Michigan’s Tropical Butterfly Garden You Need to Experience This Spring

There’s no better way to celebrate the coming of spring in Michigan than to wander through a tropical garden surrounded by butterflies.

Throughout the months of March and April, the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit is happening at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It really is a must-see spring spectacular for all Michiganders! 

Visit the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the United States – Butterflies Are Blooming at Meijer Gardens from March 1-April 30, 2026.

Butterflies Are Blooming Ticket Info

The Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit is included in general admission. Tickets are free for members with ID and for children 2 and under, $25 for adults (14–64), $20 for seniors (65+), $19 for students with ID, $14 for children (3–13), and $2 for Museums for All.

Meijer Gardens hours:

• Sunday 11 am-5 pm; 9 am – 11 early hours for members only
• Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
• Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 9 am-5 pm

Purchase your tickets online ahead of time or in person at the ticket window. Meijer Gardens is cashless, so plan accordingly.

The Largest Temporary Tropical Butterfly Exhibit in the United States

With more than 7,000 butterflies and moths, spanning 60 species from around the world, it feels a little unreal to wander the tropical conservatory while wings flutter past you in every direction.

Grab a butterfly field guide on your way in for helpful pictures of the species you might spot, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to help you find your favorites.

NOTE: To protect the butterflies’ fragile wings, take lots of pictures but don’t touch the butterflies.

A Magical Butterfly Experience in a Tropical Conservatory

The five-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory is the main attraction for Butterflies Are Blooming. Spanning 15,000 square feet, it’s full of tropical foliage and flowers, plus a waterfall you can actually walk behind, which flows into a gentle stream that you can cross over via a charming cobblestone path.

NOTE: The indoor gardens are barrier-free and can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. However, a baby carrier may be an easier option for navigating with young children through busy areas. There is a convenient spot to park any strollers in the hallway outside the conservatory.

Chrysalis Observation Station

To get a peek at the fascinating life cycle of the butterfly, check out the Observation Station in the conservatory.

Each week, about 1,250 chrysalides are delivered and placed on display, so you can see them at different stages and sometimes even catch a butterfly emerging through metamorphosis.

Butterfly Viewing Areas

Along the paths, you’ll find several benches to sit on and observe the butterflies. While seated, make sure to look up to appreciate the full height of the lush foliage that surrounds you.

• Butterfly Feeding Stations: One of the easiest places to find a cluster of butterflies is around the feeding stations filled with fruit and honey water. 

• Tropical Flowers: Another favorite butterfly hangout is among the colorful floral patches. So many gorgeous orchids here!

Check for Stowaway Butterflies Before You Leave

On your way out of the conservatory, you’ll pass through the Butterfly Vestibule, a temporary enclosure to keep any butterflies from escaping. Use the mirrors to make sure no stowaway butterflies are hitching a ride on your clothes or bags. 

Special Butterfly-Themed Events at Meijer Gardens

During the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit, there are several special events that take the experience to a whole new level.

• Butterfly Ballet: From Wiggles to Wings (Feb 28 & Mar 1): A family-friendly, immersive ballet in the Huizenga Grand Room, where projected landscapes and a new story blend dance and nature (performed by Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company).

• Butterfly Tea Parties (Feb 28 & Mar 1): A butterfly-themed tea with sandwiches and macarons that pairs with the ballet, plus photo ops with junior dancers and a festive “wear your butterfly costume” vibe at communal tables.

• Spring Nights: Bourbon & Butterflies (Apr 21 & 28 | 5-9 pm): Twilight hours in the tropical conservatory with 7,000+ butterflies, live local music, and bourbon-inspired drinks and specialty cocktails available for purchase (21+).

3 Tips for Visiting the Meijer Gardens Butterfly Exhibit

1. Visit early in March or late afternoon for fewer crowds.

With all the beautiful displays, it should be no surprise that the butterfly exhibit at Meijer Gardens is popular! If you visit over spring break or on a weekend, plan on sharing your experience with many other butterfly enthusiasts.

A couple of suggestions for visiting with fewer crowds:

• Early March: The gardens tend to be quieter early in March when the exhibit first opens.

• Late Afternoon: Depending on the day, large school groups often visit the gardens on field trips in the morning before lunch. For a more peaceful visit, try going later in the afternoon between 3-5 pm.

• Tuesday Evenings: Another option is going on Tuesday nights when the gardens are open until 9 pm. You can even bring flashlights and go for a butterfly hunt in the dark. We haven’t gone in the evening yet, but hope to try it sometime!

2. Dress in layers for contrasting climates.

To keep the butterflies happy, the conservatory is 85 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% humidity. Sounds dreamy after a long winter, but also quite a contrast from the outdoor conditions!

Plan on leaving bulky winter coats in your vehicle or hanging them up in the coat check area by the entrance. There are some lockers available as well if you prefer that option.

If you plan to visit some of the outdoor exhibits, those coats may come in handy again.

3. Wear bright colors to attract butterflies.

Butterflies tend to be more attracted to bright colors, so dressing vibrantly may increase your butterfly appeal. Dress like a colorful flower and you just might attract a butterfly friend.  

3 Other Areas to See on Your Meijer Gardens Visit

After your butterfly adventure, there are plenty of other sections of Meijer Gardens to explore if you have the time. 

• Curiosity Garden: Located on the lower level, the Curiosity Garden is a great indoor play area for children, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating outdoors. 

• Outdoor Trails: Walk along miles of paved trails to view impressive sculptures or the picturesque Japanese garden.

• Children’s Garden: If you have little ones with you, the Children’s Garden is full of fun sculptures and outdoor play structures, including a multi-level treehouse. During the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit, look for special children’s programming here, too.

Marvel at the Sights of Spring

Complete with beautiful butterflies and tropical gardens of blooming flowers, a visit to Meijer Gardens is the perfect Michigan day trip to welcome the new season of spring!

NOTE: This article was originally published in March 2022.