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See Butterflies Up Close and Personal in Man-Made Butterfly Farms

Human-made butterfly farms or houses are habitats that have been created to house these living creatures. These are typically indoor sanctuaries of sorts, allowing the butterflies to thrive all year long, even when there is snow on the ground outside. The temperature-controlled atmosphere has tons of plants and gardens the butterflies can survive in. These conservatories are usually quite beautiful, and it is fun for all to walk through and see the winged-creatures flying freely about, but watch out, they might land on you! The conservatories are used to house as well as breed and also provide educational opportunities for both kids and adults. Most butterfly farms allow a self-paced tour or some have guided tours to educate guests on the different species of both butterflies and the plants they like. Find a butterfly farm near you and experience the magic of the floating creatures in their habitat.

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Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary

Located in Pennsylvania, the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary has a well-rounded experience for all ages. The sanctuary has a hands-on education center with both butterflies and exotic frogs where guests can touch the frogs and hand feed the butterflies. Experience what is called the “Flutterarium,” where the creatures fly freely around their home. Several programs are offered including “Butterfly School 101,” “Butterfly Scouts,” as well as in-school programs. The sanctuary is dedicated to the education of its guests and especially school-aged children. They have butterfly releases into the wild and many other fascinating things to have fun with!

Wheeler Farms

Located in Whitehouse Ohio, the butterfly portion of Wheeler Farms opens May 1 st . The farm has lovely garden areas outside that display plants that attract butterflies. There is also an indoor sanctuary where 1,000 butterflies consisting of many different species fly freely about in their controlled environment. Staff is available to answer any questions guests may have. There is a sweet gift shop onsite, and parties, school groups, and other groups are encouraged to visit and see all the beautiful species.

Magic Wings Butterfly House

The state of North Carolina contains one of the largest butterfly houses on the east coast. Building complete with 35-foot-high windows showcases lush vegetation, flowers, and trees, as well as 50 different species of butterflies. The house also has birds, tropical plants and flowers and daily butterfly release times. Use one of the butterfly identification guides to see what butterflies you can find in the Magic Wings House. The exhibit is open all year long and is one of the most significant and most fun to experience.

Butterfly Conservatory – Niagara Falls

Located on the ground of the Niagara Botanical Gardens, the butterfly conservatory has over 2,000 of them flying feely amongst the green and flowering vegetation throughout the exhibit. Walk along the winding paths that travel by a pond and waterfall, all indoors! The journey through the conservatory is self-guided and has over 180 meters of walking trails. Children ages 5 and under are free! This is a great place to visit to see all the species of butterflies in a beautiful and well-maintained habitat.

Kate Gorrie Memorial Butterfly House

Located in New Jersey, this butterfly house features native species and has been in business since 2000. The outdoor structure is open from mid-June to early October and guests are encouraged to visit any day of the week during that time. The gardens inside represent typical New Jersey gardens complete with native plants and butterflies. The house also participates in the Monarch Watch, having raised their Monarchs and then tagging and releasing them in hopes of gathering migration data for Monarch research and education.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Visit the climate-controlled glad habitat in lovely Key West , Florida. There are over 60 species of butterflies, as well as over 20 exotic bird species in a lush paradise. See the live caterpillars feeding on plants and the butterflies in their enclosure. The area appears as a beautiful, flowering garden, complete with trees, bridges, cascading waterfalls and white gazebo. The conservatory is kept at a balmy 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with about 80% humidity. The warm and humid conditions are needed for both the butterflies and the tropical plant’s survival. Look for the “Owl” butterfly, the largest butterfly in the conservatory.

The Butterfly Place

The Butterfly Place can be found in Massachusetts and features an indoor garden full of free-flying butterflies. Watch the tiny creatures rest on the flowers, sun themselves, or fly. There are koi fish ponds as well as quail that live in the habitat as well. There is a 15-minute video on the butterfly life cycle and exciting facts that runs continuously. The habitat is also kept in the 80s for butterfly survival, so dress appropriately. See the New England species as well as species from all over the world! If you have questions, visit the “show and tell” bench where a staff member will be located to answer any questions guests may have.

Wings of Mackinac

This fantastic butterfly house can be found on Mackinac Island of Michigan. Visit the emergence cage where you can see the butterfly pupa. The habitat receives shipments on a weekly basis, so there are many different varieties available to see. The butterflies can be seen nibbling on the rotten bananas, flowers and the hummingbird nectar that is all provided. The habitat looks like a large glass greenhouse, full of vegetation and sunlight which makes it perfect for the 300 different species you might see. Take time to enjoy the beautiful greenery as well as the thousands of butterflies that call this place home.

The Butterfly Rainforest

This exhibit honestly looks like you have walked into a rainforest. Complete with trees, flowers, green vegetation, tropical climate, waterfalls, ponds and walking paths, this place is fantastic! There are 60 to 80 different species at any given time, and there are over 1,000 individual butterflies in the exhibit. Explore over 6,000 square feet of screened exhibit space for your enjoyment. At specific times during the week, witness a butterfly release. See the feeding stations where you can see them up close as they feast on pieces of fruit. The habitat also features birds, fish, turtles, orchids and lovely flowers to enjoy.

Peaceful and Beautiful

Butterfly houses and farms are lovely, friendly places. Since butterflies like to be warm and humid, the exhibits are filled with lush vegetation, running water such as waterfalls and other creatures that enjoy the tropical climates like turtles, fish, and birds. They exist in almost every state and are informative, educational and exciting places to spend a day or an afternoon. Experience a butterfly house and all the different species and beautiful colors of this fantastic creature.

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14 Best Places To Visit For Butterfly Sanctuaries

orange and black butterfly perched on yellow flower

Stephan Meed

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Butterflies, with their dazzling colors and graceful fluttering, have captivated nature enthusiasts for centuries. Visiting butterfly sanctuaries not only offers a chance to witness these delicate creatures in their natural habitat but also provides valuable insights into their fascinating life cycles. Here are 14 of the best butterfly sanctuaries around the world that offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

1. Iguazu Butterfly Park, Argentina

Nestled within the breathtaking Iguazu National Park, this butterfly sanctuary is home to over 1,000 species of butterflies. Visitors can stroll through lush gardens while observing these vibrant insects up close in their natural habitat. The park’s expert guides offer informative tours that delve into the fascinating world of butterflies, their behaviors, and ecological significance.

2. Phipps Conservatory, USA

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Phipps Conservatory houses a stunning butterfly forest where visitors can marvel at a diverse range of butterfly species. The conservatory also offers educational programs and interactive exhibits for all ages. Visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of butterflies through hands-on activities and informative displays on butterfly anatomy and behavior.

3. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm, UK

This butterfly sanctuary in the heart of England features tropical gardens and a large greenhouse teeming with colorful butterflies. Visitors can learn about the life cycle of butterflies and witness their magical transformation from caterpillars to adults. The farm also offers butterfly-friendly plants for sale, allowing visitors to create their own butterfly gardens at home.

4. Penang Butterfly Farm, Malaysia

Spanning over 8 acres of lush tropical gardens, the Penang Butterfly Farm is home to thousands of butterflies from various species. Visitors can participate in guided tours and witness the enchanting beauty of these winged wonders. The farm’s research and conservation efforts play a crucial role in protecting butterfly populations and their natural habitats.

5. Monteverde Butterfly Garden, Costa Rica

Nestled in the cloud forests of Monteverde, this butterfly sanctuary offers a close-up view of diverse butterfly species amidst lush greenery. Visitors can also explore the insect exhibit and learn about the importance of conservation. Guided tours provide in-depth knowledge about the symbiotic relationships between butterflies, plants, and other organisms in the ecosystem.

6. Butterfly World, South Africa

Situated in the Western Cape province, Butterfly World is the largest butterfly sanctuary in South Africa. Visitors can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens and observe a wide array of butterfly species in flight. The sanctuary also features a caterpillar house where visitors can witness the early stages of a butterfly’s life cycle up close.

7. Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Canada

Located near the iconic Niagara Falls, this conservatory is home to thousands of butterflies representing over 45 species. Visitors can walk through a lush tropical environment and witness these delicate creatures up close. Educational programs at the conservatory focus on the role of butterflies in pollination and their conservation significance in the face of habitat loss.

8. Neotropical Butterfly Park, Peru

Nestled in the Amazon rainforest, this butterfly sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe rare and exotic butterfly species in their natural habitat. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about the intricate relationship between butterflies and their environment. The park’s conservation initiatives aim to protect the delicate balance of butterfly populations amidst changing environmental conditions.

9. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, USA

Situated in Sarasota, Florida, this botanical garden is known for its striking butterfly garden that houses a variety of native and exotic butterfly species. Visitors can participate in butterfly release events and educational workshops. The garden’s horticultural experts provide insights into creating butterfly-friendly landscapes that support these pollinators and enhance biodiversity.

10. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, USA

This enchanting conservatory in Florida features a lush tropical garden where butterflies flutter freely among colorful flowers. Visitors can also explore the butterfly museum and learn about the unique species that inhabit the region. Interactive exhibits at the conservatory highlight the intricate adaptations and behaviors of butterflies, showcasing their vital role in ecosystem functioning.

11. Mindo Butterfly House, Ecuador

Nestled in the biodiverse cloud forest of Mindo, this butterfly sanctuary offers a serene setting for observing native butterfly species. Visitors can take guided tours and witness the intricate dance of these delicate insects. The house’s butterfly breeding program contributes to conservation efforts by releasing native species back into the wild to strengthen local populations.

12. Shah Alam Butterfly Park, Malaysia

Sprawled across 80,000 square feet, this butterfly park is home to over 5,000 butterflies from 120 different species. Visitors can stroll through lush gardens and observe these colorful creatures in a carefully controlled environment. The park’s educational programs focus on the importance of butterfly conservation and the role that individuals can play in safeguarding butterfly habitats.

13. Bendorf Butterfly Garden, Germany

This butterfly sanctuary in Rhineland-Palatinate boasts a diverse collection of native and exotic butterfly species. Visitors can explore the garden’s carefully curated plants and learn about the importance of preserving butterfly habitats. The garden’s sustainable practices and habitat restoration projects underscore the importance of protecting butterfly species and their natural environments.

14. Melbourne Zoo Butterfly House, Australia

Located within the Melbourne Zoo, this butterfly house offers a tranquil retreat where visitors can admire a variety of butterfly species amidst lush greenery. The zoo also hosts educational programs and conservation initiatives to raise awareness about butterfly conservation. Visitors can witness butterfly releases and learn about the zoo’s efforts to support local butterfly populations through habitat restoration and community engagement.

shallow focus photography of two man competing at the polo pony

A southern gentleman at heart, Stephan is a man you'll find mudding, off-roading, and fishing on a typical weekend. However, a nutritionist by profession, he is also passionate about fitness and health through natural means. He writes mostly health-related content for the Scientific Origin.

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Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center

Flights of fancy await you in the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, where typically 1,000 or more butterflies flutter freely about in one of North America’s largest tropical butterfly conservatories. The Day Butterfly Center is a living, dynamic, glass-enclosed environment in which a variety of tropical plants nourish the residents and new arrivals emerge from their chrysalides, dry their wings, and begin their very first wing-beats.

Things To Know

Butterfly Center

Butterfly 101

March - December Weekdays, 2 p.m.

Spanning the lifecycle of butterflies, what they eat, and where they come from, Butterfly 101 takes guests through an engaging presentation on all aspects of the Butterfly. Located in our theater area.

Butterfly Center Tour

March - December Wednesdays, 1 p.m.

A staff led walkthrough of the second oldest Butterfly Center in the United states, guests will learn about the history of Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center as well as have an interactive experience within the conservatory itself.

Monarch 101

September & October

Meet in the Day Butterfly Center Theater for this interactive presentation on Monarchs and their migration. Dates are September and October, Tuesdays 2:45 p.m.

Your visit to Callaway Resort & Gardens and the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center supports the conservation of some of the world’s most threatened natural habitats. Our butterflies are purchased in the chrysalis stage from family-run butterfly farms in economically-challenged, tropical countries.

Butterfly farms are dependent on healthy, undisturbed, natural ecosystems. As these small farms grow, their local economies grow and it becomes necessary to protect the rainforest. Without this demand, the alternative would be for the local residents to possibly cut down the rainforest in search of other means to support their livelihood.

Thank you for your continued visitation and support.

Featured Event

September & october is blue morpho butterfly month.

Enjoy our month-long display of nature at its finest! Each September & October, marvel at the Blue Morpho as hundreds of these tropical butterflies fill the Day Butterfly Center with their iridescent-blue splendor.

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Where to See Thousands of Monarch Butterflies

The species is being reviewed for potential addition to the Endangered Species list. Can tourism help save the butterfly?

Natasha Geiling

The monarch butterfly, perhaps the most recognizable butterfly in North America, is in trouble: since the mid-1990s, their population has declined 90 percent from its 20-year average , and their wintering colonies in Mexico now occupy the smallest amount of land they have since 1993 . Illegal logging around their wintering sites in Mexico, as well as the loss of milkweed in the midwestern United States, threatens their magnificent migrations from Canada to Mexico—one of the most spectacular annual occurrences in the insect world. Earlier this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it would launch a year-long study into whether the monarch butterfly should be placed on the Endangered Species list, thus giving it federal protection.

"Over the last 20 years, we've noticed a decline in numbers," says Lauren Tuzzolino, who works in the Butterfly Pavilion at the National Museum of Natural History. "A lot of it is with habitat loss—they don't have the same resources for milkweed that they used to have." Milkweed is crucial to migrating monarchs because it provides the butterflies with a place to lay their eggs —and acts as a source of food for the caterpillars born from those eggs.

While their numbers are on the decline, the monarchs' migration is still a magnificent sight—and something that can be seen across thousands of miles. And, some say that encouraging tourism to monarch wintering spots, especially those in Mexico, might be a way to save the monarchs from doom.

"Most North American monarchs overwinter in the mountain forests of central Mexico, where the butterflies find exactly the environmental conditions that they need ... Although [it's] an oversimplification, the big problem is that the indigenous people ignore the central government and cut the forest to survive," says Robert Robbins, a research entomologist with the National Museum of Natural History. "The conservation goal is to increase the eco-tourism value of these areas as an alternate source of funds. To some extent, I am told that it is working, but perhaps not sufficiently well."

Although illegal logging and the loss of milkweed is contributing to the decline in monarch numbers, it's the monarch's migration that's the most threatened. "Its not that the species would die out, but the migration would end. The migration is an endangered phenomenon," Tuzzolino says. While it's unlikely that the monarch will disappear entirely, the loss of their migration would mean the disappearance of a biologically unique phenomenon—monarchs are the only known butterfly to make a two-way migration .

If you want to catch a glimpse of the endangered phenomenon, here are seven locations that boast large numbers of migratory monarchs. Want to help closer to home? Consider planting milkweed on your property, to give monarchs a place to stop on their migration. "I think day-to-day citizen science, whether it is being aware of the correct type of milkweed [to plant], or little things to raise awareness, is really important," Tuzzolino says.

Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada

Though most ecotourism efforts focus on visiting monarchs at their wintering sites in Mexico, which are threatened by logging, the butterflies can be seen in large numbers as far north as Ontario and Quebec, where they feed on milkweed and breed. In 2008, the Canadian government deemed the monarch a species worthy of " special concern ," due to its dwindling population numbers.

To see huge numbers of monarchs in Canada, head to Point Pelee National Park, in Ontario, where the butterflies live and breed from early spring to fall, when they begin their southward migration. Because the migration happens over such a considerable distance, butterflies look for shortcuts whenever they can, which is what makes Point Pelee such a desirable spot—located on a peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, the site gives thousands of monarchs a head-start on their southward journey. After following the shape of the peninsula, the butterflies will funnel to the tip of the point and wait for a breeze to help them begin their migration.

Monarch Butterfly Grove: Pismo Beach, California

Like other groves along the California coast, the Monarch Butterfly Grove at Pismo Beach offers monarchs the perfect blend of habitat (eucalyptus trees) and cool, ocean-created climate. From mid-October through mid-February, thousands of monarchs congregate on the grove's trees, providing visitors with a spectacular sight. One of the largest in the nation, the grove at Pismo Beach regularly hosts around 25,000 butterflies each season.

Monarch Grove Sanctuary: Pacific Grove, California

The largest wintering colonies of monarchs are found in Mexico, but smaller colonies can be seen across the western coast of California through the winter months (mid-October through mid-February). The monarchs return to Pacific Grove, among other places, as part of a generational migration pattern : if their parents and grandparents spent time in Pacific Grove, they will come back there.

At the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, monarchs arrive by the thousands to rest on the thick branches of eucalyptus trees. Located in a city park, the sanctuary is free and open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, but the best time to see the butterflies is around 3 p.m., when the sun is shining most brightly on the trees (and the butterflies).

Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove: Goleta, California

Just north of Santa Barbara sits the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove , another key site for viewing thousands of monarchs. As of January 7, 2015, the Goleta Grove reported that there were 4,500 monarchs on the property (in 2011, the wintering population peaked at 47,510). The preserve is open sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. Docents are available to lead tours around midday on weekends.

Natural Bridges State Beach: Santa Cruz, California

The Monarch Grove at Santa Cruz's Natural Bridges State Beach is the only State Monarch Preserve in California; at peak numbers, some 100,000 monarchs come to the area to enjoy the mild, oceanside climate and rest in the preserve's eucalyptus trees.

The monarchs mostly arrive from mid-October through mid-February, although November is often thought of as the best time to see them at their highest numbers.

Monarch Biosphere Reserve: Michoacán, Mexico

When it comes to sheer numbers, the coastal edge of California has nothing on the Monarch Biosphere Reserve , a 139,019-acre area about 60 miles northwest of Mexico City. In 2008, the Monarch Biosphere Reserve was named a Unesco World Heritage Site for its critical role in supporting populations of the migrating butterflies. Monarchs come to the area by the millions—sometimes, by the billions—to escape the cold northern winters.

Fourteen major monarch colonies are located in the area, and eight of them fall into the area protected by Unesco; of these eight, only four are open to visitors, with El Rosario and Sierra Chincua being the largest and easiest to visit. Monarch numbers at the reserves peak in January and February; if you're looking for the most butterflies, your best bet might be to head to El Rosario. "It's the most commercialized, yet it's the one with the highest numbers," says Tuzzolino.

Piedra Herrada: Los Saucos, Mexico

Although it's smaller than the sanctuaries in the Monarch Biosphere, Piedra Herrada still attracts millions of monarch butterflies to its trees. Located southeast of Mexico City, the site is a recent addition to wintering spots open to the public—it's also been called one of the most wild places to see overwintering monarchs in Mexico. More remote than areas to the north, visitors usually take horses up the steep incline, then hike through thick vegetation to reach the butterflies.

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Natasha Geiling | | READ MORE

Natasha Geiling is an online reporter for Smithsonian magazine.

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Have a close-up butterfly encounter! Where to see butterflies in Atlanta

Where to see butterflies in Atlanta — have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer, at these parks and nature centers!

Have a butterfly encounter this summer! You can get up close to hundreds of flying butterflies at local nature centers and gardens. If you’re lucky, you may have a butterfly land on your hand or arm. It’s a magical experience for kids and grownups alike.

Our list is focused on venues where you can enter a butterfly house, also known as a butterfly conservatory or lepidopterarium. (These are different from outdoor butterfly gardens.) They are special facilities designed for breeding and displaying butterflies, often with an emphasis on education.

Some of our local nature centers have special butterfly events each summer, when the butterflies have emerged from cocoons and are in the adult state. If you visit, bring a camera!

Best places to see butterflies in Atlanta

Where to see butterflies in Atlanta: festivals and up-close butterfly encounters!

Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Butterfly Encounter + Butterfly Festival

9135 Willeo Rd. Roswell, GA

June 3 – August 11 in 2024 Mon. thru Sat. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m.

The Butterfly Encounter is included with general admission to the nature center. PRICES Adults — $21 Seniors (65+) — $17 Students 13-18 — $17 Kids 3-12 — $15 Under 3 — FREE

The Butterfly Encounter takes place in a mesh tent on the nature center grounds each summer. This walk-through exhibit lets you get up close to hundreds of native butterflies surrounded by their nectar plants. You can even hold a special “nectar stick” to entice butterflies to come to you.

If the exhibit inspires you to start your own butterfly garden at home, you can purchase nectar and host plants on site.

You must purchase your general admission ticket online in advance. The nature center is operating on a timed-ticket system to limit capacity, so you can enjoy the experience. No walk-ups are allowed. The time on your ticket is the time you may enter the Butterfly Encounter. You’re free to visit the rest of nature center after that.

2024 Flying Colors Butterfly Festival on June 1 & 2

The Chattahoochee Nature Center’s annual day Butterfly Festival is back for 2024.

You’ll want to buy your ticket online in advance: * $25 general admission * Children 2 and under FREE * $20 for nature center members

There are tons of special activities at this family-friendly event — in addition to the Butterfly Encounter. You’ll also find food and live entertainment.

HOURS for 2-day Butterfly Festival Saturday — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday — noon to 5 p.m.

Dunwoody Nature Center’s annual Butterfly Experience

5343 Roberts Drive Dunwoody, GA 30338

September 7 & 8, 2024 Tickets on sale Aug. 1st

Last year, tickets were $18 for adults and kids over the age of three. Kids three and under are FREE. Ticket sales begin on August 1st — and will probably sell out, so set a calendar reminder for that day! More info on Butterfly Experience here

The 2024 event is bigger than ever, with multiple butterfly tents on site to accommodate more people. You’ll buy a timed ticket for entry to a specific tent, but they all provide the same experience.

During the festival, you can enter mesh tents filled with colorful fluttering butterflies. The festival also showcases the nature center’s birds of prey, reptiles, and other wildlife. Activities include craft stations, live music, nature scavenger hunt, face painting, and more.

Deposit Photos

Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ Butterfly House

2382 Pine Mountain Road Kennesaw, Georgia 30152

June 1 to July 31, 2024 Tuesday thru Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Garden Admission Prices: Adults — $10 Seniors (65+) — $8 Kids 3-17 — $5 Under 3 — FREE Add $3 for Butterfly Exhibit admission

A Garden with Wings Butterfly House opens to the public each summer. The newly expanded facility features butterflies that are native to Georgia, as well as their native host plants and plants that provide nectar for food. You can expect to see the entire butterfly life cycle here — from eggs to caterpillar to cocoon to adult.

This special exhibit is an extra $3 on top of the price of garden admission (see prices above). It is no longer free with admission.

You an also visit an outdoor pollinator garden that hosts a collection of annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs that attract and support native pollinators like bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

You may buy tickets online in advance, or on the day of your of your visit, More info here

flowers in a buterfly and pollinator garden at Dahlonega Butterfly Garden

The outdoor butterfly & pollinator habitat garden. Courtesy of Dahlonega Butterfly Garden.

Dahlonega Butterfly Farm

427 Castleberry Bridge Rd. Dawsonville, GA. 30534

April thru November in 2024 Thurs 10-4, Fri & Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 Tuesday & Wednesday: Group reservations only

The Dahlonega Butterfly Farm features an indoor tropical butterfly conservatory, a containment room where our butterflies are born, and an outdoor caterpillar habitat.

The basic tour shows you the life-cycle of butterflies and the importance of pollinators in the environment. You can also “catch” a butterfly in the tropical conservatory to can observe up-close.

This is an easy day-trip, and for some folks will be a much shorter drive than Callaway Gardens. You’ll buy tickets once you arrive at the Butterfly Farm. They are not selling in advance online this year.

The tropical butterfly conservatory. Photo: Dahlonega Butterfly Farm.

Fr eedom Park Bird & Butterfly Garden

The garden is located near the corner of North Ave. and Candler Park Dr. FREE to visit

This is a bonus item, since it’s an outdoor butterfly garden and not an enclosed exhibit. Since Freedom Park is over 200 acres, the garden is unknown to many people.

The Freedom Park Bird and Butterfly Garden is a certified wildlife sanctuary. It is a joint venture between the Atlanta Audubon Society and the Dekalb Master Gardener Association. The garden includes more than 40 species of native plants. More details

Tucker Butterfly Garden

Located at the Tucker Rec Center 4898 LaVista Rd. Tucker , GA 30084

FREE to visit! This certified pollinator garden features a wide variety of the host and nectar plants that support the complete life cycle of caterpillars and butterflies. It provides a complete habitat for the winged creatures that are native to Georgia and the Southeast.

Feel free to browse the butterfly garden and nearby native plant showcase garden — it’s completely FREE.

You’ll find the plants are labeled with both common names and botanical names. There is also educational signage that explains the butterfly’s transformational life cycle.

The Rec Center also hosts workdays where you can learn more about butterflies and how to provide a habitat on your own property. The workdays are held the fourth Thursday of each month from February through November. More info here

Butterflies & Blooms in the Briar Patch

617 N. Jefferson St. Eatonton, GA 31024

Open 7 days a week during daylight hours FREE to visit

This pollinator habitat was created and is maintained by volunteers. The garden contains host plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for adult butterflies.

There are picnic tables and a quarter-mile looped walking path. Family friendly, and leashed pets are welcome. More info Visit the Facebook page

Douglas County Butterfly Trail

Multiple locations FREE to visit

The Douglas County Butterfly Trail is registered with the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail in Plains. It is a “trail” of ten separate butterfly gardens designed to support the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly.

The sites on the trail are all located within Douglasville. They include the county library, several parks, government buildings, museums, and community gardens. You are free to visit one or all of them. More info + list of trail gardens

Callaway Gardens’ Butterfly House & Festival

17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Butterfly House is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The outdoor gardens and trails are open daily 9 a.m. to dusk

Butterfly Festival: 2024 dates not announced yet, but will probably be in September.

2023 Advance purchase prices: Adults — $19.95 Seniors — $19.95 Kids 6-12 — $14.95 (see FREE offer below) Kids 5 and under — FREE Military — $14.95 adult and $11.95 dependent child

Buy tickets online in advance and save

About the Butterfly Festival

Children 12 and under who dress as a butterfly, caterpillar, or other insect receive FREE admission to Callaway gardens on Butterfly Festival weekend only.

This is family-friendly annual event that takes place each year in late September. Venture out on a scavenger hunt, create a butterfly mask, and participate in other activities and crafts.

The Butterfly Festival is included in the price of admission, and is FREE for resort guests.

Visit the festival web page

About the Butterfly Center

The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens is one of the largest tropical butterfly conservatories in the country. It’s a glass-enclosed facility that provides a complete ecosystem, complete with tropical plants that provide food for the butterflies.

The complete butterfly life cycle takes place inside the climate-controlled conservatory, which replicates the environment of a tropical rain forest — complete with a waterfall and pool. There are over 50 butterfly species in residence.

Purchase tickets in advance online to save $5 over on-site purchase of an adult ticket. More details on the butterfly house

More summer fun around metro Atlanta:

Dunwoody nature center.

5343 Roberts Dr Dunwoody , GA 30338

Visit Website Get Directions

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Callaway gardens.

17800 US Hwy 27 Hamilton , GA 31822 844-512-3826

Smith-Gilbert Gardens (Kennesaw)

2382 Pine Mountain Road Kennesaw , GA 30152

Get Directions

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Millions of butterflies stop in these Mexico sanctuaries. Here’s how to see them.

Travelers can help protect these delicate insects at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, recognized on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

In one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural spectacles, millions of monarch butterflies ( Danaus plexippus ) gather every winter amid the fir forests of Central Mexico . They carpet the trees and paint the sky black and orange. In Mesoamerican culture, they personify the souls of departed loved ones.

After undertaking an epic journey of up to 2,800 miles from Canada and the United States , they’ve come to Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve to rest and reproduce—and prepare for the arduous journey back north in the spring. It’s an eight-month migration traversing the continent and back, during which five consecutive generations are born and die.

The 138,000-acre monarch reserve spans Michoacán and the State of Mexico and is a World Heritage site, one of the country’s four natural assets inscribed on the list. Throughout the season (October to March), only three sanctuaries in Michoacán and three in the State of Mexico open to visitors to immerse themselves in the world of monarchs, learn about the delicate creatures’ mass migration, and support efforts to protect them.

What to know about visiting the monarchs

Monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico provide vital refuge and shelter for these insects. Responsible tourism practices are crucial to minimize the impact of visitors to them and the reserve. Follow the guides’ instructions, respect designated trails, don’t bring in food or pets, avoid taking flash photos, and maintain silence to avoid disturbing the butterflies’ hibernation.

( Follow the monarch on its dangerous 3,000-mile journey across the continent .)

Registration and tours with local guides are mandatory and included with the entry fee, which is about $5 dollars for adults and $3 for kids in every sanctuary, no reservation needed. Time spent inside the sanctuary is limited to 18 minutes to prevent overcrowding. It is strictly prohibited to take dead butterflies; this ensures they continue to fulfill their role in the food chain, as the chemicals released after their decomposition contribute to the ecosystem and even help monarchs locate their hibernation sites in future seasons.

Michoacán is monarch territory

With nearly 70 percent of the reserve’s territory, Michoacán has emerged as the most prominent destination in Mexico to witness the migration of the monarchs. The state offers three sanctuaries open to the public: El Rosario, the biggest and most popular, known for its facilities such as the artisan corridor; Sierra Chincua, with its lush forest and shorter trails for families; and Senguio, with its lesser known and unspoiled landscapes for solo travelers.

( Whales and butterflies are the real celebrities in Santa Barbara .)

The gateway to the state’s butterfly sanctuaries is Zitácuaro, a town set amid the stunning landscapes of southeastern Michoacán. Rancho San Cayetano , a rustic-chic hotel with a lush garden, is a convenient jumping off point for sanctuary visits.

The region also has waterfalls, a forest for hiking and bird watching, and Nemi Natura Ranch. It’s a good stop for farm-fresh produce before you get to the largest butterfly sanctuary in Michoacán: El Rosario. Just an hour’s drive from Zitácuaro, the sanctuary opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offers a visitor center with photo exhibits and documentaries explaining the monarchs’ migration.

The moutaintop butterfly colonies are an hour’s walk or a short horseback ride ($8) from El Rosario’s entrance. At the peak, the guide will lead you to designated viewpoints where the landscape reveals a sea of orange and black wings fluttering in the breeze, covering the ground, and draping tree branches.

An hour’s drive up the mountain from El Rosario will take you to Sierra Chincua sanctuary, where the clusters of butterflies are sometimes heavy enough to break tree branches. From the visitor center to its butterfly colonies, you'll traverse a forest path, either by foot or on horseback, taking from 45 minutes to an hour. Outside the limits of the sanctuary, visitors can also enjoy activities such as ziplining, hanging bridges, and a climbing wall.

Senguio is about an hour and a half by car from Sierra Chincua. This small town is home to the newest sanctuary in Michoacán. To reach it, visitors must walk three hours on a rugged trail, or rent a van to make it in just one. The reward? Streams, waterfalls, towering trees, and panoramic views. Senguio also offers a picnic area, local restaurants, and cozy cabins for overnight stays.

( See monarch butterflies in all their glory on this California road trip .)

From Senguio, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive back to Mexico City (or 1.5 back to Zitácuaro). These three sanctuaries can be explored in a well-planned weekend itinerary, allowing visitors to admire this breathtaking phenomenon while experiencing the natural and cultural wonders of Michoacán.

State of Mexico butterfly sanctuaries

Surrounding Mexico City, the State of Mexico’s border with Michoacán houses 54,300 acres of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. The state’s sanctuaries include El Capulín, La Mesa, and Piedra Herrada, which in total welcome up to 200,000 human visitors each year.

Near the city of Toluca, Piedra Herrada is one of the three official monarch sanctuaries in the state, where community members work as tourist guides or rent horses, as it takes over two hours to walk to the core zone where the butterflies sleep.

Half an hour’s drive from this sanctuary lies Valle de Bravo, known for its spectacular lake, with sailing, water-skiing, and sport fishing. Here, Hotel Rodavento offers a unique hospitality experience with rooms suspended over the forest—an ideal place to stay before exploring other sanctuaries in the state.

It takes a little over an hour from popular Valle de Bravo to reach El Capulín , with 2.5 miles of trails through coniferous forests teeming with butterflies. From these mountains, visitors can view the largest plain in the monarch region, known as Los Tres Gobernadores.

Two hours further north, La Mesa sanctuary shelters crystalline bodies of water and historical hacienda ruins. It stood as part of the Mazahua territory, the largest ethnic group in the state. Today, it has guided tours of hibernation colonies and access to a deer breeding facility.

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* OUR CURRENT BUSINESS HOURS * OPEN Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission of the day sold at 4:30 p.m. CLOSED Monday. CLOSED Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. ADMISSION PRICES Adults: $16.00 Seniors (age 62 and over): $14.00 Seniors pay $12.50 on Wednesdays. Children (age 3 through 17): $10.00 Also $10.00 for students up through age 22 with valid student ID. Children under age 3: Free

We are now operating at 100% capacity for visitors. no reservations are necessary. guests can walk in from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and pay for admission in our gift shop. please continue to visit our website, as well as the magic wings facebook page, for the latest updated information. ~ magic wings management, please read these policies carefully :, face masks are not currently required or mandated while visiting ., * no outside food or drinks allowed inside the building ., * regular cleaning and sanitizing of all areas and touch surfaces will take place throughout each day., * not feeling well please stay home, take care of yourselves, and we’ll see you here when you’re better., please be aware that we will modify these conditions as needed. further updates will appear on our website, our facebook page, and our company voice mail message., thank you for your understanding and cooperation. as always, our goal is to provide you with a wonderful visit while still providing for everyone’s safety. please continue to take care of yourselves and each other. – kathy fiore & george miller, magic wings management, in loving memory our parents george e. miller jr. 1942 – 2017 sharon e. miller 1945 – 2020, gayle m. ball 1964 – 2021, the lepidoptera source in western massachusetts, featuring an 8,000-square foot indoor conservatory home to some 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies in a tropical environment, magic wings focuses on butterfly-related education, recreation, entertainment and gardening needs., admission prices adults: $16.00 seniors (age 62 and over): $14.00 seniors pay $12.50 on wednesdays. children (age 3 through 17): $10.00 also $10.00 for students up through age 22 with valid student id. children under age 3: free.

BUTTERFLY HOUSES OF USA & CANADA

Do you know a butterfly facility not listed here? let me know so I can let everyone know — email me!

Alabama

Biophilia Nature Center Native butterflies in all stages of the life cycle. The Center consists of 20 acres that are being restored with native vegetation, including wildflower meadows of butterfly adult and larval plants.

12695 C.R. 95, Elberta, AL 36530

(251) 987-1200

[email protected]

Huntsville Botanical Garden (Purdy Butterfly House open May – September) The Purdy Butterfly House, which is 9,000 sq ft, is located inside the Nature Center at Huntsville Botanical Garden. It's the largest open-air butterfly house in the nation.

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue Huntsville, AL 35805

(256) 830-4447

Gulf Shore Butterfly Garden Butterflies and moths are both present in the garden. Nectar and nurture plants exist for each stage of their development.

244 W 19th Ave Gulf Shores, AL 3654

Tuesday to Friday from 10AM – Noon/1pm – 5PM

(251) 968-1473

[email protected]

Alaska Botanical Gardens The Alaska Botanical Garden is an independent nonprofit living museum. Its mission is to showcase the beauty and value of Alaska’s gardens and natural areas through science, education, and recreation using organic and sustainable practices.

4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd Anchorage, AK 99507

(907) 770-3692

[email protected]

Butterfly Wonderland Butterfly Wonderland, featuring the largest butterfly conservatory in the country with over 3,000 fluttering butterflies.

9500 E. Via de Ventura Scottsdale, AZ 85256

480.800.3000

[email protected]

Desert Botanical Garden Desert Botanical Garden is an extremely thoughtful place with the most wonderful living art collection on the planet. We are very happy to be a part of this amazing culture.

1201 N. GALVIN PARKWAY PHOENIX, AZ 85008

480.941.1225

[email protected]

Tucson Botanical Gardens - Cox Butterfly & Orchard Pavilion Located on the site of the historic Porter property, Reader’s Digest named Tucson Botanical Gardens as the BEST Secret Garden in America. Among mature trees and expertly cultivated foliage, specialty gardens such as the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden and Herb Garden highlight the diversity of native plants while offering a lush oasis in the heart of Tucson. Tropical butterflies from around the world are featured in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion Oct.–May

2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ.

520.326.9686.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks The Butterfly House at the BGO is one-of-a-kind. It's the only butterfly house in the state!

4703 N. Crossover Road in Fayetteville, Arkansas

479.750.2620

California Academy of Sciences - Osher Rainforest Step inside a living four-story rainforest, home to free-flying tropical butterflies and birds.

Golden Gate Park 55 music Concourse Drive San Francisco, CA 94118

415.379.8000

[email protected]

Conservatory of Flowers (Semi-Annual Butterfly Exhibit) The Conservatory of Flowers offers an intimate up-close experience with rare and endangered plants unlike any other.

Golden Gate Park 100 John F. Kennedy Drive San Francisco, CA 94118

415.831.2090

Butterfly Farms The Butterfly Farms Vivarium is open Daily to the public April through November. Luca Micaela Nursery is open year round for your pollinator needs.

441 Saxony Road Encinitas, CA 92024

760.613.5867

ENC Butterfly House The ENC’s Butterfly House is the only one of its kind in Orange County. Throughout the season, it is home to several butterfly species native to Orange County

Environmental Nature Center 1601 East 16th Street Newport Beach, CA 92663

949.645.8489

Pacific Grove Butterfly House Picturesque coastal Pacific Grove calls itself "Butterfly Town U.S.A." because swarms of monarch butterflies migrate here to overwinter. They dangle like dead leaves from local trees in the late fall and winter, rousing each day to search for nectar. The city funds a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary optimized for their unique seasonal residents.

309 9th St, Pacific Grove, CA

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Arriving in October, monarch butterflies cluster together on pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees in the Sanctuary. Their migration to Pacific Grove is so unique that Pacific Grove is nicknamed "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." The community has always welcomed the butterflies and advocated for their protection.

250 Ridge Road Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Hallberg Butterfly Gardens Nestled among the apple orchards of Western Sonoma County, the Hallberg Butterfly Gardens cover nine acres of overgrown vines and thickets, flowering pathways and meadows. We welcome individuals, small groups, and classroom visits

8687 Oak Grove Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472

(707) 823-3420

info @hallbergbutterflygardens.org

Natural History Museum of LA County - Pavilion of Wings (Annual Exhibit) Walk among beautiful butterflies in our seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. This springtime exhibition features hundreds of butterflies, colorful native plants, and plenty of natural light to help you see these creatures shimmer. With lots of flight space and a variety of resting spots, come get one of the best views in Los Angeles of these amazing insects.

900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007

213.763.3466

[email protected]

Victoria Butterfly Gardens A Vibrant Jungle Experience. You’ll encounter tortoises, large iguanas, poison dart frogs, free flying tropical birds and more. Enjoy tropical fish, ducks, flamingos and koi fish in our serene pond and stream circulated by a stunning waterfall. Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) fly through our large facilities the size of almost 3 basketball courts.

1461 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC, Canada

(877) 722-0272

[email protected]

Victoria Bug Zoo A visit to this must see zoo offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere.

631 Courtney Street, Victoria, BC, Canada

(250) 384-2847

[email protected]

Butterfly World and Gardens The Emerging Area will amaze you as you watch a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis to transform from a soggy insect into a flying jewel of brilliant colour. View the eggs of the butterfly or watch the caterpillars devour a plant before your eyes... you can actually hear them as they munch away

1080 Winchester Road, Coombs, BC, Canada

(250) 248-7026

Calgary Zoo, Butterfly Exhibit - Butterfly House Wander along lush pathways, to explore a living library of trees and plants – including a few that might surprise you. All paths lead to the ENMAX Conservatory where you’ll find a steamy butterfly garden and jungle atmosphere – complete with banana trees and pineapple plants.

1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, AB, Canada

(800) 588-9993

[email protected]

Devonian Botanic Gardens - Butterfly House Highlights of the Garden, which was established in 1959, include a Tropical Show house with exotic butterflies, the beautiful Kurimoto Japanese Garden, a Heritage Garden, Native Peoples Garden and more.

University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CANADA

(780) 987-2496

Newfoundland Insectarium - Butterfly House & Insect Zoo The Newfoundland Insectarium is a museum of nature featuring insects and arthropods from around the world. It houses thousands of live and mounted specimens including a butterfly garden, glass beehive, and ant colony.

2 Bonne Bay Road, Reidville, NL, Canada

(709) 635-4545

[email protected]

F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery Close to 400 free-flying tropical butterflies make their home amidst more than 200 exotic plants in this tropical environment. Watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalis in the eclosion cabinet. Learn what countries these species come from, their life cycle and mating habits.

Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, Canada

(705) 522-3701 ext. 0

[email protected]

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory This magical attraction features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight!

Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Toronto Zoo

361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada

(416) 392-5929

[email protected]

Urquhart Butterfly Garden The garden’s objectives include educating the public about how to contribute to protecting butterfly populations. The garden also provides a relaxing, natural environment where people of all ages can learn about the diversity of local butterfly species and enjoy their beauty.

Centennial Park, Cootes Dr and East St North, Hamilton, ON, Canada

[email protected]

Wings of Paradise

240 Waterloo Street North, Cambridge, ON, Canada

(519) 653-2002

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is situated on a 107 acre site which includes a 10,800 square foot indoor tropical garden featuring 1000’s of free flying butterflies from all over the world, over 100 different varieties of tropical plants, waterfalls, streams, reflecting pools, tropical finches, Chinese painted quails and red-eared slider turtles.

2500 Kossuth Road Cambridge, Ontario N3H 4R7

519.653.1234

[email protected]

Centre Jardin Hamel - Butterfly House

6029 Boulevard Hamel, Ancienne-Lorett, QC, Canada

(418) 872-9719

[email protected]

L'Insectarium de Montreal - Butterfly House & Insect Zoo

4581 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, QC, Canada

(514)872-0658

Butterfly Pavilion Butterfly Pavilion is the first stand-alone, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world. Our immersive exhibits provide guests the opportunity to discover the wonders of nature's hidden heroes through hands on, interactive experiences catered to all ages.

6252 W. 104th Avenue Westminster, CO 80020

303.469.5441

[email protected]

Denver Botanic Gardens - Butterflies at Chatfield Farms The Butterfly House is home to over 300 native Colorado butterflies that live in this colorful garden during the summer months. This exhibit is a partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion. Visitors can experience many different types of butterflies flying around them while enjoying the whimsical garden.

8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO 80128

720.865.3500

Western Colorado Botanical Gardens & Butterfly House The Gardens connect visitors with the beauty of the Colorado River Basin and Plateau by providing opportunities for education, science, conservation and community events.

655 Struthers Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501

970.245.9030

The Gardens On Spring Creek The Gardens on Spring Creek is the community botanic garden of Fort Collins, Colorado. The 18-acre site opened in 2004 as part of a vital public/private partnership between the City of Fort Collins and the Friends of the Gardens on Spring Creek. Our mission is to enrich the lives of people and foster environmental stewardship through horticulture.

2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526

970.416.2486

[email protected]

Connecticut

The Children’s Museum - Winged Wonders Butterfly House (Seasonal) Step inside and prepare to be amazed when you find yourself immersed in a world of butterflies. The Children’s Museum introduces you to a mesmerizing exhibit that will give families an experience like no other. Functioning as a home for these beautiful creatures, the Butterfly House also exhibits a garden and landscape that act as a natural environment for the butterflies.

The Children's Museum 950 Trout Brook Drive West Hartford, CT 06119

860.231.2824

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory The Lepidoptera source in Western Massachusetts, featuring an 8,000-square foot indoor conservatory home to nearly 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies in a tropical environment, Magic Wings focuses on butterfly-related education, recreation, entertainment and gardening needs.

281 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA 01373

413.665.2805

Connecticut Science Center - Butterfly Encounter Dive into a fully living, tropical experience at the all new Butterfly Encounter. Experience an immersive exhibit like no other at the Science Center. With new species and a variety of tropical plants, this exhibit is not only fully living but constantly growing. Experience life science at its best with colorful butterflies in our tropical greenhouse.

250 Columbus Blvd Hartford, CT 06103

860.724.3623

Ashland Nature Center Ashland Nature Center serves as Delaware Nature Society’s headquarters with 130 acres of woodlands, meadows, marsh, the scenic Red Clay Creek, and 4-miles of nature trails to explore. Discover wildlife at our Hawk Watch, Butterfly House, Bird Banding station, Bird Blind, and our Hummingbird Haven.

3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE.

302.239.2334

Butterfly Rainforest T he Butterfly Rainforest is a can’t-miss living exhibit that features hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds from around the world along with an assortment of other animals including turtles and fish to experience firsthand.

Florida Museum of Natural History Gainesville, FL 32611

352.846.2000

Butterfly World Butterfly World encompassing 3 acres of butterfly aviaries, botanical gardens and the working butterfly farm and research center. The park includes 2 aviaries for tropical birds and an interactive lorikeet encounter, as well as a skilled aviculture care and research staff to support these endeavors.

3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

954.977.4434

[email protected]

Fairchild Botanic Garden - Wings of the Tropics Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is truly a unique place, and we're so glad you've chosen to visit. Here you can walk garden paths surrounded by the wonders and beauty of nature, talk to experts in horticulture and conservation science, experience an exceptional sculpture garden, see butterflies and birds at every turn, experience our butterfly and hummingbird exhibit, Wings of the Tropic.

10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156

305.667.1651

Panhandle Butterfly House Our longstanding location in Navarre Park is closed and we looking for a new home to serve you better.The buildings and gardens will be dismantled for the planned renovation of Navarre Park. Please stay tuned for news on our new & better facility to come!

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory Feel your stress fade away as you enter our magical world of butterflies. Relax and be amazed as you stroll through our tropical paradise. Walk through a magical and inviting environment filled with hundreds of the most beautiful winged creatures in nature.

1316 Duval Street Key West, Florida 33040

305.296.2988

Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center Flights of fancy await you in the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, where typically 1,000 or more butterflies flutter freely about in one of North America’s largest tropical butterfly conservatories. The Day Butterfly Center is a living, dynamic, glass-enclosed environment in which a variety of tropical plants nourish the residents and new arrivals emerge from their chrysalides, dry their wings, and begin their very first wing-beats.

17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822

844.512.3826

Flying Colors Butterfly Festival Taking place at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, this annual festival in June puts butterflies front and center, providing families educational experiences during a whole day of fun.

9135 Willeo Rd. Roswell GA 30075

(770) 992-2055

Butterfly Festival at the Dunwoody Nature Center Each autumn the Dunwoody Nature Center hosts a day of butterfly-centric, family-friendly fun. It is recommended that you purchase tickets ahead of time.

5343 Roberts Dr. Dunwoody GA 30338

770.394.3322

Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center While the central attraction to the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center is the Savannah River’s rich boating industry, visitors have the opportunity to explore the grounds, including a butterfly garden that was restored in 2007.

681 Fort Argyle Rd. Savannah GA 31419

912.748.8068

Freedom Park Bird and Butterfly Garden The Freedom Park Bird and Butterfly Garden is managed by its surrounding community. With plenty of space to run and play within its 210 acres, the site is also close to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum.

1575 Elberton Road Lexington, Ga, 30648

389 North Clarendon Ave Scottdale GA 30079

The Maui Butterfly Farm at Olowalu Saving Hawaii’s Butterflies, One caterpillar at a time. Come fly with us to learn how you can help!

820 Olowalu Village Rd. Lahaina, HA 96761

808.280.0506

Foster Botanical Garden, Oahu Encompassing almost 14 acres, the Foster Botanical Garden is a serene oasis and home to more than 10,000 species of rare tropical plants from all over the world. The garden is located just a few blocks from the business district in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu.

180 N. Vineyard Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96817

808.768.7135

Monarchs & More: Pearl Ridge Center

Mauka Center Court, 98-1005 Moanalua Rd., Aiea, Hawaii

808.488.0981

The Butterfly Haven The Butterfly Haven started as a dream for us about 15 years ago. Butterflies are important in our world. Butterflies and bees are necessary to pollinate about 75% of the flowering plants. But butterflies are slowly declining because of all of the pesticides we apply to get rid of bugs we don’t want. We hope you will come and enjoy a visit among the Idaho butterflies supported by their host and nectar plants.

1462 W 200 S Pingree, Idaho 83262

208.684.3702

Butterflies In Bloom (June 1 – Labor Day) When you visit Butterflies in Bloom, you don’t just see butterflies, but you help protect them as well!

355 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID, 83702

208.608.7760

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Do you ever wonder how a butterfly gets its colors? Or how turtles hibernate? Do you wonder how birds know where to migrate each year? For 165 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has served a unique role in the city of Chicago connecting children of all ages to nature and science through immersive exhibits, fun family events, important conservation research and in-depth education programs, inspiring the wonder in all of us.

2430 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago IL 60614

773.755.5100

Geneva Park Butterfly House (May 21st- Deptember 17th) Visit the award-winning Butterfly House and be captivated by hundreds of butterflies as they fly, feed, and land around you! Plus, ask about our Butterfly Programs, Field Trips, and Party Options.

710 Western Ave Geneva, IL 60134

630.232.4542

The Butterfly House: Crystal Lake Park Downtown Crystal Lake has added a bit of whimsy and cheerfulness to Depot Park, which has been re-named “Butterfly Park”. We’ve added hand-painted wood butterflies which were decorated by community members. The butterflies have been hung from the trees and gazebo. This fabulous display shows the community’s creativity and helps to usher in all of nature’s beautiful spring colors.

25 W. Crystal Lake Avenue Crystal Lake, IL 60014

815.479.0835

Kim St. John Butterfly Habitat The Kim St John Butterfly Habitat was constructed in early 2013 as a result of a partnership with Phil St John, Wildlife Prairie Park and the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Some of the butterflies you could see inside or outside the habitat include: Monarch, Viceroy, Pipevine Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail, or any others of the 23 butterfly species that make central Illinois their home.

Wildlife Prairie Park | 3826 N. Taylor Road | Hanna City, IL 61536

Hilberts Consernatory

White River Gardens: Indianapolis Zoo

Valpo Parks: Butterfly Meadows & Caterpillar Crossing

Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory

Butterfly House: Cox Arboretum

Reiman Gardens

Pilgrim Labyrinth & Butterfly Garden

Botanica: The Wichita Gardens

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Kansas State Insect Zoo

The Butterfly Greenhouse 3690 East-West Connector Rte 676 Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

Idlewild Butterfly Farm 1100 Logan Street Louisville, KY 40213

Lunas Coffee Wine and Butterfly Farm 109 Springdale Dr Nicholasville KY 40356

The Catahoula Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Park

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

York’s Wild Kingdom

Ladew Topiary Garden: Butterfly House

Brookside Gardens: Wings of Fancy

Massachusetts

The Butterfly Place

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

Butterflies of Cape Cod

Detroit Zoo: Butterfly Garden

GT Butterfly House & Bug Zoo

Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World

Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Dow Gardens

MSU Horticulture Gardens

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

Sarett Nature Center

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Minnesota Zoo

Lake Superior Zoo

Living Legacy Gardens

Childrens Museum of Southern Minnesota

Mississippi

Purdy Butterfly House

Mississipi Museum of Natural Science

The Butterfly House: Missouri Botanical Garden

Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium

Berniece Grewcock Butterfly & Insect Pavilion

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Butterfly Habitat

Nevada Bugs & Butterflies

Springs Preserve

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

New Hampshire

Kirkwood Gardens

Van Vleck House & Gardens

Camden Children’s Garden

Tenafly Nature Center

Liberty Science Center

Watershed Institute

Middlesex County EARTH Center

Wings of Enchantment Butterfly Farm

ABQ BioPark: BUGarium

Butterfly Gardens of Central Park

Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary

Bronx Zoo: Butterfly Garden

Joseph L. Popp, Jr. Butterfly Conservatory

Sweet Briar Nature Center

Long Island Aquarium

North Carolina

Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden

Museum of Life & Science

All A Flutter Farms

Airlie Gardens

Elizabethan Gardens

Discovery Place Nature

North Carolina Zoo

North Dakota

Wheeler Farms Butterfly House

Cox Arboretum Butterfly House

Butterfly Ridge

Butterfly House at Put-in-Bay

Butterfly Pavilion: Honor Heights Park

Butterfly Park Naturescape

Oregon Zoo Species Recovery: Taylor’s Checkerspot

Pennsylvania

The Hershey Gardens - The Butterfly Atrium The year ‘round Butterfly Atrium offers a truly spectacular experience. Walk among hundreds of butterflies from around the world in a tropical setting that features colorful plants and a soothing water feature. Hershey Gardens’ Butterfly Atrium is home to dozens of rare butterflies from South and Central America, Africa and Asia.

170 Hotel Road Hershey, PA 17033

717.534.3492

Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary Butterflies, frogs, axolotls, fish, turtles and art.

18 Church Rd. Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

570.325.4848

Philadelphia Inectarium We are proud to be Philadelphia’s newest science museum and to showcase one of the most diverse living arthropod collections in the United States. With two floors of new museum exhibits, a 7,000 square foot tropical butterfly pavilion, and Next Generation aligned educational programming, we offer a unique and interactive experience for all to enjoy.

8046 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136

215.335.9500

Folk’s Butterfly Farm

Longwood Gardens

Snetsinger Butterfly Garden

James Buchanan Butterfly Garden

Kaywin Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden

Churchville Nature Center

Rhode Island

South carolina.

Cypress Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens

South Dakota

Butterfly House & Aquarium

Ardinna Woods Arboretum & Butterfly Garden

Tennessee Aquarium

Cockrell Butterfly Center

Texas Discovery Gardens

National Butterfly Center

Butterfly Biospere

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

ECHO Leahy Center: Butterfly Exhibit

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Norfolk Botanical Garden

The Pacific Science Center

Woodland Park Zoo — Molbak’s Butterfly Garden

Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Butterfly Pavilion

West Virginia

West Virginia Botanical Garden

Butterfly Garden of Wisconsin

Beaver Creek Reserve — Wise Nature Center

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

Please, also message me with Butterfly Facilities located in other countries so I may expand the list

National Butterfly Center, Mission Texas, a project of the North American Butterfly Association.

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Inside the National Butterfly Center

Just a quick note to say we are grateful for each of you.

Research Concludes "Summer Abundance" of Monarchs Sufficient to Buffer Winter Declines

Our parent organization, the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), recently contributed to research and a white paper related to monarch population numbers. See the full report in the PDF , here, and read more below.

Monarchs are the iconic American butterfly species. Concern for the survival of this species, amidst reports of declining numbers, shrinking habitat, environmental toxins and climate change, have spurred public interest in conservation efforts to assist monarchs in their plight. For this we are grateful.

Of the 456 butterfly species tracked by NABA, there are 320 species with trends less positive that monarch butterflies. These findings are consistent with other recent analyses of large-scale insect data, documenting species decline. While we hope individuals, communities and organizations will continue to invest in monarch research, public education and habitat restoration, we encourage everyone to engage with us, their local, native plant society, or nearest NABA Chapter , to plant native for all butterfly species, which depend upon native host plants for reproduction and resilience.

PAPER ABSTRACT : Many insects are in clear decline, with monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) drawing particular attention as a flagship species. It is well documented that, among migratory populations, numbers of overwintering monarchs have been falling across several decades, but trends among breeding monarchs are less clear. Here, we compile 135,000 monarch observations between 1993-2018 from the North American Butterfly Association’s annual butterfly count to examine spatiotemporal patterns and potential drivers of adult monarch relative abundance trends across the entire breeding range in eastern and western North America. While the data revealed declines at some sites, particularly the US Northeast and parts of the Midwest, numbers in other areas, notably the US Southeast and Northwest, were unchanged or increasing, yielding a slightly positive overall trend across the species range. Negative impacts of agricultural glyphosate use appeared to be counterbalanced by positive effects of annual temperature, particularly in the US Midwest. Overall, our results suggest that population growth in summer is compensating for losses during the winter and that changing environmental variables have offsetting effects on mortality and/or reproduction. We suggest that density-dependent reproductive compensation when lower numbers arrive each spring is currently able to maintain relatively stable breeding monarch numbers. However, we caution against complacency since accelerating climate change may bring growing threats. Our data also suggest that increases of summer monarchs in some regions, especially in the west and far south, may reflect replacement of migratory with resident populations. Nonetheless, it is perhaps reassuring that ubiquitous downward trends in summer monarch abundance are not evident.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Wild Bees of the National Butterfly Center

Wilmattes long horned bee Copyright 2018 Paula Sharp 51NBC 293A4755

A new research project has revealed that dozens of unique and beautiful native bee species are present at the National Butterfly Center. Many of these are rarely seen within the United States, or are found here only in the Lower Rio Grande Border. One National Butterfly Center species, the red-legged Toluca leafcutter, has never been documented in this country before this year.

The NBC native bee project, conducted by distinguished photojournalists Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman, began in September 2018. Aided by scientists specializing in bees, Sharp and Eatman have now recorded more than 50 NBC native bee species in dazzling photographs, viewable on the website WILD BEES OF THE NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER .

Before arriving at the National Butterfly Center, Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman undertook a three-year project documenting native bee species for New York’s state park system. Sponsored by the New York State Environmental Protection fund, this project culminated in the highly-regarded and well-traveled nature website, Wild Bees of New York, which provides information on more than 120 species of native bees of the Northeastern United States.

Sharp and Eatman’s photographs of wild bees are currently on a national tour of prominent museums, art galleries and botanical gardens. An exhibit of Sharp & Eatman’s bee photographs will be featured by the Houston Museum of Natural Science from May 24 – September 22, 2019.

Sharp and Eatman will be continuing to research and photograph bee species of the National Butterfly Center and the Lower Rio Grande Valley throughout the upcoming year.

HELP SUPPORT A NEW WILD BEE GARDEN AT THE NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER!

PBS' NATURE, Sex, Lies & Butterflies from the National Butterfly Center

The National Butterfly Center, in Mission, Texas, serves as the backdrop for a portion of this insightful documentary of wild butterflies, filmed by Peabody Award -winning cinematographer Ann Johnson Prum , who recently won the Emmy for Best Cinematography in Documentary for her production of Super Hummingbirds , also for PBS' NATURE.

We were privileged and honored to host Prum and Coneflower Studios , last fall, and anxiously await the release of what promises to be a powerful and intriguing examination of the biology and behavior of butterflies that few have ever seen! Watch the full episode here.

You never know what you'll see at the National Butterfly Center!

Did you know nearly 150 species of North American butterflies can be seen only in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, or by traveling to Mexico?

In fact, more than 300 species of butterflies may be found in the LRGV, and more than 200 species have been seen at the National Butterfly Center, including a number of rarities and U.S. Records!

Incredibly, almost 40% of the 700+ butterflies that can be found in the United States can be seen in this three-county area at the southernmost tip of Texas, where the subtropical climate makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors year 'round.

Peace, Love, Butterflies

Experience the National Butterfly Center

A flagship project of the North American Butterfly Association, the NBC is committed to 'Growing Connections' between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. We do this through educational and environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of the parties and processes that create beneficial and sustainable ecosystems.

The Center showcases live animals and plants, in wild and cultivated settings, with educational exhibits to enhance human understanding and appreciation. This large-scale project is designed to ensure our beautiful landscape and the wildlife we take for granted will be here for future generations to enjoy. In addition to the ever-growing gardens and trails, the Center now boasts an impressive, new Visitor's Pavilion, designed by Wendy Evans Joseph, principal architect of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, and the Women's Museum in Dallas, Texas.

Located in Mission, Texas, near the Rio Grande River, and only 15 minutes from a major airport in McAllen, The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week.

We are grateful for the support of:

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About the Texas Butterfly Festival: Sarab's Heart Song
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National Butterfly Center 3333 Butterfly Park Drive Mission, TX 78572 956-583-5400 GPS Coordinates: 26.180243 -98.364973

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Butterfly Houses in the US

Most display tropical species; some also offer North American natives

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Butterfly houses offer enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to observe a variety of species in an indoor exhibit. Most butterfly houses mimic tropical environments and showcase tropical species from Asia, South America, Australia, and other warm, humid locations. A few butterfly houses listed here feature species native to North America. Usually, you'll see some showy moths, such as luna moths or Atlas moths, perched on foliage as well.

Before you visit a butterfly house, it might increase your enjoyment to learn a little about the lepidopteran, or butterfly, including tips for observing and photographing butterflies , the differences between butterflies and moths , and why butterflies drink from puddles , a behavior you will likely observe in a butterfly exhibit. Most butterfly houses have an area where you can see new adult butterflies emerge from their pupae, and some display larval food plants as well.

Some butterfly houses listed here are seasonal, meaning they are open for only a part of the year. Be sure to call before you visit to be sure the butterflies are on display. This is a list of enclosed butterfly houses, not outdoor butterfly gardens .

Huntsville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. Huntsville, Alabama 35805 (256)-830-4447

Seasonal. Call before you visit.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Butterfly Pavilion 900 Exposition Blvd.

Los Angeles, California 90007 (213) 763-DINO

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Hidden Jungle 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido, California 92027 (760) 747-8702

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom 1001 Fairgrounds Drive Vallejo, California 94589 (707) 643-6722

Butterfly Pavilion 6252 W. 104th Ave. Westminster, CO 80020 (303) 469-5441

Delaware Nature Society Barley Mill Road Hockessin, Delaware 19707 (302) 239-2334

District of Columbia

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Butterfly Pavilion 10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20560 (202) 633-1000

National Zoo Pollinarium 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 633-4888

Butterfly World 3600 W. Sample Road Coconut Creek, Florida 33073 (954) 977-4400

Butterfly Rainforest Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida SW 34th Street and Hull Road Gainesville, Florida 32611 (352) 846-2000

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory 1316 Duval St. Key West, Florida 33040 (800) 839-4647

Panhandle Butterfly House 8581 Navarre Parkway Navarre, Florida 32566 (850) 623-3868

BioWorks Butterfly Garden Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) 4801 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, Florida 33617 (800) 995-MOSI

Callaway Gardens Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center 5887 Georgia Highway 354 Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822 (800) CALLAWAY

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Zoological Society

8400 31st St. Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (708) 688-8000

Chicago Academy of Sciences The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Judy Istock Butterfly Haven 2430 N. Cannon Drive Chicago, Illinois 60614 (773) 755-5100

Peck Farm Butterfly House 4038 Kaneville Road Geneva, Illinois 60134 (630) 262-8244

Reiman Gardens Iowa State University 1407 University Blvd. Ames, Iowa 50011 (515) 294-2710

Butterfly/Pansy House 701 Amidon St Wichita, Kansas 67203 (316) 264-0448

Audubon Insectarium Butterflies in Flight 6500 Magazine St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70118 (800) 774-7394

Brookside Gardens South Conservatory Wings of Fancy Butterfly Exhibit 1500 Glenallan Ave. Wheaton, Maryland 20902 (301) 962-1453

Detroit Zoo Woodward Avenue and 10 Mile Road (I-696) Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 (248) 541-5717

Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House McGulpin Street Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757 (906) 847-3972

Wings of Mackinac Surrey Hills Carriage Museum Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757 (906) 847-9464

Dow Gardens 1809 Eastman Ave. Midland, Michigan 48640 (800) 362-4874

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory 1000 E. Beltline, NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 (888) 957-1580

Sophie M. Sachs Butterfly House Faust Park 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, Missouri 63017 (636) 530-0076

Camden Children's Garden Philadelphia Eagles Four Season Butterfly House

3 Riverside Drive Camden, New Jersey 08103 (856)-365-8733

Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association Kate Gorrie Butterfly House 31 Titus Mill Road Pennington New Jersey 08534 (609) 737-3735

American Museum of Natural History Butterfly Conservatory Central Park West at 79th Street New York, New York 10024 (212) 769-5100

National Museum of Play One Manhattan Square Rochester, New York 14607 (585) 263-2700

Sweetbriar Nature Center 62 Eckernkamp Drive Smithtown, New York 11787 (631) 949-6344

North Carolina

North Carolina Museum of Life & Science 433 Murray Ave Durham, North Carolina 27704 (919) 220-5429

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Living Conservatory

11 W. Jones St. Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 (919) 733-7450

Krohn Conservatory 1501 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 421-4086

Cox Arboretum Metro Park 6733 Springboro Pike Dayton, Ohio 45449 (937) 434-9005

The Butterfly House Obee Road Whitehouse, Ohio 43571 (419) 877-2733

Pennsylvania

Academy of Natural Sciences Drexel University 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (215) 299-1000

Hershey Gardens 170 Hotel Road Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033 (717) 534-3492

Phipps Conservatory One Schenley Park Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 (412) 441-4442

South Carolina

Cypress Gardens 3030 Cypress Gardens Road Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461 (843) 553-0515

South Dakota

Sertoma Butterfly House 4320 Oxbow Ave. Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57106 (605) 334-9466

Tennessee Aquarium One Broad St. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402 (800) 262-0695

Moody Gardens 1 Hope Blvd. Galveston, Texas 77554 (800) 582-4673

The Houston Museum of Natural ScienceCockrell Butterfly Center 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030 (713) 639-4629

San Antonio Zoo Caterpillar Flight School 3903 N. St. Mary's St. San Antonio, Texas 78212 (210) 734-7184

Texas Discovery Gardens Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House & Insectarium 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Gate 6 at Fair Park Dallas, Texas 75210 (214) 428-7476

Beaver Creek Reserve S1 County Highway K Fall Creek, Wisconsin 54742 (715) 877-2212

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This Little California Beach Town Is the Best Place to See the Great Monarch Butterfly Migration — but They Need Your Help

"There were once so many butterflies that the sound of their wings was described as a rippling stream or a summer rain." Now, it's up to us to get that back.

Just as the air begins to cool and the days become that much shorter, the iconic monarch butterflies make their arrival along the California coast .

By the thousands, the tiny little creatures bat their vibrant orange and black wings in unison as they find refuge from the cold for their long winter break. And it turns out, they choose many of the same destinations we do for our winter vacations.

This fall/winter may be the most important time yet to go see the butterflies and do all you can to help protect them for future generations.

Where the Butterflies Come From

According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation , there are two distinct populations of monarch butterflies in the U.S. — those living east of the Rockies and those living to the west. While those living to the east typically migrate to Mexico for the winter, those living to the west migrate to the coast of central and southern California.

"Migration is not an uncommon phenomenon," the department explains. "In October, as colder weather approaches, the butterflies instinctively know they must fly south to escape the freezing temperatures. Some have to fly over 1,000 miles. The journey is hazardous and many never make it. By November, most are sheltering in trees stretching from the San Francisco Bay Area south to San Diego."

Where They Land

As the department notes, the butterfly landing range is quite extensive, however, there's one spot in particular that the insects seem to love: Pismo State Beach.

"[It] hosts one of the largest overwintering congregations, varying in numbers from 20,000 to 200,000," the department said. The monarchs will live there for another six to eight months. On warmer days, they will fly away from their trees to find both food and water, before migrating north again around February.

Why Pismo? Because it happens to contain plentiful eucalyptus trees, which the butterfly loves for its winter home. For the 2021/22 season, visitors can go see how many butterflies they can count at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove , which is open to the public for day use. The park also opens its Docent Trailer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. so visitors can ask all the questions they want, and they even offer daily talks at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Nearby accommodations include the Vespera Resort , a charming seaside hotel that will help you make the most of the great outdoors, and Inn at the Pier , a contemporary boutique inn that prides itself on personalized service. There is also an abundance of Airbnbs available, including this adorable bohemian bungalow located close to the butterfly grove.

Why Now Is the Time to See Them

While you may be able to spot a good handful of butterflies now, just a few years ago, you'd be able to spot them by the millions.

"Once, millions of monarchs overwintered along the Pacific coast in California and Baja, Mexico — an estimated 4.5 million in the 1980s. But by the mid-2010s, the population had declined by about 97%," Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation explains. "Starting in 2018, monarch butterflies had tough seasons in their migratory and breeding grounds in the western states. In the following two winters, the annual Xerces Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count showed that the population hit a new low: In both 2018 and 2019, volunteers counted under 30,000 monarchs — less than 1% of the population's historic size. In 2020, the population dropped even more to less than 0.01% of the historic size, volunteers counted under 2,000 monarchs."

And it's not just one thing harming the population, but rather, what scientists told The Guardian is "a death by a thousand cuts." This includes loss of land habitat, global warming, and the increase in herbicide insecticide use, which affects milkweed, the exclusive food source for monarch caterpillars.

In 2020, Xerces conducted a study sampling 227 milkweed leaves from 19 sites representing different land-use types across the Central Valley of California. It found 64 pesticides (25 insecticides, 27 fungicides, and 11 herbicides, as well as one adjuvant) across the plants. Pesticides, it said in the study, "were detected in every sample, even at sites with little or no pesticide use based on information from landowners." On average, it found nine compounds per plant across all sites.

"It's really difficult to pinpoint exactly what is the one thing affecting them most," Claire Pavelka, a biologist working with the non-profit River Partners, told The Guardian . "They've been likened to a canary in a coal mine...Monarchs are so well studied; they're really charismatic and really well known. But the fact that they're declining so fast is probably an indicator that a lot of other pollinators, and bees and other butterflies, are also declining."

How You Can Help

Though the situation is bleak, scientists say there is still time to save this beautiful creature, and there are ways you can help both big and small.

Monarch Joint Venture , an organization working to conserve the butterfly migration, offered the following tips:

Create a pollinator habitat by planting native milkweed and nectar plants in your yard.
Report sightings and observations to monarch community science projects like the Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper , Journey North , and Monarch Larva Monitoring Project .
Spread awareness about monarch declines and conservation opportunities by sharing things like this story, and the studies above.
Support organizations working to protect western monarchs like the Monarch Joint Venture via donations or volunteering.

As for something even bigger, you can support the Center for Biological Diversity , which is working to add the monarch butterfly to the endangered species list and has called on Congress to "significantly increase funding to $100 million per year" to help conserve the butterfly and its habitat.

"There were once so many butterflies that the sound of their wings was described as a rippling stream or a summer rain," the center said. "Early newspaper descriptions described branches breaking under the weight of so many butterflies and depicted the masses of monarchs as 'the personification of happiness.'" Now, it's up to us to get that back.

Get Up Close: Best Places to See Butterflies

Chattahoochee Nature Center

See a butterfly land right on your hand, arm or even your head! Children can get up close with hundreds of butterflies in these exhibits and encounters.

Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet? Or that when a butterfly lands on you, it’s called lighting? Visiting these encounters or even creating a butterfly garden at home can help children learn about these interesting creatures.

Table of Contents

A Garden With Wings at Smith-Gilbert Gardens

This summer exhibit features native butterflies and their host and nectar plants. Encounter the wonder of butterflies in all stages of life, from egg to adult butterfly. After visiting the butterfly house, visit the pollinator garden where you’ll see butterflies, honeybees, hummingbirds and other pollinators at work. June 1-July 31.

Butterfly Encounter at Chattahoochee Nature Center

Butterflies are back at the Chattahoochee Nature Center! Surround yourself with native butterflies and learn about these amazing pollinators. Families can also learn about nectar plants, explore the center’s 127 acres, take a wildlife walk, see special exhibits, and enjoy the gardens. June 3-Aug. 11.

Butterfly Experience at Dunwoody Nature Center

Discover hundreds of butterflies up close with butterfly tents, and enjoy educator-led programs and activities, food trunks, drinks and live music. Sept. 7-9.

Pollination Observation Garden at Zoo Atlanta

Located near the Zoo’s Conservation Action Resource Center, the garden features an abundance of native plants and teaches guests about pollination. Signs explain various plants in the garden and the process of pollination.

Bird and Wildflower Garden at Freedom Park

Certified as an Atlanta Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, this garden contains native plants and shrubs that create a bird and pollinator habitat.

Douglas County Butterfly Trail

Spot Monarchs, Black Swallowtail and other butterfly species at these gardens containing butterfly weed, milkweed, fennel, zinnias, vegetables, marigolds and more. The Douglas County Butterfly Trail includes 10 gardens. As part of their Douglas County Butterfly Trail Exploration Challenge, take a selfie next to a Butterfly Trail sign for the chance to win a prize.

Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens

Over 1,000 butterflies flutter freely in a dynamic, glass-enclosed environment – one of North America’s largest tropical butterfly conservatories. In September, hundreds of iridescent Blue Morpho butterflies will fill the center; the annual Butterfly Festival has crafts, games and activities for all ages.

Dahlonega Butterfly Farm

This eight-acre farm, located southwest of downtown Dahlonega, is focused on conservation and sustainability. Take a tour of the butterfly conservatory and outdoor caterpillar habitat. You’ll have the chance to “catch” a butterfly and observe it up close. With an abundance of wildlife and native plants, it’s the perfect spot to see and learn about butterflies.

Butterflies and Blooms in the Briar Patch

This habitat, located in Eatonton, is managed by volunteers and features host and nectar-providing plants that attract hundreds of butterflies in the summertime. Signs explain the importance of pollinators and their habitats.

Backyard Butterflies

Invite butterflies into your yard by planting flowers and bushes that attract them, including fennel, parsley, butterfly weed, passion flower and elm trees to host caterpillars. Adult butterflies love butterfly bush, lantana and annual zinnias according to Georgia gardening expert, Walter Reeves.

Burying a plastic basin in the ground filled with wet sand or mud will give the butterflies a moist place to land, drink and bask in the sun, he says. You can also visit the National Wildlife Federation for a list of butterfly garden necessities.

Grow Your Own Butterflies

You can plant caterpillar-friendly plants and wait for butterflies to lay their eggs, then keep watch as caterpillars turn into chrysalis then butterflies. Try one of Insect Lore’s Live Butterfly Kits , which arrive with live caterpillars and their own diet in a plastic, see-through jar. Once the caterpillars become chrysalis, they can be transferred to the mesh habitat that comes with the kit. When they emerge as butterflies, the family can release them into the backyard. Kits are available starting at $29.99.

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The Best Place on Earth to See Monarch Butterflies

HAVE YOU SEEN ONE OF THE MOST INCREDIBLE MIGRATIONS ON THE PLANET? MONARCH BUTTERFLIES. Image: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

A REPORT FROM team Member, Jorn VAngoidtsenhoven

Out of Breath But Determined

It is a chilly February morning when I find myself in a forest outside of Mexico City. The air is thin at 9,800 feet (3000 meters), and as I start my hike into the fir forest, I quickly realize I'm in for a work-out. When you think of Mexico and envision white sand beaches, the last thing you expect to find this far south of the U.S. border is high, cold mountains with breathtaking alpine scenery. Yet, this is where you find one of nature's wonders.

✓ Trip Tips

What: Monarch Butterfly winter migration destination Where: Biosphere Reserve, Michoacán State, Mexico When: November to March How: Car, RV Tip: Prepare for high elevations in Mexico’s Biosphere. The Texas site is less strenuous.

Welcome to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve!

About an hour into the hike, I notice a few butterflies flying between the tall trees. Severely out of breath, but determined, I continue climbing deeper into the dense forest. More and more butterflies appear out of nowhere until suddenly, I reach an area where the fir trees are seemingly alive. Millions of colorful butterflies hang in clusters on its branches, and thousands more have taken to the skies in a brilliant display of intense orange colors. Welcome to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve ! (A UNESCO world Heritage site)

✍︎ EDITOR’S NOTE: It happens sometimes. Apologies! We lead you astray. Monarch butterflies are notoriously difficult to distinguish from look-alikes, queen, and viceroy butterflies. One of our knowledgeable readers pointed out the identification error. We are humbly correcting our mistakes. See the end of the article for a monarch comparison chart. Many thanks to Carol Pasternak, The Monarch Butterfly Crusader. If (when) any of you catch a mistake, please speak up! We welcome your help.

Introducing, DANAUS PLEXIPPUS PLEXIPPUS

THIS IS A MONARCH BUTTERFLY. THE SPECIES IS IN PETITION TO THE U.S.FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO BE ADDED TO THE ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST. IMAGE: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

Monarch butterflies live around the world. Yet there are one subspecies of monarchs; the Danaus plexippus plexippus ; that performs a miraculous migration every year. Unlike other North American butterfly species that can brave winter temperatures, these monarchs die when it gets too cold.

So what have they come up with?

The Amazing Flight of the Monarch Butterfly

At the first sign of winter, this monarch butterfly subspecies begin the 2,500 miles (or 4.000 kilometers) migration to a warmer climate. Come spring, they begin the return trip.

The butterflies, weighing only .25 to .75 gram (.009 - .03 ounce) use air currents to accomplish this great distance. On a typical day, they can travel around 75 miles. In case you are wondering why they don't simply live in Mexico year-round? The lack of a year-round food source doesn't allow this, so they are forced to take on this migration every fall and spring.

The Miraculous Migration

THE SPRING MIGRATION (MARCH-JUNE) THIS FIGURE IS AN INTERPRETATION OF THE ROUTES TAKEN BY MONARCHS DURING THE SPRING MIGRATION. THE PATHWAYS ARE BASED ON TAG RECOVERIES AND OBSERVATIONS OF MIGRATING MONARCHS. THE CAPTION AND THIS TWO-WAY MAP WAS CREATED BY MONARCH WATCH WITH THE HELP OF NOTED GRAPHIC ARTIST, PAUL MIROCHA FROM TUSCON, ARIZONA.

The distance of this migration may not sound astonishing to you; after all, many North American birds take on journeys of epic proportions annually. However, unlike birds, the individual monarchs that start the migration are not the same ones that return. In fact, the monarchs that finish the return trip and reach the summer grounds are the great-great-grandchildren of the ones who headed south the past winter!

Where They Go Depends On Where They Begin

THESE QUEEN BUTTERFLIES ARE ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF BUTTERFLIES THAT LOOK VERY SIMILAR TO MONARCHS. IMAGE: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango PHOTOS

The Great American Migration of the monarch butterfly starts around October. Monarchs that live west of the Rocky Mountains head south into California while monarchs that live east go to Mexico: a logical choice as many humans follow their example when winter arrives in the U.S. or Canada. How do they know where to go? After all, these individual butterflies have never made the trip before. That is part of the wonder.

Somehow, millions of monarch butterflies find their way from the northern U.S. or Canada to a small region in Mexico. Scientists have not yet been able to pinpoint how they do it. One theory is that the monarchs have a built-in compass allowing them to sense true north.

A MONARCH LOOK-ALIKE, QUEEN BUTTERFLY FEEDING. FOLLOWING THEIR FOOD SOURCE IS ONE REASON WHY THE BUTTERFLIES MIGRATE, BUT CAN THEY SURVIVE SHRINKING HABITAT AND THE AFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE? Image: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

Another theorizes that they migrate to follow their food source, even when the food source is so far away they can hardly see or smell it. Whatever the reason, it's an awe-inspiring feat: these delicate insects somehow manage to fly months on end across multiple generations and across thousands of miles of landscape to arrive at their destination without getting lost.

Generation "S" the Super Monarchs

THE ROUND-TRIP MONARCH BUTTERFLY MIGRATION IS A MULTI-GENERATIONAL ENDEAVOR. IMAGE: Image: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

The monarchs that head south in winter make the entire journey to Mexico in one generation. These south-heading monarchs can live up to eight months and accomplish what it takes three or four generations to achieve on the trip back north: talk about a super-generation!

Destination: Mexico

Monarchs that live east of the Rockies migrate south to Mexico. But not just anywhere in Mexico: they don't travel south solely for the warmer temperatures and settle on Mexico's sunny beaches. They all go to the same area near Mexico City, where they find mountains covered in oyamel fir forests. Recognizing the importance of this specific area for the monarch species, Mexico created the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in 1986 to offer protection to these monarch colonies.

The Perfect High Elevation Microclimate

THE AIR IS THIN AND COLD AT ALTITUDES UP TO 12,000 FEET OR 3,600 METERS. Image: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

Here, at an elevation ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 feet (or 2.400 to 3.600 meters), the monarchs find the ideal microclimate. "The tree canopy and ecosystem provide a blanket effect for the monarchs, so the temperatures don't go too high or too low," says Pablo Jaramillo-Lopez, a research scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. If the temperature drops too low, the monarchs use their limited fat reserves to stay alive, and the stable humidity allows the monarchs to save their energy by assuring they don't dry out.

The monarchs cluster together in groups of tens of thousands: this allows them to stay warm and conserve energy. Sometimes tree branches have been known to break under the combined weight of a cluster. Hard to imagine since one butterfly weighs less than a gram.

SO MANY MONARCH CLUSTER TOGETHER FOR WARMTH THAT THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES HAS BEEN KNOWN TO BREAK A TREE BRANCH. IMAGE: Image: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

And, even in a forest of this size, the monarchs somehow manage to use the very same trees every year. Just another part of the wonder considering that the butterflies that arrive in a given winter aren't the same ones that were there last year!

DANGER. Avocados and Monarchs

IN THE U.S, AVOCADO CONSUMPTION HAS EXPLODED FROM 2 POUNDS PER PERSON IN 2001 TO 7.5 POUNDS IN 2018. THE MONARCH HABITAT IS BEING DEFORESTED JUST AS QUICKLY TO SATISFY THE DEMAND. IMAGE: AN ORGANIC CONVERSATION

Because they congregate in just a few locations during the winter, monarch butterflies are vulnerable to harsh weather and to human activities that impact their habitat in these select places. One example is illegal logging. Another example is caused by the growing demand for Mexican avocados. Avocados happen to grow in similar climates as the monarchs' preferred forests, and people who live near the Biosphere Reserve are increasingly replacing the forests with avocado plantations.

THERE CAN BE A WAY TO HAVE OUR AVOCADO AND MONARCHS TOO. SOME FARMERS, LIKE THE ONES IN THE SMALL COOPERATIVE, PREGOR, IN MICHOACÅN ARE TAKING STEPS TO PROTECT THE BUTTERFLY HABITAT. LOOK FOR THE PRAGOR SEAL. IMAGE: AN ORGANIC CONVERSATION

The Milkweed Problem

Also, along their migration paths, they are vulnerable to cold temperatures and human interference. The monarchs heavily rely on milkweed and nectar as their food source. Farmlands in the U.S. are increasingly sprayed with herbicides that kill milkweed. This is a problem for the monarchs, especially in southern states like Texas.

THE MILKWEED PLANT IS THE ONLY FOOD SOURCE FOR MONARCH LARVE. PHOTO CREDIT: RUSS OTTENS, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, BUGWOOD.ORG C/O ETOMOLOGY TODAY.ORG

As the monarchs head north from Mexico during springtime, they lay eggs on the milkweed plants in Texas' warmer climate. Once the eggs hatch, the monarch larvae rely solely on milkweed before transforming into an adult butterfly. And, after taking to the skies as an adult butterfly, they continue heading north for about 6 weeks before - hopefully – finding another patch of milkweed, laying eggs, dying and leaving the successive generation to continue the journey north.

Is Monarch Butterfly An Endangered Species?

The subspecies that perform the North American migration is increasingly under threat due to the factors described above. It is estimated that; mainly due to the disappearance of milkweed in the U.S.; one billion monarchs have disappeared over the past twenty years! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been petitioned to declare them as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. This petition is currently under review.

Are Monarchs Good for the Environment?

QUEEN BUTTERFLIES LOOK VERY SIMILAR TO AND ARE OFTEN CONFUSED FOR MONARCHS. NOTE THE WHITE DETAILS ON THE ORANGE SECTION OF THE WINGS, THAT IS THE TIP THAT THIS LOVELY LOOK-ALIKE IS NOT A MONARCH BUTTERFLY. Image: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

Even though the monarchs travel in high numbers, they aren't exactly a plague like the biblical locusts. They actually play a significant role in the ecosystem.

On the one hand, they are excellent pollinators. While searching for food, they transfer pollen between plants, which helps the plants reproduce.

On the other hand, they are also a food source. Even though adult monarchs are poisonous to many birds, some birds like grosbeaks and orioles rely on them to make it through winter. Monarch caterpillars are a food source for spiders, wasps, and even ants.

The Best Places to See Monarch Butterflies

MY WIFE, HANNAH, AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE SIERRA CHINCUA RESERVA DE LA BIOSFERA MARIPOS MONARCA. IMAGE: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango PHOTOS

If you can make the trek out to the Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, you're in for a treat. An estimated one billion butterflies spend the winter here, spread out over fourteen colonies. Up to thirty million butterflies can live on the size of a football field!

The best time to visit is between November and March. Five of the fourteen colonies are open to visitors. The most visited sanctuary, El Rosario Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca , provides access to their largest colony. Here the monarchs cover around 1,500 trees.

NATURE KNOWS NO POLITICS. THE FLAGS OF ALL THREE COUNTRIES THE MONARCHS DEPEND ON FOR THEIR SURVIVAL ARE PROUDLY DISPLAYED TOGETHER AT THE SANCTUARY ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

BUTTERFLIES, INCLUDING THIS MONARCH LOOK-ALIKE, MAKE A REST STOP. Image: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

The second most visited sanctuary and actually the one that is easiest to visit when driving from either Mexico City or Guadalajara is the Sierra Chincua Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca . Both are in Mexico's Michoacan State.

The Best Time at the Best Place to See Monarch Butterflies

Whichever sanctuary you choose, plan to arrive around noon. The butterflies love the sun and around noon – usually the warmest time of the day – is when you have the best chance of seeing thousands of butterflies in the air.

Each sanctuary offers tourist services such as guided tours (either on foot or horseback), food stands and parking facilities. A multitude of small hotels is available nearby the sanctuaries. If you are planning to drive from the U.S. to Mexico's Biosphere Reserve with your R.V., follow the "Route of the Monarchs" ( Ruta de Monarcas ) that follows the highway from Laredo, Texas (U.S. 35 to U.S. 85) to Mexico City.

A QUEEN BUTTERFLY. IMAGE: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango PHOTOS

The nearest R.V. park is available in the Pueblo Magico of Cuitzeo del Porvenir, next to Mexico's second largest freshwater lake: the San Juan del Lago Eco RV Resort. This is a great place to stay to see wildlife – wild horses roam the property – and an easy drive from the Sierra Chincua sanctuary. Follow the link above for more info and mention discount code "MONARCH" for a 10% discount.

Mexico’s Magic Towns Conjure Butterflies

The nearby town of Angangueo – another of Mexico's "magical towns", a designation given by Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) to promote certain cities that offer visitors a "magical" experience due to natural beauty, cultural riches or historical relevance – hosts the annual "Monarch Butterfly Festival" ( Festival de la Mariposa Monarca ) in February with food, music and exhibitions.

The Best Place to See Monarchs in Texas

AMISTAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA IS MY FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE BUTTERFLIES IN TEXAS. THIS IS ALSO A MONARCH LOOK-ALIKE. SEE THE CHART BELOW. CAN YOU IDENTIFY IT? IMAGE: Image: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango Photos

If you can't make it to Mexico, it is possible to see the colonies as they travel south during wintertime and north during springtime. One of my favorite locations is the Amistad National Recreation Area near Del Rio, Texas. This park, located on the U.S. – Mexico border, has hiking trails that allow for easy viewing of the butterflies. My preferred time of year is in October, although depending on the weather this can change yearly.

Sierra Chincua, The Trip of a Lifetime

HANNAH, MY WIFE, HIKING TO BUTTERFLY COLONIES. THE ALTITUDE SOON GOT TO ME, I WAS WISHING WE’D TAKEN THE HORSE OFFERED BY A GUIDE. IMAGE: ©Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango PHOTOS.

As for my visit to the Sierra Chincua sanctuary this past February, the hike from the parking area to the butterfly colonies takes about one hour. Piece of cake I thought as I waved and said 'No, Gracias' to the guides asking if I wanted a horseback ride. Even though I'm in decent shape, the altitude definitely got to me, and I soon started wishing I was being carried to the butterflies on a horse. All my physical ailments disappeared as I witnessed the miracle that is the millions of monarch butterflies. This is the trip of a lifetime!

Be a Monarch Butterfly Citizen Scientist

During springtime, you can add to the monarch butterfly data base by logging your sightings or just follow the migration north at Journey North Sightings .

The journey south during fall is scheduled to be tracked by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Video produced by Atlantic Public Media and the Encyclopedia of Life

Identifying Monarch Butterflies

MONARCH BUTTERFLY IDENTIFICATION CHART FROM THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION.

A note from the Editor. As stated above, we made a mistake with our butterfly identification. Distinguishing monarchs from viceroy or queen butterflies can be difficult, particularly as butterflies tend to not be still for very long.

This The National Wildlife Federation chart makes the subtle differences in the butterflies’ patterns and colors more easy to recognize.

Our confusion identification underscores the fact that there are far fewer monarchs to compare. There are literally billions fewer monarchs than just a few years ago. We do hope you find monarchs this season. Why not plant some milkweed to help this wonderful creature to survive?

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Chasing Monarchs: A Guide to Mexico’s Best Butterfly Sanctuaries

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Chasing Monarchs: A Guide to Mexico’s Best Butterfly Sanctuaries

Mexico is rich in culture, history, nature, and unique places and events, like visiting the monarch butterflies .

Some of these magical places have been accredited by UNESCO , which has declared them World Heritage Sites .

In this article, I will delve into one of them (broken down into five) , the monarch butterfly sanctuary , a tourist attraction you should not miss.

What is so special about monarch butterflies?

The Monarch Butterfly belongs to the group of insects known as the Lepidoptera .

Its life cycle consists of a migration process in which it travels long distances to spend the winter.

They can be distinguished from other butterflies by their bright orange color with black lines on their wings.

Females are slightly smaller than males, and their wings’ orange color is darker with thicker lines.

Males are characterized by black spots on the wings responsible for producing pheromone, a chemical substance essential in mating.

Migration of the monarch butterflies to Mexico

Despite its apparent fragility, the monarch butterfly is one of the most admirable members of the animal kingdom in terms of migration.

It travels 5000 miles round trip in two ways; from the eastern Rocky Mountains, southern Canada, and part of the USA to central Mexico and Michoacan .

And from the western Rocky Mountains to specific sites on the coast of California.

The migratory generation has an average life span of 8 to 9 months, much longer than other generations that live only 30 days.

Why do monarch butterflies make such a long journey?

The butterflies seek the Oyamel trees , the ideal habitat for hibernation, sexual maturation, and mating.

The insects also seek large areas of pine trees where they continue their life cycle.

Michoacan and central Mexico’s climates are ideal because they come from Canada and the United States, places with freezing winters and unbearable conditions for them.

All this drives the butterflies to move to cool temperatures like this part of Mexico, where upon arrival, they remain immobile to save energy that will be used for their return.

The average temperature ranges from 12°C to 15°C, approximately.

The fog and abundant clouds also favor them because they have a natural environment with humidity and water availability to subsist.

Where is the monarch butterfly sanctuary in Mexico?

The main monarch butterfly sanctuary comprises almost 58,000 hectares divided in two, between Michoacan and Mexico State.

In Michoacan , it covers the municipalities of Contepec, Senguío, Angangueo, Ocampo, Zitácuaro, and Aporo.
In the State of Mexico is located in the municipalities of Temascalcingo, San Felipe del Progreso, Donato Guerra, and Villa de Allende.

Its status as a biosphere reserve protects the plants and animals.

These places have forests with the ideal conditions for this type of butterfly to complete its maturation and mating process.

What are the nearest major cities to the sanctuaries?

To visit any of the sanctuaries, your best bet is to go to Mexico city .

The distance to Valle de Bravo is about 140 km (2-hour drive)
The distance to Angangueo is about 185 km (3.5-hour drive)

I highly recommend renting a car . It’s cheaper and more convenient since you can move around more easily and freely.

5 best places to visit the monarch butterflies in Mexico

There are several places for you to admire the monarch butterflies in Mexico. Let’s see the top five:

1. Parador turistico El Rosario – Michoacan

The most visited and largest sanctuary of all. It is a few kilometers from the town of Angangueo .

You will have to travel approximately 2 km to reach an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level to get to where the butterflies are.

Entrance fee : 40 pesos (2 USD) for adults and 35 pesos (1.50 USD) for children.

Opening hours : 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

2. Chincua Sierra – Michoacan

sierra chincua monarch butterflies in mexico

10 km from Angangueo, this is the second most visited sanctuary after El Rosario.

A tourist center, artisan stores, and restaurants await you.

You can also practice some activities to improve your physical and adventurous skills.

To reach the site where the butterflies are, you must travel 3 km of plains and mountains, where you will admire the environment’s natural beauty.

3. Ejido El Capulín Sanctuary – Mexico State

Located in Cerro Pelón in the municipality of Donato Guerra . You must travel 4 km to observe the butterflies.

This sanctuary offers various recreational activities and lodging.

Entrance fee : 40 pesos (2 USD)

Opening hours : 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

4. Piedra Herrada Sanctuary – Mexico State

The only sanctuary outside the monarch butterfly biosphere reserve. It is in the foothills of the Nevado de Toluca near Valle de Bravo .

Although you must walk for 40 minutes to observe the butterflies, you will still enjoy every second of the scenery.

Entrance fee : 60 pesos (3 USD)

5. La Mesa Sanctuary

La Mesa is at the foot of the mountains on the border between Michoacan and the State of Mexico.

It is a tourist stop with restaurants and souvenir stores. You will have cabins to stay in.

Entrance fee : 40 pesos (2 USD) , approximately.

When is the best time to visit the monarch butterflies in Mexico?

The migratory pattern of the butterflies between late October and March determines the best time to visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Mexico.

They stay in Mexico for 5 months.

You will have to walk more to see the butterflies perched on the branches of the trees, forming clusters and seeking to protect each other.

As I mentioned, the butterflies arrive in late October; however, the best time to see them is between January and the first weeks of February .

This is when they descend from the nests, and you can enjoy the spectacle of thousands flying across the sky.

Where can I stay when visiting the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary?

In all the towns near the monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico, you will find hotels and inns for all budgets, so lodging is no excuse for not visiting.

El Capulin and La Mesa offer you cabins at low prices.

**Sanctuaries in the State of Mexico , such as Valle de Bravo, have everything from 5-star hotels to small, comfortable inns.

Check for the best rates and hotels in Valle de Bravo

**If you’re in Michoacan , You can choose from the multiple lodging options offered by the towns of Zitácuaro and Angangueo.

Check for the best rates and hotels in Angangueo

Besides observing the monarch butterflies, what other activities can I do in the sanctuary?

Although the main attraction is observing the monarch butterfly, horseback riding through the beautiful scenery and rich climate is also preferred.

In some sanctuaries, you can go zip lining, climb climbing walls and cross hanging bridges.

You can visit the artificial lake of the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary , very close to the town of Valle de Bravo, where tourists practice water sports.

Also, visit the municipal market, the main square, and its beautiful viewpoints.

Who protects the monarch butterfly?

For years, the Mexican government has taken measures to protect these butterflies because of their ecological value and because their migration is one of the most impressive phenomena in the animal kingdom.

It has also supported projects that seek to establish sustainable development in the region, taking advantage of its resources without compromising them over time.

The sanctuaries’ observation areas are delimited to minimize human impact on the species’ habitat and development.

Controls on using and harvesting wood from the forests where the butterflies hibernate are increasingly strict.

All strategies to conserve monarch butterfly habitats are threatened by climate change, which requires the collaboration of everyone who visits the sanctuaries, not just the government.

What can I do to help?

It’s simple. All you have to do is comply with the following rules.

1. Do not disturb the butterflies

The first and most important of all rules. Remember that you will be breaking into their habitat.

You must respect why the butterflies are there. They are resting and replenishing energy for their return from thousands of miles away.

2. Keep a safe distance from the trees

You should be no closer than 45 meters from “occupied” trees where the butterflies are resting.

3. Be respectful of the trails

You will have to stay within the boundaries. Otherwise, you could get lost or have an accident.

4. Avoid littering

No one should litter in natural areas or on city streets.

Garbage should be placed in the baskets designed for this purpose.

5. No flash photography

Flash photography may alter the hibernation state of butterflies, causing them to detach from trees and become exposed to cold and predators. It is prohibited.

6. No smoking or lighting fires

Any tiny flame could be the cause of a forest fire.

7. Respect the observation time

The observation time for butterflies is 20 minutes. You should not exceed it.

8. Follow the instructions of the guides

Tourist guides are trained to minimize human impact on the habitat of these creatures, so you should follow and respect their instructions.

9. Do not step on the butterflies

Most of the butterflies you will likely find on the ground will be dead.

Even so, you should not step on them. Warn the guides if you see a live one.

Is it safe to visit the monarch butterflies in Mexico?

Yes, it is . Criminal activities here are unlikely. The corresponding security officers monitor the sanctuaries 24/7.

For your safety, do not get separated from the visiting groups, follow the guides’ instructions, and do not deviate from the marked trails.

Tips for visiting the sanctuaries

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

You will be doing a lot of walking in the monarch butterfly sanctuaries, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

The type of shoes is also essential because of the weather conditions.

Wear closed-toed, sporty, and grippy shoes for uneven dirt roads.

Condition your body

You must condition your body to withstand the dozens of miles over various terrains to see the butterflies.

Failure to do so will result in a potential body collapse due to fatigue .

Bring water and snacks (sports bars, like granola and protein ones)

Bring water to replenish the fluids you will lose from sweating.

Also, some sweets to avoid a drop in blood pressure or a loss of energy due to physical exhaustion.

**Speaking of blood pressure, please talk to your doctor before making the trip to ensure you’ll be ok. Or if you need to bring special medicine or something.

Shop at gift stores

Collaborate with the souvenir stores near the sanctuaries. This will support local commerce and tourism.

The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is a beautiful place to visit alone or with your family.

It will be a rich experience that will add to your general culture about the animal kingdom.

Plan a trip and visit them. You won’t regret it.

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20 Butterfly Bush Varieties for Blooms From Summer Through Autumn

Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images

Butterfly bushes ( Buddleja davidii ) come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Also known as summer lilac or orange eye, the butterfly bush is native to central China and Japan, and is widely grown as an ornamental plant.

These fast-growing shrubs get their name from the eye-catching, fragrant flowers they produce, which attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Butterfly bushes are perennial plants that will bloom from summer through autumn, and can grow between six and 15 feet tall.

Want to attract more butterflies to your yard this year? Here are 20 beautiful butterfly bush varieties to grow in your garden .

Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!

Pink Delight Butterfly Bush

Whiteway / Getty Images

A medium-sized shrub, the pink delight butterfly bush produces an abundance of vibrant pink elongated flowers . Easy-to-grow and a prolific bloomer, it's favored by butterflies and gardeners alike.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Pink Delight'
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Flower Color: Bright pink
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, fertile
Mature Size: 6-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide

Black Knight Butterfly Bush

Karin de Mamiel / Getty Images

This butterfly bush features dark blooms ranging from purple to black, hence its dramatic name.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'
Flower Color: Dark purple to black
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: 6-10 feet tall, 5-6 feet wide

Empire Blue Butterfly Bush

Irina Pislari / Getty Images

The empire blue butterfly bush—introduced by Ohio's Good & Reese Nursery in 1941—is a low-maintenance shrub that produces vibrant and fragrant violet flowers.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Empire Blue'
Flower Color: Violet blue
Light: Full sun, partial shade
Mature Size: 5 feet tall, 5 feet wide

Adonis Blue Butterfly Bush

Ed Reschke / Getty Images

The Adonis blue butterfly bush is beloved for its deeply colored blueish flowers and dwarf size. It can also be grown as container plants in milder climates.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Adokeep'
Flower Color: Deep purple to blue
Mature Size: 4-5 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide

Petite Snow Butterfly Bush

JohnatAPW / Getty Images

This easy-to-grow petite shrub has large spikes of white flowers that make a great accent to a range of other plants and flowers in your garden bed.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Monite'
Flower Color: White
Mature Size: 4-7 feet tall, 3-9 feet wide

Honeycomb Butterfly Bush

saraTM / Getty Images

The Honeycomb's creamy-yellow flowers sets it apart from most butterfly bush varieties. Adorned with an orange eye, the blossoms attract butterflies, moths, and other important pollinators .

Name: Buddleja x weyeriana 'Honeycomb'
Flower Color: Yellow, gold
Mature Size: 5-7 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide

Flutterby Petite Blue Heaven® Butterfly Bush

This compact branching shrub produces showy violet-blue blooms with green-gray foliage. It is also deer resistant .

Name: Buddleja davidii x 'Podaras #8'
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 10
Flower Color: Violet-blue
Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide

Pugster Periwinkle® Butterfly Bush

Wirestock / Getty Images

The Pugster® Periwinkle from Proven Winners is a dwarf butterfly bush that offers a compact size with normal-sized and hardy blooms.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'SMNBDO'
Flower Color: Purple
Mature Size: 2 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide

Pugster White® Butterfly Bush

raksyBH / Getty Images

This compact butterfly bush variety has a dwarf growth habit, meaning it is slow growing and generally do not grow as tall vertically. Its fragrant white flowers and compact size make it a great addition to garden beds around patios or porches .

Name: Buddleja davidii 'SMNBDW'

Pugster Pinker® Butterfly Bush

The Pugster Pinker® butterfly bush offers full-sized pink flowers that have orange centers on a dwarf plant, which are perfect for small yards .

Name: Buddleja davidii x 'SMNBDB'
Flower Color: Pink

Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush

This dwarf butterfly bush variety produces blue or blue-purple flowers that have yellow-orange eyes in the center, and is beloved by butterflies, hummingbirds , and other pollinators.

Name: Buddleja davidii x 'SMNBDBT'
Flower Color: Blue, blueish purple

Lo and Behold® Blue Chip Jr. Butterfly Bush

Clive Nichols / Getty Images

The Lo and Behold® Blue Chip Jr. butterfly bush is a space-saving flowering shrub that is resistant to deer, with fragrant and colorful blossoms that will attract butterflies all summer long.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Blue Chip Jr.'
Flower Color: Blue, light purple
Mature Size: 1-2.5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide

Lo and Behold® Pink Micro Chip Butterfly Bush

ZoomTravels / Getty Images

If you're short on space and want to add a pop of pink in your garden, this compact butterfly bush variety is a great option.

Name: Buddleja davidii x 'Pink Micro Chip'
Mature Size: 1.5-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide

Prince Charming Butterfly Bush

Julie Guenther / Getty Images

The bright raspberry-colored hues of the Prince Charming butterfly bush cultivar is a welcome burst of color in any garden.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Prince Charming'
Flower Color: Pink to red
Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide

Miss Violet Butterfly Bush

Aptly named for its vibrant violet flowers, the Miss Flower butterfly bush is a compact and prolific bloomer.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Miss Violet'
Flower Color: Dark purple, violet
Mature Size: 4-5 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush

Like its sister Miss Violet, the Miss Molly butterfly bush variety has intensely colored flowers that are as attractive to pollinators as they are to the human eye.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Miss Molly'
Flower Color: Deep pink to red

Queen of Hearts Butterfly Bush

The magenta-hued flowers on the queen of hearts butterfly bush can grow to seven to nine inches in length, making them a great addition to any flower garden or bouquet.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Queen of Hearts'
Flower Color: Magenta, pink, red

Nanho Purple Butterfly Bush

samuel howell /Getty Images

The Nanho purple cultivar features densely-packed and fragrant purple flowers on a compact plant. In addition to butterflies, the flowers attract hummingbirds and bees .

Name: Buddleja davidii 'Monum'
Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide

White Profusion Butterfly Bush

~User4c1fb51d_286 / Getty Images

A vigorous and easy-to-grow shrub, the white profusion butterfly bush variety has bright white flowers with silvery undertones. Add it to your cottage garden or butterfly garden for a sophisticated look.

Name: Buddleja davidii 'White Profusion'
Mature Size: 6-12 feet tall, 4-15 feet wide

Sungold Butterfly Bush

Anish Punchayil sukumaran / Getty Images

Add a burst of sunshine in your garden with the sungold butterfly bush, which produces gold-yellow flowers. Because it can grow as tall as 15 feet tall, you can plant several along your property line to act as a privacy shrub .

Name: Buddleja × weyeriana 'Sungold
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 11
Mature Size: 8-15 feet tall, 4-10 feet wide

The Pugster® series of butterfly bushes—including Pugster® Periwinkle, Pugster® White Dwarf, Pugster® Pinker, and Pugster® Blue butterfly bushes—were bred specifically for hardiness. Their compact size and thicker, sturdier stems ensure better winter hardiness and the plants still produce full-sized flowers.

Butterfly bushes grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in a full sun location. If planting more than one, space them at least five to six feet apart.

The term 'butterfly bush' refers to more than 140 species in the Buddleja or Buddleia genus, the most popular of which is Buddleia davidii , are a popular choice for landscapes.

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9 Places To Visit In Fethiye For An Unforgettable Experience

05 Jun 2024

If you want a beautiful vacation spot with something for everyone, Fethiye in Turkey is perfect. This lovely seaside town on the Turquoise Coast has clear waters, mountain views, and ancient ruins. You can take a boat tour of the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz or watch the sunset from the ghost town of Kayaköy. For adventure lovers, there’s hiking in Saklikent Gorge or paragliding over the stunning landscapes. Knowing about the best places to visit in Fethiye is a must to plan your trip as best as possible, so read the article below.

9 Places To Visit In Fethiye

Fethiye has wonderful destinations worth adding to your itinerary, from Butterfly Valley to Calis Beach. Here is the list of the best places to visit in Fethiye:

1. Butterfly Valley

Image Credit: Ezzeldin.Elbaksawy for Wikimedia Commons

If you love colorful Butterflies, this valley is for you. Located in Fethiye, Turkey, this reserve has a beautiful diversity of butterfly species. Artistically built between the cliffs, the valley shows vivid shimmery water, like heaven on the earth for the people who love nature. This beach, which has a cool breeze from waterfalls, is an escape from the real world. It is one of the best places to visit in Fethiye, Turkey. The valley can be visited via boat only. It is much more peaceful than other crowded tourist spots. You can simply explore trails, dive into the valley, and swim across.

Location: Faralya, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Türkiye Best Time To Visit: May to September Entry Fee: 25TL

Must Read: Places To Visit In Turkey With Family

2. Calis Beach

Visit the quiet Calis Beach, one of the popular places to visit in Fethiye Turkey.

Image Credit: Vladimir Srajber for Pexels

Calis Beach in Fethiye should be one of the top places to go in Fethiye Turkey in your checkbox. The amazing live music performances and swimming in the beautiful sunsets are the center attractions for music lovers. Being the natural hub with modern amenities. The beach is the habitat for sea turtles, which can ultimately give you a chance to see the oldest baby turtles. Calis Beach epitomises peaceful music, calm evenings, and romantic dinners.

Location: Calis Beach, Turkey. Best Time To Visit: May to October Entry Fee: Free

3. Fethiye National Park

The view of a waterfall inside the National Park

Image Credit: Kashyap Hosdurga for Wikimedia Commons

Stretching to an area of 18 Km, the Sakliket National Park is one of the most stunning places to visit in Fethiye. The steep rock walls and the deep Esen River allow you to hike through the canyon, passing through the cool and crystal-clear waters of the river that soothe the soul. This park is a favorite place for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities such as trekking, rafting, and many more. The biodiversity in the area is home to a large species of flora and fauna, a perfect combination of adventurous natural charms.

Location: Kayadibi, Saklıkent Sokak No : 26, 48300 Seydikemer/Muğla, Türkiye Best Time To Visit: April to June Entry Fee: 7 TL

4. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon on Oludeniz Beach, is one of the best places to visit in Fethiye Turkey

Image Credit: Kadirxmert for Wikimedia Commons

Oludeniz, or the Blue Lagoon in Fethiye, is a coastal wonder famous for its crystal clear waters and charming scenic beauty. It’s between mountains covered with thick pines, offering a retreat for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. This lagoon has a picture-perfect background in the national park, allowing you to capture the memories of natural charm. The climate and the species allow you to visit the Lagoon all year as your holiday destination, making it one of the best places to visit in Fethiye.

Location: Ölüdeniz, 48340 Fethiye/Muğla, Türkiye Best Time To Visit: Any time in the year Entry Fee: 3 Euros

5. Gemiler Island

The site of the breathtaking Gemiler Island, one of the best places to visit in Fethiye Turkey.

Image Credit: Andrzej Szkopiński for Wikimedia Commons

Gemiler Island, or Saint Nicholas Island, is a tiny but historically Rich island located near the Fethiye coast. It is famous for its magnificent archaeological structures from the Byzantine era. This town is one of the best places to visit in Fethiye Turkey if you are interested in exploring the history of foraminal activities This is the only Island in Turkey that has preserved ruins of churches from the 6th century AD. It also provides a glimpse of rich Christian history depicted by the tombs, lighthouses, and harbours. You can also hike these historical sites and experience the paranormal views.

Location: Gemiler Adası, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Türkiye Best Time To Visit: June- September Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Things Not To Do In Turkey

6. Gizlikent Waterfall

Image Credit: Alexander Annenkov for Wikimedia Commons

Waterfalls are the only natural gems that calm the mind and give you immense peace. The Giziket Waterfall is one of such blessings of nature and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Fethiye. The water cascades the series of rocks, creating a perfect pattern and selfie spot for the tourists. The waterfall is especially popular during the rainy season and serves its utmost aim during these days. The plus point of visiting this place in Fethiye is that it is a secluded and protected place, so the world is limited. Hence, you can enjoy the adorable natural views and feel the calm breeze around you without any disturbances.

Location: Kayadibi, 48850 Seydikemer/Muğla, Türkiye Best Time To Visit: July to August Entry Fee: Free

7. Fethiye Bazaar

Shops at Fethiye Bazaar, one of the must-visit places to visit in Fethiye for shopping lovers

Image Credit: Jorge Franganillo for Wikimedia Commons

Held every Tuesday, this Bazaar is one of the most exquisite places to visit in Fethiye Turkey, where you can find a collection of traditional outfits, decorative showpieces, spices, leather goods, culture, shows, and many more attractive activities. You can also bargain in the shops and take a lot of memories of Turkey’s tour to your home. The food stalls with Turkish traditional food like kabas, juices, and mocktails are the perfect opportunity to taste the local flavours of Turkey. The Bazaar is divided into sections dedicated to various products, from spices to fresh products, inviting visitors to examine the uniqueness of the products.

Location: Foça, 956. Sk. No:15, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Türkiye Best Time To Visit: June – September Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Best Honeymoon Destinations In Turkey

Ariel view of Kayakoy Village in Fethiye, one the best places to visit in Fethiye Turkey

Image Credit: Nikodem Nijaki for Wikimedia Commons

Originally called Livissi, originated from the Greek Orthodox christens featuring stone houses, churches, and old schools that showcased Greek architecture. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Fethiye and a must-visit for history and archaeological enthusiasts. The story behind calling it a ghost village is because of the depiction of the grief of the Greeks on the decline of their kingdom, which has been ruined since they left. The Katapongagia Church and Taxiarchis Church are the best sites among the ruins of the Kaykoy village.

Location: Kayakoy, Fethiye Best Time To Visit: All year around Entry Fee: 10 Euros

Beautiful View of Patara Beach best places to visit in Fethiye Turkey

Image Credit: William Neuheisel for Wikimedia Commons

The coastline of Patara is close to 12km, making it the longest beach in Turkey. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Fethiye Turkey. Spending a day soaking in the golden sun and cool breeze is worth visiting Turkey. It also has an ancient connection due to the presence of ruins of the amphitheatre and necropolis. The loggerhead sea turtles are also present at Patara Beach, so you may get to see the rare turtle species here. If you want to enjoy the culture, history, and peace all together, this beach is for you.

Location: Gelemiş, 07976 Kaş/Antalya, Türkiye Best Time To Visit: May to October Entry Fee: Free

Further Read: Romantic Resorts In Turkey

A visit to Fethiye will be an unforgettable chapter of your life. The journey promises the immensible experiences of natural beauty and a deep knowledge of culture. Every corner of this place holds a story to tell. So, are you still thinking, after learning so much about the best places to visit in Fethiye? Grab your bags and get ready for an amazing trip to Turkey trip to Turkey at these top places and have the best experience of your life.

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Cover Image Credit: Alexey Komarov for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Fethiye

Why is Fethiye famous among tourists Turkey?

Yes, if you love beaches and sunsets or have a keen interest in history, it's a must-visit place.

Is there much to do in Fethiye?

There are multiple activities to do in Fethiye, including a hike through the Lycian Way and the beauty of Butterfly Valley. Alternatively, you can simply calm your body and soul on the Patara and Oludeniz beaches.

How many days do I need in Fethiye?

2 to 4 days in Fethiye are enough to enjoy all the scenic beauties and nightlife and explore the historical places.

Does Fethiye have a nightlife?

Fethiye is famous for the busy street at night in the old town. After sunset, the trendiest bar in the town, Kum Saati Bar, offers various flavors of drinks and amazing mocktails.

What is Fethiye known for?

Fethiye is a harbor with blue waters, a variety of rocks, and tombs. It is also famous for the longest beach in the world, Patara Beach, which has a seashore of 12 km.

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14 Best Places To Visit For Butterfly Sanctuaries

Stephan Meed

1. Iguazu Butterfly Park, Argentina

2. Phipps Conservatory, USA

3. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm, UK

4. Penang Butterfly Farm, Malaysia

5. Monteverde Butterfly Garden, Costa Rica

6. Butterfly World, South Africa

7. Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Canada

8. Neotropical Butterfly Park, Peru

9. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, USA

10. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, USA

11. Mindo Butterfly House, Ecuador

12. Shah Alam Butterfly Park, Malaysia

13. Bendorf Butterfly Garden, Germany

14. Melbourne Zoo Butterfly House, Australia

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