Lincoln Heights Private Club
The Adventurers' Club: A Secret Trove of Global Exploration
Los Angeles, California, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published
Why it’s cool
This unassuming Lincoln Heights building conceals a century-old sanctuary for explorers, housing everything from a Nile-traversing kayak to prehistoric remains.
Tucked away on a quiet corner in Lincoln Heights, a nondescript building hides one of the world's most eccentric collections of travel history. The nearby Heritage Square Museum also preserves local history from a similar era.
Since 1922, this space has served as the headquarters for a group of individuals who have pushed the boundaries of human endurance and curiosity. Inside, the walls and ceilings are packed with the spoils of a century of global expeditions.
Why It Stands Out
The interior is a dense forest of artifacts, each with a story of survival or discovery. Hanging in the dining room is the kayak John Goddard used to navigate the entire length of the Nile River for the first time in history.
Nearby, visitors can see a mammoth skull, a quiver of poison spears, and a stuffed polar bear. Those interested in prehistoric artifacts might also enjoy visiting The Echo Park Time Travel Mart.
The collection even touches on military history, featuring a helmet signed by a member whose WWII bombing raid influenced the war's outcome. The membership roster is just as diverse as the objects, including astronauts, scientists, and mountaineers who gather to recount their harrowing journeys into the unknown.
This is not a static museum, but a living room for people who have mapped the most remote corners of the planet.
Before You Go
While the club remains a private organization, it is not entirely closed to the outside world. They typically host meetings on Thursday evenings that are open to the public.
You should visit their official website to secure a reservation and confirm the schedule before heading to the Lincoln Heights location. The entrance is located above a neighborhood drug store, so look for the address carefully as it is easy to miss from the street.
Another unique local landmark is the Chicken Boy statue.
Questions worth answering
How do I find the entrance to the club?
The building sits right above a neighborhood pharmacy in Lincoln Heights. It's a plain exterior that's easy to walk past if you aren't watching the address closely.
Can I visit if I'm not a member?
We suggest checking their website to book a spot. They usually let the public in for meetings held on Thursday nights.
What kind of objects are kept inside?
The rooms are filled with things like a mammoth skull and poison spears. You'll also see the kayak used for the first successful navigation of the Nile.
Who belongs to this organization?
The group includes people like mountaineers and astronauts. They've been using this space as a headquarters for their members since 1922.
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