May Natural History Museum

Insects fill our world and while some are definitely a nuisance (mosquitos), most are critical to the ecosystem. Yes, even spiders. If you are fascinated by these important — and sometimes fearsome —critters, Colorado Springs has the privilege of being home to the May Natural History Museum. It boasts the largest private insect collection on the planet and it’s just outside the city.

Affectionately known as the “bug museum”, you’ll be enchanted from the moment you drive past Herkimer. Herkimer is famous, a gigantic black Hercules beetle statue that greets all insect-seekers from the highway in majestic fashion. As you wander case after case of carefully preserved specimens from all over the world, you’ll be treated to a new view of the spaces around you and the tiny creatures that fill them. The museum atmosphere is charming, with antique cases, historic newspaper articles and vintage light fixtures that make you feel like you’ve drifted back in time to an old-fashioned road show. 

Your Trip to the “Bug Museum”

Over 8,000 insects, arachnids, beautiful butterflies and beetles await you. Even the biggest entomophobes  (people with a fear of insects) will soon be drifting excitedly from case to case to see just what rests beyond the glass. Walking sticks the size of your hand, gigantic, colorful moths, beetles with a majestic, metallic sheen on their carapace and so much more await you in neatly labeled, rustic cases. The range of size and color in the butterfly collection alone is enough to make the trip completely worthwhile.

May Natural History Museum Founder James May

Museum founder, the late James May, traveled the world for 80 years to collect each specimen, sending the creatures he found from locations like Africa and South America. He collected more than 100,000 specimens in his travels, which is no small feat! Before settling in its final location south of Colorado Springs, the May Natural History Museum, which operates as a family business, took its bugs on the road. The family’s traveling collection was enormously popular with anyone who encountered it. After a brief time in Florida, the family realized that Colorado’s dry climate was the only place the bug museum could sustain and protect its enormous — and some say priceless — collection. 

Explore, Learn & Camp!

In addition to the amazing museum, the May family also runs one of the most stunning campgrounds in the Pikes Peak region. Like noted earlier, the land is just a bit south of Colorado Springs, which means you’ll have a comfortable, cozy home base that’s close to everything fun (including the May Museum) but also far enough to relax after a day of play in Colorado. Rates are reasonable, long-term stays are available and there are great options for RV hookups so you can enjoy the comforts of home. Speaking of comforts, the whole park has free wifi, making it easy to upload all your favorite bug photos at the end of the day. There’s also a  gift shop, a fishing pond and weekend events for you to hang out with your fellow travelers.

The May Natural History Museum brings the wide world of insects home to Colorado, offering lots of fun, family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a sightseer, a scientist or just along for the fun, you’ll never forget your trip to Colorado Springs’ own unique and totally awesome bug museum.