Urbana, Illinois: Pollinatarium: Bees and Bats
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.
- Address:
- 606 W. Windsor Rd, Urbana, IL
- Directions:
- Southeast side of the city. From US-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:
- Sa 1:30-4:30; Th-F by appt.
- Admission:
- Donations welcome.
Results 1 to 3 of 3...
Visitor Tips and News About Pollinatarium: Bees and Bats
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
Doesn't appear to be open at all. Doors locked, grass overgrown, no access to the grounds.
[Angie, 07/04/2022]
The hours have changed at the Pollinatarium.
[Cole I., 08/17/2016]
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]Nearby Offbeat Places
College Lincoln's Lucky Nose, Urbana, IL - 2 mi.
Woolly Mammoth, Urbana, IL - 2 mi.
Cyber-Woman Engineer, Urbana, IL - 2 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
Noted.