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Herkimer, the World's Largest Beetle

Meet Herkimer, the World's Largest Beetle: A colossal roadside attraction and mascot of the May Natural History Museum in Colorado Springs.

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A quirky roadside attraction in Colorado Springs, Herkimer is a giant statue of a Hercules beetle, standing as a mascot for the May Natural History Museum. This colossal insect is a must-see for those seeking unique photo opportunities and a glimpse of classic Americana.

A brief summary to Herkimer, the World's Largest Beetle

Local tips

  • Bring your camera! Herkimer is a fantastic photo opportunity, embodying classic Americana.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the May Natural History Museum to explore thousands of insect specimens.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as deer and turkeys, in the surrounding area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Herkimer is located at 710 Rock Creek Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80926, at the intersection of Highway 115 and Rock Creek Canyon Road. From Colorado Springs, take I-25 south to exit 135. Head west for two miles, then turn left onto Highway 115 south and drive for five miles. Look for the water tower on the left; Herkimer will be on the right. Parking is available in a small lot, but it can be uneven and challenging to navigate. There is no fee to park.

  • Public Transport

    While there is public transportation in Colorado Springs, the most convenient way to reach Herkimer is by car, taxi, or ride-sharing service. Mountain Metro Transit operates bus routes throughout the city, but service to the remote location of Herkimer may be limited. Check the Mountain Metro Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. A single bus fare is $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Colorado Springs. A ride from downtown Colorado Springs to Herkimer would be approximately 10 miles and cost around $20-$30, depending on the service and time of day.

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Discover more about Herkimer, the World's Largest Beetle

Herkimer, the World's Largest Beetle, is a memorable roadside attraction located in Colorado Springs, serving as the mascot of the May Natural History Museum. This impressive statue is a replica of a male Hercules beetle (Dynastes Hercules) from the West Indies, magnified 48 times its actual size, making it 10 feet high and 16 feet long. Built in 1949 by John May, the museum owner, Herkimer initially traveled with the May Tropical Exhibition, even spending time in Florida. Since 1963, he has been a fixture in Colorado Springs, greeting visitors at the entrance to Rock Creek Canyon. Over the years, Herkimer has faced vandalism and even had his legs stolen, leading to periods of being fenced off for protection. However, he underwent a full restoration in 2022 and is now back in his original location. While visiting Herkimer, take in the views of the nearby mountains and keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer and turkeys. Although visitors can't get too close due to fencing, the photo opportunities are plentiful. Herkimer is more than just a roadside attraction; he's a piece of family history, with the May family operating the nearby museum for generations. The May Natural History Museum houses over 7,000 insect specimens collected by James May, the museum founder, making it the world's largest private insect collection.

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