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Urbana, Illinois: Pollinatarium: Bees and Bats (Closed)

A no-frills building, tucked away on a lightly-traveled unpaved road, offered exhibits on bees, bats, butterflies, and other pollinators. The observation honeybee hive was a highlight. Formerly a Bee Research Facility for the University of Illinois. Out front: a large, rusty bee sculpture.

Directions:
Southeast side of the city. From US Hwy 45 turn east at the stoplight (First State Bank) onto Windsor Rd. Drive 1.5 miles. Pass S. Lincoln Ave., then make the next left onto a narrow, unpaved road (There's a Pollinatarium sign at the corner but it's difficult to see). Drive north a quarter-mile. You'll see the bee sculpture and the no-frills Pollinatarium building on the left.
Hours:
July 2022: Closed.
Status:
Closed

Visitor Tips and News About Pollinatarium: Bees and Bats

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Pollinatarium: Bees and Bats

Doesn't appear to be open at all. Doors locked, grass overgrown, no access to the grounds.

[Angie, 07/04/2022]

Pollinatarium.

Pollinatarium: Bees and Bats

The hours have changed at the Pollinatarium.

[Cole I., 08/17/2016]

Noted.

Pollinaatrium

Pollinatarium: Bees and Bats

The Pollinatarium, on the University of Illinois campus, houses exhibits on all manner of creepy-crawlies that we need because they help satisfy the libido of the plants that make our food. The Pollinatarium has an observation honeybee hive (Kids love to play "Spot the queen bee!"), exhibits on how long a bat's tongue can be, and 3-D models of magnified pollen grains that are actually knobby dog play toys and tennis balls (because that's what magnified pollen grains look like).

The University of Illinois also hosts an annual "Insect Fear Film Festival." Rumor has it that university entomologists are using the film festival to prepare the general population for the upcoming invasion of giant metal honeybees currently being bred at the Pollinatarium. It's only a rumor, mind you.

[John Takao Collier, 12/10/2013]

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