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The Gardens on Spring Creek has been working closely with the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County to ensure the safety of our guests, volunteers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic through social distancing measures and capped attendance. All visitors - including Members - are required to reserve admissions tickets for a specific date and time prior to arriving at The Gardens. Visit the admissions page for ticketing information.

Visit The Gardens COVID-19 guidelines page to review all of our COVID-19 guidelines and procedures.

The Butterfly House

 Hours/Location
butterflies on plants

Year Opened:  2019

The Butterfly House is a year-round home to hundreds of North American butterflies and dozens of varieties of flowering plants, built and operated in partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion.

This warm and experiential sensory experience allows all ages to get “up close” to both butterflies and plants in a tropical environment.  The garden was carefully curated to provide nectar-rich plants for the butterflies, as well as locations for roosting, resting and basking.

Featuring:

  • 300 free-flying butterflies and moths, including Monarchs, Longwings, Swallowtails and more
  • A chrysalis window, allowing guests to watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises 
  • Adult moth displays keep males and females separate due to their high egg laying capacity
  • Caterpillar displays, offering a deeper understanding of the complete life cycle
  • A 220-square-foot living wall with 2,200 annuals, ferns and foliage plants that provide roosting space for butterflies and moths
  • More than 100 varieties of tropical plants, specifically curated for our pollinator friends
  • Hanging sponge balls and sponge cups soaked in sugar water to provide extra nutrition for butterflies, as well as decaying fruit
  • Interpretation and education provided by staff and volunteers

Please Note:
Denver's Butterfly Pavilion is the first stand-alone, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited non-profit invertebrate zoo.  While The Gardens on Spring Creek enjoys a partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion, our organizations are separate.  Tickets to the Butterfly House may only be purchased at The Gardens on Spring Creek and are included with daily admission.  Timed entry reservations available at Guest Services upon check-in at the Gardens.