Celebrating all things insects at the Great Minnsect Show 2025

The 2025 Great Minnsect Show at the University of Minnesota on May 3 was a buzzing success! Held at the North Star Ballroom and Ruttan Hall on the St. Paul campus, the event attracted over 1,000 visitors, all eager to explore the fascinating world of insects.

Among the attendees was a family of five who drove four hours from Iowa. Their son, an enthusiastic FFA member, was working on a project about edible insects and couldn't wait to gather information and inspiration for his research.

The event featured 30 exhibit booths, each showcasing different aspects of entomology. Visitors marveled at live insect displays, participated in insect-themed games, and even sampled insect-based foods. The edible insect booth was particularly popular, offering delicacies including cricket brownies. 

Children and adults alike enjoyed crafting insect-themed art, guided by friendly volunteers. The insect petting zoo was a hit, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with various insects, including giant millipedes and hissing cockroaches. Entomologists from academia, industry, and government were on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge, making the event both educational and entertaining.

As the event drew to a close, the family from Iowa left with smiles on their faces and a car full of new knowledge and experiences. The son was particularly excited to incorporate what he had learned into his FFA project, confident that his newfound insights would impress his peers and teachers.

The 2025 Great Minnsect Show was a memorable day for all who attended, celebrating the incredible diversity and importance of insects in our world. 

Watch Entomology Professor Sujaya Rao's April 26 interview on KSTP-TV (P.S. Be sure to check out her living cockroach brooch!)