If you’re heading into Chicago during your stay at Deer Run Lodge, and you’re looking for something truly unique—skip the usual tourist stops and check out The Insect Asylum.
This isn’t your typical museum… it’s part art gallery, part science experience, and part hands-on adventure.
🦋 What Makes It So Unique
The Insect Asylum is a nonprofit museum dedicated to insects, taxidermy, and the natural world—with over 5,000 specimens and interactive exhibits.
But what really sets it apart:
- You can touch many of the exhibits
- There are live reptiles and animals onsite
- It blends science, art, and curiosity into one experience
- It’s small—but packed with fascinating things to discover
Guests often describe it as a place where you don’t just look—you explore.
⭐ What Visitors Are Saying
Reviews consistently highlight how memorable and different this place is:
“An amazing, magical place… the animals are so fascinating… great for all ages.”
“This place is AMAZING… every aspiring entomologist’s dream… meditative and calming.”
“Jam packed full of cool stuff… small but so much to see and admire.”
A few honest notes from visitors:
- It’s not a huge museum—but that’s part of its charm
- Some feel pricing is a bit premium, but most say it’s worth it for the experience
👉 Hands-On Experiences (This Is the Best Part)
This isn’t a “walk through and leave” kind of place.
You can:
- Take a butterfly pinning class (super unique experience)
- Learn directly from knowledgeable staff
- Interact with reptiles and animals
- Even participate in behind-the-scenes or educational workshops
Guests especially love the classes—they’re described as fun, educational, and something you won’t find anywhere else.
👨👩👧 Who It’s Perfect For
This spot is great if you are:
- Traveling with kids who love animals or science
- Looking for a rainy-day activity
- Into nature, art, or the unusual
- Wanting something memorable and different from typical Chicago attractions
It’s also a surprisingly good date idea or small-group outing.
📍 Quick Visit Details
- Located in Chicago’s Logan Square area
- About 1 hour from Deer Run Lodge (easy day trip)
- Typical visit time: 45–90 minutes
- Walk-ins welcome, but classes should be booked ahead
🛍️ Bonus: The Gift Shop
Even if you don’t do the full museum, the shop alone is worth a stop:
- Insect-themed art
- Handmade items from 60+ local artists
- Truly one-of-a-kind souvenirs
🌲 Why We Recommend It to Deer Run Lodge Guests
At Deer Run Lodge, we’re all about experiences you can’t get just anywhere—and this is exactly that.
It pairs perfectly with your stay:
- Spend your day exploring Chicago
- Then come back to relax in the hot tub, under the stars
- And talk about the coolest (and maybe weirdest 😄) museum you’ve ever visited
🐜 Final Thought
If you’re even a little curious… go.
This is one of those places people don’t expect to love—but end up talking about long after their trip.
📍 Location
The Insect Asylum
2870 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
- Neighborhood: Avondale / Logan Square area
- About 1 hour from Deer Run Lodge depending on traffic
🅿️ Parking Info
- Street parking is available directly in front on Milwaukee Ave
- It is metered parking Monday–Saturday (typical Chicago paid parking)
- The area is actively monitored, so guests should pay the meter or use the ParkChicago app
👍 Practical tips:
- Weekend visits are usually easier (less pressure from meters depending on timing)
- If it’s busy, you can usually find parking on nearby side streets within a short walk
- Plan for city-style parking (not a big lot or suburban setup)