May Natural History Museum - people standing near dinosaur skeleton
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May Natural History Museum

4.6
·313 reviews·Colorado Springs, United States

Discover a world of tropical insects, from the stunningly beautiful to the uniquely bizarre, in this rare and historic collection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer daily

Open daily for easy visits

CrowdMedium
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May Natural History Museum - people standing near dinosaur skeleton

May Natural History Museum

Best Time

Summer daily

Open daily for easy visits

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a world of tropical insects, from the stunningly beautiful to the uniquely bizarre, in this rare and historic collection.

4.6
(313 reviews)

"This place is amazing! If you are in the area, this place is worth checking out."

Vertical photo
TIP

🦋 Book Ahead for Off-Season

Visits outside of summer require advance reservations. Don't miss out on this unique collection!

🧐 Not for All Young Kids

While fascinating, the creepy crawlies might not hold a 2-year-old's attention. Consider age appropriateness.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Tropical Insect Collection

Vast Tropical Insect Collection

Marvel at an unparalleled array of tropical insects, from the beautiful to the bizarre. A true feast for the eyes.

Rare and Ancient Specimens

Rare and Ancient Specimens

Discover specimens so rare, even Walt Disney wanted to acquire them. Some date back over a century.

Exquisite Beetle Displays

Exquisite Beetle Displays

The collection of beetles is particularly exquisite, showcasing incredible diversity and intricate beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Summer is Prime Time, But Plan Ahead

The May Natural History Museum is open daily during the summer months, making it an ideal time for spontaneous visits. However, outside of summer, visits are by reservation only. Booking in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment, especially if you're traveling from afar.

A Unique Collection for the Curious

This museum boasts an extensive and unique collection of tropical insects, with specimens dating back to the early 1900s. While fascinating for many, it's noted that it might not be the most engaging for very young children, so consider your audience.

Best Times

When
Summer daily
Why
Open daily for easy visits
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season by reservation
Why
Book ahead for access
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A dream come true…the Natural History Museum of London truly feels like walking through the halls of Hogwarts. #london #england #harrypotter #museum #naturalhistorymuseum #hogwarts #art #travel #fyp #foryou #londonlife #londontiktok #potterhead
@shadesofbrenn
2.1M likes • 10.3M views

🦋 Book Ahead for Off-Season

Visits outside of summer require advance reservations. Don't miss out on this unique collection! Reddit

🧐 Not for All Young Kids

While fascinating, the creepy crawlies might not hold a 2-year-old's attention. Consider age appropriateness. Reddit

it makes me so sad and its also pretty creepy but i feel a responsibility to them idk #museum #uiowa #naturalhistorymuseum
@lanamckinney_
661.9K likes • 2.8M views
🦖 5 Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About the American Museum of Natural History 🗽 For more meaningful travel experiences, follow @lawyer.traveler.dreamer. 🌍✨ 1️⃣ Greeting Dino at the Door 🦕 – The first thing you see upon entering is a towering dinosaur fossil—it’s not just for show, it sets the tone for the epic exhibits inside. 2️⃣ Life-Size Animal Dioramas 🦒 – From giraffes to lions, the Hall o...
lawyer.traveler.dreamer
334 likes • 13.2K views

🛍️ Unique Gift Shop Finds

The gift shop offers a great selection of cute trinkets and souvenirs to remember your visit. Reddit

✨ Mix of Pretty & Creepy

Prepare for a spectrum of specimens, from stunning butterflies to surprisingly large stick insects. Reddit

Natural History Museum sleepover was one of the best thing I did in London They have for adults and kids so make sure to book the right one. The dates are : 📍 July 4th 📍 August 1st 📍 October 18th Natural History Museum throws a sleep over party once a month for adults called Dinosnore. You sleep overnight at the museum but they also have a lot of activities that are actually interesting. The...
rollinjoint1
216.3K likes • 2.8M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🦋 Book Ahead for Off-Season

Visits outside of summer require advance reservations. Don't miss out on this unique collection! Reddit

🧐 Not for All Young Kids

While fascinating, the creepy crawlies might not hold a 2-year-old's attention. Consider age appropriateness. Reddit

🛍️ Unique Gift Shop Finds

The gift shop offers a great selection of cute trinkets and souvenirs to remember your visit. Reddit

✨ Mix of Pretty & Creepy

Prepare for a spectrum of specimens, from stunning butterflies to surprisingly large stick insects. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(313 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the May Natural History Museum for its unique and extensive collection of tropical insects, with many specimens being rare and over a century old. The displays offer a fascinating mix of beautiful and intriguing creatures, making it a memorable experience for enthusiasts. While generally well-received, some note it might not be ideal for very young children.

"This was such a unique & incredible opportunity to see! Our group was so impressed by the vast amount of specimens available for viewing. Some of which were extremely rare, even in the wild. Some specimen were very creepy, some were very pretty, a little bit for everyone! The gift shop had plenty of cute trinkets to buy afterward as well."

Jenee Osgood

"This place is amazing! If you are in the area,tl This place is worth checking out. It's so cool even Walt Disney himself wanted to buy this collection of insects for his theme parks. They have many beautiful bugs from all around the world. Some of the collections are so old the date back to the early 1900's. Coolest display of bugs I have ever seen! The collection of beatles is exquisite. Every bug is unique. They even have a preserved fruit bat! Nice friendly ladies and a neat gift shop at the end of the tour."

K.B.

"Really cool to see all of these things bugs, some of which are over 100 years old! A good mix of pretty and horrifying. You'll see stick bugs bigger than your head that made me cringe, and then in the next case we're beautiful iridescent butterflies that help me recover from the creepy crawlies!

Not super little kid friendly, my 2yo didn't have a great time but he isn't the target audience so that makes sense."

Robert Perez II

What People Like

Unique insect collection
Rare and ancient specimens
Exquisite beetle displays

What People Dislike

Not ideal for toddlers

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The May Natural History Museum is a roadside collection. During the summer, it's open daily. Outside of summer, visits are by reservation only. Specific directions will depend on your starting point, but it's a destination worth planning for. Reddit

Information regarding public transport options is limited. Driving is a common method for visitors, especially if coming from nearby areas. If traveling from further afield, consider the convenience of your own vehicle for flexibility. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum is open daily during the summer months. Outside of summer, visits are strictly by reservation. It's always best to check their official channels for the most up-to-date hours and reservation procedures. Reddit

Yes, if you plan to visit outside of the summer season, advance reservations are essential. During summer, while open daily, checking for any special events or potential capacity limits is advisable. Reddit

Specific admission fees are not detailed in the provided information. However, given the unique nature of the collection, it's likely a modest fee applies. It's recommended to inquire directly with the museum or check their website for current pricing. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect an extensive collection of tropical insects, including many rare and ancient specimens. The displays range from beautiful butterflies to fascinating beetles and even preserved fruit bats, offering a mix of the pretty and the intriguing. Reddit

While children can find the exhibits interesting, some visitors have noted that very young children, like toddlers, might not have a great time due to the nature of the specimens. It's more geared towards those with a specific interest in entomology or natural history. Reddit

Visitors often find it hard to leave, suggesting a visit can be quite engaging. The time spent will depend on your level of interest, but allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the vast collection. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum houses specimens so rare that Walt Disney himself was interested in buying the collection. You'll find insects over 100 years old and a particularly exquisite collection of beetles. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The provided information does not mention on-site dining facilities. It's advisable to plan for meals before or after your visit, or to bring your own snacks if permitted. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies are not explicitly stated. However, most museums allow personal photography for non-commercial use. It's always a good idea to check for any signage or ask staff upon arrival to confirm. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The May Natural History Museum offers a unique educational experience, but it's important to manage expectations for very young children. While the sheer variety of insects can be fascinating, the 'creepy crawly' nature of some specimens might not hold the attention of toddlers or very young kids. Reddit However, for families with older children who have an interest in nature and science, it can be a highly engaging outing. The mix of beautiful butterflies and intriguing beetles alongside more unusual insects provides plenty to discuss and learn about. The gift shop also offers cute trinkets, which can be a nice takeaway for kids. Reddit

🧐 Enthusiasts & Collectors

For those with a passion for entomology or natural history, the May Natural History Museum is a treasure trove. The vast collection of rare and ancient tropical insects, including an exquisite beetle display, is unparalleled. The fact that Walt Disney himself recognized its value speaks volumes about its significance. Reddit You'll find specimens dating back over a century, offering a deep dive into the history and diversity of insect life. This is a destination that truly caters to a dedicated interest in the subject matter.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of the Insect Collection

The May Natural History Museum is renowned for its extensive and unique collection of tropical insects. This isn't just a casual display; it's a carefully curated archive featuring specimens that are often rare and ancient, with some dating back to the early 1900s. The sheer volume and variety are astounding, offering a glimpse into the incredible biodiversity of the insect world. Visitors often remark on the mix of 'pretty and horrifying,' encountering everything from delicate, iridescent butterflies to surprisingly large and intriguing stick insects. This duality makes the collection particularly captivating and memorable. Reddit

What sets this museum apart is the historical significance and rarity of its specimens. It's been noted that even Walt Disney himself recognized the value and uniqueness of this collection, expressing interest in acquiring it for his theme parks. This anecdote highlights the exceptional nature of what's on display. The exquisite beetle collection is frequently mentioned as a standout, showcasing intricate patterns and vibrant colors. For anyone with an interest in entomology, natural history, or simply the wonders of the natural world, this collection is a must-see. Reddit

While the collection is a draw for many, it's worth noting that the museum's focus on insects might not resonate with all age groups. Some visitors have found that very young children may not be as engaged, particularly toddlers, due to the nature of the exhibits. However, for older children, adults, and enthusiasts, the May Natural History Museum offers an educational and awe-inspiring experience that is hard to find elsewhere. The well-maintained exhibits and the sheer scale of the collection ensure a visit that is both fascinating and hard to leave. Reddit

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