itself as a captivating fusion of a natural history museum, art gallery, and carnival sideshow. The subject matter? Fossilized poop. And yes, it’s as fascinating as it sounds.
Founded in 2014 by George Frandsen as a virtual coprolite resource center, the Poozeum has evolved into something far greater. After a 14-year career in corporate healthcare operations, Frandsen quit his job, sold his Florida home, and moved with his wife to Williams to open the Poozeum in 2024. The gamble paid off in a big way — the museum quickly became one of the most talked-about stops in northern Arizona.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
The star of the show is “Barnum,” the largest coprolite ever discovered. Visitors can view this record-holder — the largest fossilized poo by a carnivorous animal — which measures 67.5 centimeters long by 15.7 centimeters wide and likely came from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. It’s simultaneously jaw-dropping and weirdly charming, and it makes for one of the most memorable photo opportunities you’ll find anywhere along Route 66.
You can also take selfies with a 4-foot-wide titanosaur poop replica. The museum has dozens of displays of big and little poop, including that four-foot plop from the Titanosaur, the world’s largest pooper. It’s a surprisingly photogenic piece that visitors of all ages can’t help but pose beside.
Beyond the record-setting coprolite collection, the Poozeum boasts remarkable art pieces like vibrant hand-painted carnival banners, “The Stinker” — a bronze masterpiece depicting a contemplative T. rex on a toilet — and an original 1830 print of Duria Antiquior, the first artistic representation showing prehistoric animals defecating. “The Stinker” in particular draws a lot of laughs and is a must-see piece.
The Poozeum also showcases droppings from prehistoric crocodiles, turtles, frogs, shrimp, fish, and even insects. The breadth of the collection is genuinely surprising. The collection also features several coprolites with teeth inside them or bite marks on their surface — tiny prehistoric mysteries preserved in stone, each one telling its own story about life millions of years ago.
You can also see a fossilized fart. Yes, really.
A Gift Shop Worth Browsing
The Poozeum strikes the perfect balance of education and humor, and the gift shop takes full advantage of its scatological roots with funny poop-themed gifts alongside legit science-themed kits for kids and adults. You can browse a dinosaur-themed gift shop packed with shirts, toys, fossils, one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and exclusive Route 66 Centennial merchandise. Even if you came in just to look around, it’s hard to leave empty-handed.
Atmosphere & Décor
The Poozeum is a blend of a natural history museum, an art gallery, and a carnival sideshow, where you can wander through exhibits adorned with vibrant carnival banners, art gallery-inspired prints featuring prehistoric animals, and replicas of the largest coprolites in the world. The result is a space that feels simultaneously educational and playfully theatrical — equal parts science class and roadside wonder.
Although small in size, the Poozeum makes effective use of its space by organizing displays neatly while creating an inviting environment where families can enjoy their time together. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, and informational content is placed at the right height for both tall and small visitors, meaning young dinosaur fans won’t miss a thing. The whole place radiates a one-of-a-kind energy that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else on earth.
Along Route 66 in northern Arizona, this unusual roadside attraction has become a top-rated stop for travelers. Situated on Railroad Avenue in the charming heart of downtown Williams, the Poozeum fits right into the quirky, nostalgic spirit of the Mother Road — a fitting home for the world’s most unique museum.
Other Considerations
What does it cost to get in? Admission to the Poozeum is completely free. Frandsen says donations and his quirky poo-themed gift shop are what keep the lights on. If you enjoy your visit — and you will — consider picking something up from the gift shop or dropping a donation to help keep this gem accessible to everyone.
Is it good for kids? The experience goes beyond the ordinary — it’s instructive entertainment at its finest, and is suitable for visitors of all ages. Kids go absolutely wild for it, and parents tend to be equally fascinated once they start reading the exhibit labels. Kids and adults will giggle, but also learn a lot.
How long should I plan to spend there? The museum is small and takes about an hour or so to go through it all. That makes it an ideal and manageable pit stop whether you’re exploring Williams for the day or passing through on a Grand Canyon road trip.
When is it open? The Poozeum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It’s worth checking the website before you visit to confirm current hours or any special event schedules.
What about parking? There’s no admission charge and there’s plenty of street parking available near the museum. Getting there and getting in couldn’t be easier.
Is this worth a detour? If you’re anywhere near Flagstaff, driving Route 66, or heading to the Grand Canyon, it’s highly recommended. A visit to the Poozeum promises to be an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the tiny — or sometimes hilariously humongous — details that shape our understanding of the prehistoric past.
Poozeum
📍 109 West Railroad Avenue, Williams, AZ 86046
Website: https://poozeum.com
