Entry No. 13 — the Grand Junction file — filed under: history
Palisade Insectary
“Here is the secret between the peach orchards: a state-run bug factory.”
Here is the secret between the peach orchards: a state-run bug factory, the oldest of its kind in the country, breeding insects to eat Colorado's weeds. It started in 1945 hunting the Oriental fruit moth and now raises 14 kinds, shipping 4 million a year. The stars: a bindweed mite small enough that gardeners order it by mail, and the tamarisk leaf beetle that cut a riverside invader in half. Free entomologist-led tours run fall through winter, when staff aren't out in the field. You have to call.
The move: Call ahead in the off-season, book the free entomologist tour for two, then split a peach pie at a nearby orchard stand on the way out.
📍 Before you go The insectary sits just north of downtown Palisade off the river-bottom roads, about 15 minutes from Grand Junction; drive in and park on site. Tours are by appointment only and run in the off-season (roughly fall through early spring) when staff are not doing field work, so reserve a spot in advance rather than dropping in. Groups are capped at around 20, though they will also host couples and small families. Pair it with a stop at a Palisade orchard stand or a wine-country tasting room nearby.
- 📍 Palisade
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 750 37 8/10 Road, Palisade, CO 81526
Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4
last checked: 2026-06-11