Woolly Mammoth

Antique store · Ravenswood

Woolly Mammoth

Antique store · Ravenswood

4

1513 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

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Highlights

Selling & renting unusual antiques, ephemera, specimens & taxidermy.  

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1513 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 Get directions

woollymammothchicago.com
@dying.to.travel

$$

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1513 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 Get directions

+1 773 989 3294
woollymammothchicago.com
@dying.to.travel

$$

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Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Woolly Mammoth

"Are you fresh out of your supply of animal jaw bones, extracted teeth or archaic medical instruments? Woolly Mammoth is the neighborhood go-to to stock up on all sorts of eclectic oddities. The atmosphere might feel macabre if it weren’t for the brightly colored walls and artful love with which the shop has been stocked. Upon entering be prepared to lock eyes with a furry friend since past as the shop’s most impressive collection is that of taxidermied critters." - Rusty Design Co.

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/andersonville/woolly-mammoth
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@atlasobscura

7 Cool Shops in Chicago

"Looking for loose teeth, used hearing aids, odd taxidermy, lice powder or other bizarre ephemera? Then look no further than Chicago’s Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities, a crammed curiosity collection that focuses on the remnants of the deceased as a way of dealing with the inevitability of dying.  Started in 2010 by a young couple who were inspired by a set of teeth that had been passed down to them, the shop has continued to collect medical oddities, preserved animal fetuses in jars, and other bizarre relics that now crowds every inch of shelf space. In an interview with Time Out Chicago, one of the owners said that “We stock these things for a selfish reason: to make ourselves more comfortable with dying,” and their stock reflects this. Countless bones and skulls are spread throughout the store, sharing space with urns, outdated medical equipment and manuals and copious amounts of strange taxidermy such as and alligator that has been turned into a lamp with the bulb in its mouth. The store is not exclusively devoted to morbid curios and also offers other random items of interest such as a Boy Scout’s handmade wooden journal from the 60s that included clipped images of his favorite things and one fold-out first page article about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities is a popular stop for Chicago locals who enjoy sifting through the overwhelming collection to unearth unique treasures. The store even offers classes for anyone who wants to make taxidermy of their own, although philosophies on death are not included." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/cool-shops-in-chicago
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@atlasobscura

Off-Centered Ale Trail: Chicago

"Looking for loose teeth, used hearing aids, odd taxidermy, lice powder or other bizarre ephemera? Then look no further than Chicago’s Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities, a crammed curiosity collection that focuses on the remnants of the deceased as a way of dealing with the inevitability of dying.  Started in 2010 by a young couple who were inspired by a set of teeth that had been passed down to them, the shop has continued to collect medical oddities, preserved animal fetuses in jars, and other bizarre relics that now crowds every inch of shelf space. In an interview with Time Out Chicago, one of the owners said that “We stock these things for a selfish reason: to make ourselves more comfortable with dying,” and their stock reflects this. Countless bones and skulls are spread throughout the store, sharing space with urns, outdated medical equipment and manuals and copious amounts of strange taxidermy such as and alligator that has been turned into a lamp with the bulb in its mouth. The store is not exclusively devoted to morbid curios and also offers other random items of interest such as a Boy Scout’s handmade wooden journal from the 60s that included clipped images of his favorite things and one fold-out first page article about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities is a popular stop for Chicago locals who enjoy sifting through the overwhelming collection to unearth unique treasures. The store even offers classes for anyone who wants to make taxidermy of their own, although philosophies on death are not included." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/chicago-off-centered-ale-trail-dogfish-head
View Postcard for Woolly Mammoth
@onthegrid

"Woolly Mammoth, Andersonville. Are you fresh out of your supply of animal jaw bones, extracted teeth or archaic medical instruments? Woolly Mammoth is the neighborhood go-to to stock up on all sorts of eclectic oddities. The atmosphere might feel macabre if it weren’t for the brightly colored walls and artful love with which the shop has been stocked. Upon entering be prepared to lock eyes with a furry friend since past as the shop’s most impressive collection is that of taxidermied critters."

Chicago
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Elizabeth Hadden

Google
Unique, curated collection of offbeat and funky goods. Lots of secondhand and antiques, plus some pieces that veer more towards art. Really fun to walk around and super friendly owner. Give it a visit!

Adam

Google
A wonderfully polarizing local legend that has to be experienced to be believed and requires repeat visits to begin to be absorbed. It's a modestly sized space densely populated with the beautifully bizarre and macabre. From vintage surgical artifacts to taxidermy to remnants of counterculture past, every piece has its own story and Adam, the owner, is happy to share these stories if you ask. (On that note, please be sure to ask before taking pictures.) Woolly Mammoth is a dark and strange passion project that celebrates life through mementos of death. It may just be my favorite place in the city and definitely one that deserves your support, especially in an age that is increasingly difficult for brick and mortar establishments.

Terry O'Dell

Google
Very small and unique antique shop. You have to have a very specific taste to enjoy this store which I do not have but I know there are others that do.

Lydia Zuehsow

Google
Walk in and feel like you’ve dropped out of time! This is the curio shop you never knew you needed, stocking everything from anatomical models, to Victorian jewelry, to a genuine bezoar from the Hague. Each piece has been hand selected and it shows in the cohesiveness of the display and the quality of the items.

Eden Yousif

Google
so insanely cool; the dude running it was super chill and friendly and recommended other spots to hit while visiting chicago!!

Rebecca Galbreath

Google
Pretty small place, but lots of weird, creepy, unique stuff here. Lots of medical tools and paraphernalia. (X rays, human teeth, etc). Also a bunch of taxadermied animals. I love the mini shadowboxes too. The guy who works there is very cool too. Friendly and knowledgeable about not only the products there, but stuff to do around the neighborhood too.

Katherine

Google
Small shop with some weird stuff. Definitely meets the oddities category. Some of the items made me uncomfortable because they were made from previous living beings.

Emily McNeil

Google
As a collector and lover or weird and creepy items this place has a fantastic collection of oddities and specimens and i definitely recommend stopping by. However the unfortunate part of this shop is that a lot of it is just a private collection showing off NFS things. For my real collecting i’ll stick to Nashville but this is still a cool little shop to stop and take a look at.
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Christina P.

Yelp
I was so excited to check out this antique store, I love to decorate my home with oddities and such and there's really not many brick and mortar places out there anymore. I was a bit unimpressed by the selection. I've been sourcing my collection for years now so I know the price range some of these oddities and curiosities go for in this market. This place was entirely overpriced, it was almost egregious honestly. Pieces in need of some serious TLC and not in good condition at all being priced double for what I could get for one I could get in good to great condition elsewhere. They have some really interesting pieces, especially the calves, but that's about it :/
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Kylie K.

Yelp
Interesting store.. has various odd stuffs. I came in looking for a certain stuff, couldnt find it but wanted to share pics.
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Ernie H.

Yelp
Why 5 star? Without a doubt one of the most interesting store you're ever gonna walk in to, see my pics. You don't have to purchase anything but you should definitely visit. If you have to ask - yes those are REAL stuff animals including the Two Headed Dog. Also, it has no competitors.
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Karen G.

Yelp
Great for a fun look around at a great selection of super odd things. A must stop for oddity lovers. Wish prices were more in my range but I realize finding and maintaining such strangeness costs time and money.
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Curt C.

Yelp
You need some teeth? I can get you some teeth. A whole jar of 'em. I got a teeth guy. Woolly Mammoth is my teeth supplier. Anytime I need to get some teeth- spare ones can come in useful- need to get outta work anyone?! This place is super strange. I found it while surfing through Atlas Obscura. I had to visit. It's like a taxidermist went insane, and opened up a store in Andersonville. Everything in here is weird, weird, weird. Anything you get, you'll be the only one to have one like that on your block. Actually, the prices here are quite reasonable, considering that there's not many other options available to get these kinds of materials. The stuff goes from the bizarre to the macabre.

Steve L.

Yelp
This place is basically a museum of amazing oddities. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit after a couple college tours in the area. The store has so many items that catch your eye. The staff was very friendly and provided some great info on the surrounding area. This is a great place to start your walk around the Andersonville area. Highly suggest a visit here.
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Jason S.

Yelp
We discovered Wooly Mammoth through the Atlas Obscura app. Definitely a place for collectors of oddities, appreciation for counter culture, or maybe inspirational. We bought a few things and appreciate how well we were treated.
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Wallace C.

Yelp
This is a great place for unique and macabre gifts for your friends and family. Great vintage taxidermy and pretty antique postcards. There's something for everyone here.
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Kyle H.

Yelp
I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. If you're in Chicago and like quirky shops this place is worth the trip to Andersonville! Small space but packed full of incredible taxonomy and macabre antiques. The owner is super cool as well!
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Alicia G.

Yelp
I'm a fan, but mostly because this place exists. It has interesting pieces, but quite a few are too high in price. Though, having their dog in the store made it better.. I hope that if they are able, that they consider rearranging things or consider a way to make the store feel less thrown together. I love a store that makes you really look for things, but to not have somethings properly displayed (Addams family & medical cards I bought were hidden inside of books and drawers) made it really difficult to appreciate all that is there and all the work that went into acquiring or making the piece. Can't wait to revisit.
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Hollyann H.

Yelp
Woolly Mammoth is the most unique and it may even be the coolest store I have ever been too. This store is basically an antique/vintage thrift store but will different and unique oddities instead of the norm. It's a smallish store but there is a ton to look at. They have everything from furniture, books, vintage signs, art pieces. Then to such items like taxidermy, antique medical tools, and supplies, animal skulls and if I recall correctly they even had a bat in a mason jar of formaldehyde? This place is a must stop if you are visiting Chicago. It's just a really neat store.

Nick S.

Yelp
First review upon arrivals and quick browse: 4.5 stars - prices are high but what a random selection. Owner 'seems' knowledge 1 star Final review (photos included) - I bought an antique WW1 German Shell with trench art. After comparing similar items, I knew it was way overpriced but still got I cause I liked it. Bartered price down $10 to $130 so that's nice. Then, things went down. They price their items with literally health bandages, the ones with super strong adhesive. So that tore the brass layer off the shell. The owner claims it was all a patina, which I agree part of the was (darker square), but not the silver/steel color looking. That isn't patina. That's the finish totally worn off and ruined from the company's labeling. 100% their fault and it's not patina for sure. The lady acts like she knows it all and I just agreed to avoid confrontation, but I have thousands and thousands worth of vintage watches, some of which have patina..... I am very well what patina is... and they damaged a product, offered $20 off, and are putting it up for sale. This product was damaged by their tag, and the and worst part(s): I was either offered a full refund, which I took OR $20 off (what an insult) - I drove 40+ miles from Joliet just to deal with this. Another note: the owner said she's going to put the item back for sale, which bothered me because they damaged it. It was marked $140. I paid $130, she offered $20 back, so it should theoretically be priced $110 on the shelf, so if you see it, that's their going rate I guess you could call it. 1 Star because of several huge annoyances: I drove an hour. AN HOUR, from joliet, to deal with this problem they caused, so overall I lost money on this terrible experience and didn't get anything out of it. I spent two hours of travel today for this, and yesterday I was already in the city. One star for also being told it's patina patina Patna when it also had damage. 100%. I would pay for a lab to examine to prove it to this 'expert' at wooly mammoth. I can go on, but that's the take away There's bette antique shops. But none have all the random (useless) stuff this one does PS: even a discount coupon or something would've been nice, but literally I was sold an item they damaged, and they'll overprice it again...
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Mark L.

Yelp
The first word that comes to mind when I think of Wolly Mammoth's, is definitely 'eccentric'. For those who love a traditional antique store, or the oddest of oddities, or things that are off the wall bizarre, everything here is pretty much eye candy for you and possibly the imagination. Plus, I'd say this place is heaven for all hipsters. First time I've ever been here was back in late January of 2020, before the coronavirus bullshit and before all these pain in the ass travel advisories. The gal behind the desk was sweet as can be, very informative of certain specifics, and fully approachable. Was blown away, and kind of in awe, to see a real John Wayne Gacy painting. It was a simple scribble of Adolf Hitler. Talk about two different evils combined, eh? Considered purchasing it if it was the right price, but it was made clear by the cashier that the painting was a crown jewel of the store and it was not for sale. Shouldn't have been surprised. Was very intrigued to look at an original tin type of the one and only Lizzy Borden, as well. Just the quirkiest and most bizarre things on every wall, that leave you laughing or covered in goosebumps! Kinda wish it was much closer to the red line though
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Carl F.

Yelp
I was drawn in by the taxidermy giraffe bust, I was intrigued by the man who sold the shop a petrified camel penis for beer tickets to local street fest, and I stayed to ogle the $2500 hippopotamus skull that I decided I might need when I win the lotto. They've got some pretty decent specimens here, but I don't know. $75 for a taxidermy mouse seemed like a little much I mean, I'm sure it takes a lot of intricate and detailed work, but after seeing that hippo head, it'd be hard to sway my money from investing in anything else. ...not that I'll ever have an extra $2500 lying around. The store had plenty of dusty, rusty, musty, but at the same time chic items that were fun to peruse. The people working in the shop, well, they weren't the friendliest. Seemed like they were kind of anti-hipster but with a very hipster elitist attitude. I smiled at the store pup (who was super sweet and cute) and the couple working kind of gave me a judge-y elevator eyes type look like I was some kind of tourist digging through their things. They didn't acknowledge the people coming in to the store, and instead seemed to give distant glares and then turn to talk amongst themselves, making for a super uncomfortable situation. I guess it was probably a rather busy and annoying weekend giving it was the Saturday of the Andersonville Midsommarfest, but still. A moderate interest in customer service would have gone a long way. I think the shop people probably get a kick out of weirding window-shoppers out, but I love weird shit and while this place is neat and kitschy, I've seen much better collections of oddities that didn't come with so much attitude. See Also: Trundle Manor --- http://www.yelp.com/biz/trundle-manor-swissvale#hrid:XzG9VrMZqppKPevASqooLg
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Tony G.

Yelp
Loved the shop, could probably spend hours in there studying all the little odds and ends. Amazing collection for a small shop. Items were a reasonable retail price and the owner was extremely personable. Very interesting fella! I'll definitely be back and recommend ppl check it out.
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Rachel H.

Yelp
Sweet Baby Jesus, how did a store get inside my brain?! So many sweet taxidermied animals. This store is like a cuter version of the attic in Flowers in the Attic, minus all that creepy incest and grandmotherly abuse. There are all kinds of vintage oddities and antiques from old animal teeth, to vintage children's books, crazy creepy santas, and a giant, wonderful giraffe. I need to go back when I can spend a little more time but I've already fallen in love and could never give less than five stars. Taxidermied dik dik-like creature, I'm coming back for you.

Beanie F.

Yelp
Oddities doesn't do this place justice. It's downright bizarre and borderline scary - from piles of teeth to shrunken heads - they've got it all. Super friendly staff is also willing to explain how a shrunken head is "made" and no, you don't want to know. Moral of this review - worth a pop in, not for the faint of heart.
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Gretchen D.

Yelp
You will either love it or hate it. It's filled with taxidermy and odd objects, toys and ephemera. If you love old odd weird things, you will love this place. It's tiny. We visit many resale, thrift, antique stores and this one is truly unique. Very fun if you enjoy the odd things in life.
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Mark V.

Yelp
This place is unique. I've never been in a store quite like this. Hard to describe what exactly you'd find. We found animal skulls, stuffed animals, ancient dentistry tools, Victorian jewelry made from the hair of the deceased. It's a whole gamut of things. There was not a second I was bored in the store. There is so much to see in the store that you won't be disappointed even if you left without purchasing anything. It's the place to go to buy something for that friend of yours that is into weird and obscure finds. Definitely check this place out if you are in the area.
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Gill S.

Yelp
If you are able to visit this place, please do. This is a wonderful establishment that collects and sells some truly horrifying and beautiful items. Taxidermied animals, bootleg African movie posters, creepy-as-hell clown artifacts, and bones are all for sale and viewing under this humble, yet mystical shop. The shop clerk was so warm and inviting to the store. She encouraged me to take pictures of whatever I wanted. I really wish I could purchased half the stuff in there, but I would probably have to sell all my belongings first. I don't want to upload my pictures because it may spoil some of the surprise of seeing some of this stuff. Either way, I wish there were more places like this in the world.
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Chris C.

Yelp
Very cool Chicago establishment. Was featured on Nat Geo so I had to stop in. Definitely an obscure establishment with interesting items. Met one of the owners and he was very helpful and personable. Made an awesome purchase which is currently hung in the house.
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Rolfe N.

Yelp
One of the best places in Chicago. Quirky and weird. Definitely take your grandma here... or go here on a first date.
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X X.

Yelp
This place is amazing. Every time I come here I'm impressed. Staff is wicked helpful and the owners have quite a collection. No idea why it has less than 5 stars. Check it out for sure if you're in the hood. And definitely DON'T go to the coffee shop La Colombe next to it. Pro tip. Woolly Mammoth is amazing. Coffee shop next to it blah.
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Danielle L.

Yelp
Wooly Mammoth is absolutely perfect. Unique, weird, interesting, curiosity inducing, amusing.... I would love to go there every week just to engage my senses. They have everything from shrunken heads to taxidermied cowboy mice scenes to vintage tin type erotica. This is so my kind of shop. I love you Woolly Mammoth.
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John B.

Yelp
To the best of my knowledge, there are no actual wooly mammoths for sale here, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were. Stepping into Woolly Mammoth is like stepping into your grandmother's attic, assuming your grandmother was half mad and had a fetish for taxidermy. Along with the stuffed animals -- as in, once living, now full of sawdust -- there are plenty of bones and parts and I don't know what all. Looking for beaver teeth? You can find them here. Taxidermy is just the tip of the iceberg, though -- if a rather large tip. There's antique furniture, toys, and knick knacks, most in the mid-20th century range. I was particularly taken with the printing blocks and the Soviet era lapel pins. The store claims to offer antiques, oddities & resale items, but they're definitely heavy on the oddities. It's tiny and packed and a bit of a madhouse, which is just what a shop like this needs to be. The owners are terrific. They're a lovely couple in their 30s (?), and 10 minutes into the store I felt like I had known them for years. They obviously love what they do, and enjoy sharing their passion with their customers. Our conversation ranged from Kreskin's ESP to Ouija boards to mid-century glassware. All of which they sell. Stop in. You may not be looking for anything, but you'll find it here.
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Roseann M.

Yelp
Woolly Mammoth Antiques is a small place, and that's a good thing - if it were any bigger, I would become totally lost in a hallucinatory daze and never find my way out again, much less to the #50 bus. Antiques and Oddities are right. Among the things that were on sale were: - Stuffed animals. Yes, really. Not cats or dogs, thank goodness, but they might have been wolverines - Photos a soldier in 1940's New Guinea took of headhunters, one of whom is actually holding a head - A license plate from (I think) the Island of Malta. - LPs - Vintage clothes I am reluctant to list more items I saw, because you will think that I am making it up. This collection is crazy, eclectic, unique (an overused word, but appropriate here), kitschy, probably totally useless and impractical but absolutely necessary to anybody who has a twisted sense of humor, an appreciation for the oddball, and maybe, just maybe, despises Walmart. This is for the person who doesn't like shopping, but likes having things that other people don't. (The framed headhunter picture falls in this category.) You buy something from this store because it amuses you when you look at it. Your parents will be appalled. Your friends will be jealous. When you move, these are the items you'll take with you in your car rather than entrust to the movers. I get the feeling that the owners are having fun with all of us. I like that energy. This store makes me want to light a match to my current apartment and spend the insurance money here. (Note to StateFarm Insurance - no, I'm not really going to do it. Woolly Mammoth just fills me with imagination and longing. And I like my bed too much to burn it.) Have you guessed that I don't like Walmart? But I do like Woolly Mammoth.
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Heather P.

Yelp
I want to begin by saying that this review is entirely subjective. The girl at the register seemed very nice and I'm sure for a lot of people, old teeth, medical junk and dead things stuffed with sawdust are right up your alley, but I was just skeeved out. As we left, my boyfriend turned to me and said, "Did that place sell anything but children's nightmares?" For some of you, I'm sure that sounds amazing. I checked out the website before we dropped in, but was still unprepared for just how much of Wooly Mammoth's inventory is taxidermy, bones, and dead things in jars. It was like walking into the garage of a budding serial killer. I really do not like taxidermy, and it is so pervasive there that the place smells like... taxidermy. I love antiques, stores that sell weird things, and resale shops. I didn't find anything of interest at Wooly Mammoth, but I did find: a container of old dental crowns and implants, scary old medical and dental implements ("Nazi torture devices?" - Boyfriend), a bin of dismembered doll parts, a jar of used lead bullets, the tail of a buffalo, a mummified deer skull, lots of other skulls, freeze dried mice and fetal pigs in jars, dead insects and bits of dead insects, a lamp made out of a taxidermied lizard, sets of glass eyes, plenty of full-scale taxidermy, a lamp made out of the leg of an unidentified ungulate, a skinless stuffed cat of some sort, various gooey things in jars and tubes, terrifying old photographs, mounted heads of dead things, and some poor animal's entire spinal column. I wanted to like this place so badly, but by the time we left I was just queasy. Recommended for: People who like taxidermy, avant-garde artists, people trying to decorate a hunting lodge, sociopaths curious about dead things, lovers of the macabre and grotesque. Just not me. Bummer.
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Rick T.

Yelp
Sweet mother of taxidermy! This little gem is a must-visit for anyone on the prowl for something unique. Oh, sure, the giraffe tibia ($325) is a little more than I expected to pay for giraffe tibia, but this is all about convenience. Korean War-era blood transfusion bottles? They have a wonderful assortment of those. Crocodiles stuffed in semi-erotic poses? They've got ya covered. Arrowheads and religious oddities of all kind? Wooly Mammoth is on point. Looking for an entry-level item? Maybe something unique for your next white elephant exchange? Extracted human teeth are just $10 each. The bigger and darker the cavity, the better, I say. The staff are a wonderful assortment who've quite literally seen just about everything. But they're always in the market for the unusual and strange. Just be sure that it's REALLY unusual or REALLY strange. You'll be talking to people who sell preserved pig fetuses on a regular basis.
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Maryanne D.

Yelp
In response to the owners comments that my review was less then honest, there was infact a mouse skull in a curio cabinet right next to the fetal shark. I purchased a slightly larger fetal shark (then yours)last year in Monterey Ca for $25.00. The solution was also crystal clear, compared to the murky solution seen in your store. I believe you had a fox skull that retailed for $60.00. I purchased a better quality one at Paxton Gate (San Francisco) for about $20.00. The night I was at your store there were two men "working". I drove 65 miles to see your store, so I was excited! I walked in and the two men never said a word, they were deep in a conversation about how the register was broke and they had to turn down a $100.00 sale. When I said "hello", they just looked at me...... So I wasn't going to ask about your pricing tactics. I honestly wanted to buy something, so trust that I was looking, and was unable to find anything priced at $1.00!! I'm not heartbroken that your store disappointed me... There are better, friendlier places to buy from. Your store is great eye candy, but left me with some nasty cavities!
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Raymond M.

Yelp
3 stars for having a great variety of vintage/oddity items..... Loved the old Gremlins comics! The store it set up nicely. I saw many neat items I could see in my house. But upon checking the prices , I was disappointed. Thanks to shows like American Pickers and Storage Wars, it seems the pricing on recycled/used items have sky rocketed through the roof. I just can't jump on that wagon. So needless to say I do most of my shopping online. I've purchased taxidermied insects for almost 3 times less than what WM is charging. Some of the other critters are over priced for the condition they're in. Part of my review process(and probably most others) is customer service. Sadly there wasn't much of that here. ''The lady'' behind the counter was lost on the internet. There were 9 people in the store and I did not hear her speak once to anyone. I was there for about 20 minutes. Not even a hello. My friends and I were standing close to the counter and not even a look up... We did say hello to the dog. Cute! Also, be prepared for trash talking e-mails from the owners if you leave anything less than 4 stars or a negative comment.
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Bri A.

Yelp
I love this place even more now that they host taxidermy classes through The Detroit Academy of Taxidermy! I wish there was a Yelp listing for that. Anyway, it was a really interesting and fun class that I'd love to take again. Woolly Mammoth was the perfect spot for this since you could admire their taxidermy pieces and be inspired.
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Kimberly L.

Yelp
I love the eclectic mix of odds and ends. It's a little bit like a bizarre roadside museum. But all the beautiful stuffed animals! This hurts my heart. I cannot come back. It's too painful to see a giant beautiful giraffe minus its body. I will not be back.
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Shelley V.

Yelp
Fantastic little shop tucked away on a side street in Chicago. We stopped in and although the store was closed (owners were unloading their latest finds) they nicely let us browse the wares. Good selection and reasonable prices!! There were taxidermied animals, collectible curiosities, vintage clothes, unique tchotchkes and the list goes on. I'm sad I was not able to buy anything since they weren't open for business but I will go back on my next visit to Chi-Town!!
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Evie R.

Yelp
This place is pretty awesome. I recently checked it out with my boyfriend and we both fell in love with everything about it. They have a variety of wet specimens, lots of taxidermy, vintage surgical tools, human bones, animal bones, teeth, post-mortem photos, a shrunken head, just to mention a few great things. This review will never do it justice! I say make a stop there, just be weird, and buy something. You won't regret that you did!
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Anna B.

Yelp
....Oddities, definitely. I could probably spend an hour looking at stuff. It's a cabinet of curiosities. Cow hoof made into drinking bottle. Armadillo shell. Medical charts, taxidermy animals everywhere. I want the small fox in the window. I will have to come back again.
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Chrisor B.

Yelp
I found this fabulous store on Instagram & finally made it here last Thursday. Woolly Mammoth is a must-see if you get to Chicago. Worth the trip to Andersonville, for sure. Specializing in oddities, it is part art museum, part curiosity shop. So much to see & learn about. The day we were there, we met Skye who is co-owner along with her husband. She is knowledgeable & friendly. A pure delight to talk to! The prices are higher than I'm used to but I don't begrudge them for charging them. They have very unique items and sell to a niche market. People will gladly pay to add a rare or unusual piece to their collection.
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Nicole P.

Yelp
Love this place. I usually only buy a few knick knacks when I go in (which is about once a week), but I never feel like I'm being judged for only purchasing small items. I always have funny conversations with the owners, and always leave excited about my purchase. The best thing about Woolly Mammoth, is that there is a story behind every item. I'm not a citizen of the world or anything, but I've never found a store quite like this. They have everything from full scale taxidermy to antique salt and pepper shakers. Adam (the brain behind the operation) even makes lamps out of random objects (like a prosthetic foot, or a dead alligator. Rad.) Definitely worth checking out. Maybe you'll walk out with an old bowling pin or a mummified cat.
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P R.

Yelp
What a gem this place is! I found a lot of interesting things here from old toys I used to love playing with at my grandparents house (so cool that my kids will be able to play with the toys I loved but didn't have until now) to really unique items to decorate our house with. I've been here a few times now and am always surprised by the unique finds here...definitely worth stopping in!
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Janna S.

Yelp
This might be the most interesting shop I've ever seen. I'd pay to see a museum exhibit curated by the owners. Where else can you buy decorative bottles of expired catheter cleaner or Victorian ornamental wreaths made of human hair? Bonus points for creative taxidermy and a wide selection of creepy dental accessories. This is where you need to go to see something you've never seen before.
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Ambi N.

Yelp
Creepy but fun things to look at in here. I lean towards a different aesthetic but have found two reasonably priced pretty items in here. This is a definite man cave collectible hunting ground & if I had another place to live, I'd probably pack it with some of the wonderful oddities in here.
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Stella M.

Yelp
I read too much Stephen King, and have to admit that while I was wildly curious about this tiny shop with its absurd displays in the windows, I was too scared to go in. It just looks like Needful Things. A stalwart friend, and a sign saying the shop had been on television (how evil can something be if it's on television? uh, never mind . . . ), convinced me to go through the door, and I am so very happy they did. I love this place. I love it. I left with some weird clock things and a few wonderful old photos, and I feel like any time I am at a loss for a gift, this is going to be my go-to. Everything is so odd and interesting. I thought the prices were very reasonable, but I'm not a bargain hunter outside of the city's confines, and I always expect prices in the city to be higher than at these objects' place of origin. I mean, someone had to go and find them, buy them, and bring them here, right? Why shouldn't they be more expensive than if you traveled yourself for miles and spent hours sifting through someone's attic or garage? I have my eye on a couple other things. I hope they're still there when I get back.

Rebecca D.

Yelp
Love this store so much. I always stop in a find some cool unusual find for my house.
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Clare L.

Yelp
Just visited the store today and as much as I wanted to purchase some items I decided to wait for some paychecks to come through and hope the item I had my eye on will still be there. I met Adam who works there and had a nice conversation about National Parks. Yes a bit off subject but it was nice to chat! I plan on visiting again and bringing my friends who I know would like the unique antique and vintage oddities in the store. Thanks for the great visit and amazingly unique shop :)
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The C.

Yelp
I have to say in my own personal experience - this place is freakin beyond AWESOME!!! I've been meaning to get on here the past couple of weeks and post something (I'm wayyyyy behind on my reviews) - but I just have to share my delight on this kick-@$$ store. I could hardly believe my eyes when I walked in - which was a total accident as my husband and I were shopping across the street, and out of sheer random curiousity decided to hop in since we still had time left on the meter. This was a complete gem of a find and I can't believe I hadn't made a visit much sooner! Meet Chicago's quintessential and definative store for the geeky, old-school, throwback, rare and unique nerd loving collector! If you had it as a child, it's here. If you want off the wall and "what is that?!?" - it's there. If you want a quality experience at a game of old school "Space Invaders" on a quality old school arcade machine, you can find it here. This place is truly an old school/vintage dream. There are so many items I've lost over the years that are now found in this little shop, I'd go broke if I dropped some serious money on everything I wanted to buy here. This place is a mini time machine full of treasures to be discovered - both old and new, and I can only hope their collection and customer base grows over time. People of Chicagoland... if you haven't visited Wooly Mammoth, get off your lazy tusks and hoof it, take the bus or take a drive out there. It's a memorable experience and a place that will always stay in your mind for any gift idea that calls for the purchase of the truly unique and memorable both past and present and just may inspire you to make an impulse buy on that long lost (whatever it is) that has now been found!
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John G.

Yelp
Old bones, a bust of Zombie Elvis, vintage He-man & Thundercat toys, old industrial items that would make steam punk geeks squeeeee with joy. Reasonable prices. It smelled like patina and lignin. Conveniently located off main CTA routes. This place is awesome. Some of the reviews below stated bad customer service but the gentleman behind the counter immediately warned me the Centipede arcade cabinet was free to play before I wasted a quarter. After a few minutes of browsing he did the usual sales pitch 'if you have any questions, feel free to ask.' So I cannot agree with the below statements of poor customer service.
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Shauntae W.

Yelp
Such an interesting shop with a range of cool oddities. I stepped in right off the bus to find myself surrounded by various stuffed animals, skulls, bones and such. So many treasures and spirits. If you're in Andersonville it's worth to check this place out you can find pretty much anything. So many little surprises. Who knows what you'll take home with you. Adam was working when I stopped by and he is super friendly and helpful. He gave me a neighborhood map and even some suggestions for a bite to eat in the area. They pick up pieces from around the world. It's like a little museum of things you rarely get to get up close and personal with so now is your chance!
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Mike M.

Yelp
i usually never bother to review places but i have to put in a good word for this one. This is for sure the best new store ive been in and the only one that nails oddities to a T. there are so many unique items, nothing was priced outrageously, the place is packed with cool stuff but theres still tons of room to move around, the owner was really cool an talked my girlfriend and i the whole time we were in there, seemed really knowledgeable on the different antiques and items in the store. i strongly recommend checking this place out, and dont wait to long because ill definitely be back to try and buy more cool stuff before you do
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Amanda K.

Yelp
I stopped by here on my latest Chicago adventure. The place is chock full of fun things from taxidermy to medical devices. I ended up buying a few skeletons keys since many of the items may not have traveled well on the train during the holiday rush. This is a very interesting place to check out if you are in town.
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Katharine A.

Yelp
I am visiting my sister in Chicago and we came here to find a present for my nephew for Christmas. The merchandise is really interesting and if you are looking for anything having to do with taxidermy this is your place. Skulls, stuffed giraffes, bear rugs, bottles with snakes/sharks etc in formaldehyde......Beyond this, there are other really interesting oddities. The owner was super nice and helped us find other GREAT shops in the area. He was super chatty and made some suggestions about what we were buying too. This is a small shop and you will be a bit eeked out at some of the merchandise, but all in all it is an experience.