Frederik Meijer Gardens’ Butterfly Exhibit is Everything
A sure sign of spring, the Frederik Meijer Gardens Butterflies are Blooming exhibit is returning for 2024.
Every March and April, this popular event draws visitors to Grand Rapids from near and far.
2024 Dates: March 1 – April 30
Imagine being surrounded by thousands of colorful butterflies as the whole Tropical Conservatory turns into a butterfly haven (over 60 different species are represented among the 7,000 tropical butterflies.)
And not just that, amazing spring flowers like hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils brighten up the entrance room, and make the whole place smell divine.
They keep the conservatory warm and humid, too —85 degrees with 70% humidity— so you might just forget it’s not actually summer. Dress in layers – take it from me!
Read on to learn more about visiting the butterflies at Meijer Gardens and enter to win free tickets, too!
Meijer Gardens is located at 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
Meijer Gardens Butterflies Info
Win Tickets to See the Butterflies
Enter here to win (4) tickets to see the Meijer Gardens Butterflies!
FINE PRINT:
This giveaway will close on March 18, 2024, at 11 pm and the winners will be notified via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond by email accepting the prize. No purchase necessary to enter the contest. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to grkids.com and not to Facebook. Entrants will release Facebook from all liability. Entrants must be at least 21 years of age and reside in Michigan. Only one entry per household or IP address. Grand Rapids Kids’ liability is limited to the value of the prize.
Best Tips for Visiting the Meijer Gardens Butterflies
Here are my top tips for getting the most of your butterfly experience:
1) Wear Bright Colors
If you want to up your chances of getting a butterfly to land on you, dress in bright colors. This way, the butterflies might think you’re a flower and come over for a visit.
Dressing in layers is also a good idea because it’s humid and warm inside of the tropical conservatory.
2) Get there Early
Weekends and spring break days can be crowded. Plan to wait in line. You’ll be guided into a spring-themed room before you reach the butterflies. Depending on how busy it is, you’ll want several hours for the whole experience.
If you’re able, visit the butterflies on a sunny weekday around 3-4 pm. This time period tends to be light on visitors, meaning a more relaxed visit for you.
3) Download the Butterfly Brochure
Colorful butterfly identification guides are available as a QR code on your mobile phone.
This free guide highlights all of the different butterflies.
If you’re visiting with kids, consider turning your visit into an I Spy game.
4) Find the Butterfly Bungalow
This large Observation Station positions butterfly chrysalis at eye level for kids and adults. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see moths and butterflies at various stages of emergence.
This is a great place to pull out your brochure. Kids love identifying the different types of butterflies they find in the butterfly bungalow.
You may also see FMG staff collecting butterflies from the Observation Station and releasing them throughout the day. (More on that later.)
5) Cross Your Fingers for a Butterfly Release
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch horticulturalists release butterflies into the conservatory.
Butterflies are released at random times throughout the day.
If you see a uniformed person enter the Butterfly Bungalow, stick around because you might be in for a treat.
Chances of seeing a release are greater in the earliest days of the exhibit, as staff work to populate the butterfly room.
6) Find the Feeding Stations
Feeding stations are where the butterflies love to congregate.
What’s on the menu? Delicious, juicy overripe fruit as well as a honey-water beverage. Cheers!
7) Tuesdays are Flashlight Nights
On Tuesday evenings, Meijer Gardens stays open late, til 9 PM.
If you’re visiting after dark, bring your flashlight and search for butterflies tucked away under the cover of darkness.
8) Make Time for Playtime in Children’s Garden or Curiousity Courtyard
Visiting the Meijer Gardens butterflies with kids?
The Children’s Garden is a fantastic place for kids to blow off steam any time of year – even in snow pants. (Bring outdoor gear for this activity.)
– Navigate the Butterfly Maze
– Discover butterfly and moth-themed books and a giant butterfly puzzle in the Log Cabin
– Pose for a photo in the people-sized butterfly chair
The treehouse is always a hit!
Pro tip: Pack a bag of winter coats and boots for the Children’s Garden. Leave it in the coatroom while you visit the butterflies and then head outside to play.
Outside of the children’s garden, stroll the campus, visit the big horse, and then be sure to stop by the Japanese Garden for waterfalls and other delights.
Curiosity Courtyard
If outdoor play isn’t your thing, you can always visit the Curiosity Courtyard on the lower level.
9) Check Out the Meijer Gardens Butterflies Special Events
This year, several special butterfly-themed events are planned.
Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet
Saturday, February 17 & Sunday, February 18
Told through the eyes of a newly emerged butterfly, the story captivates young and old alike. With colorful costumes, spectacular music, and exquisite choreography, this enchanting performance provides a unique and memorable experience. 1 hour. $5 members, $10 non-members.
Butterfly Photography
Sunday, February 25 from 9-11 AM
Monday, April 29 from 5-7 PM
Learn techniques for creating fantastic butterfly photos, including lens selection, background choice, composition, light and exposure. Enjoy time with the butterflies before public hours begin. Tripods or monopods and macro or telephoto lenses are welcome but not required. Some photography experience is necessary. $35/members, $45/non-members.
Night of the Butterflies Member Parties – Family
Sunday, March 17, Sunday, April 14, and Monday, April 22
Festivities include access to Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming—bring your flashlights to find the butterflies as they roost in the trees, family-friendly entertainment, a themed art activity, and light refreshments. Free for members.
Night of the Butterflies Member Parties – Adult 18+
Sunday, March 24 and Monday, April 8
Make it a date night to enjoy the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, live entertainment, photo booths, a cash-only bar, a themed art activity, and a complimentary dessert plate. Free for members.
Spring Break Experience – Butterfly Fun for ages 4-5
Monday, April 1 from 9 AM-12 PM
Let the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition spark your creativity as you observe an array of colorful butterflies flying, resting, and eating. Learn how a caterpillar changes into a butterfly by playing an engaging butterfly game and exploring the butterfly life cycle. Create a unique mask and wings to wear while listening to butterfly stories. $35 members, $45 non-members.
Admission Rates & Hours
HOURS
The Frederik Meijer Gardens Butterflies exhibit is open daily, from 9 AM-5 PM, except for Sundays (open at 11 AM) and Tuesdays (open until 9 PM).
ADMISSION & TICKETS
A daily admission ticket is required for all guests. Tickets may be purchased online in advance.
*Rates as of February 2024
| Admission Fee | |
|---|---|
| Adult (14-64) | $20 |
| Senior (65 and older) | $15 |
| Student (with student ID) | $15 |
| Museums for All | $2 |
| Child (age 3-13) | $10 |
| Child (age 0-2) | Free |
FAQs
Are there butterflies at the Frederik Meijer Gardens?
Yes, if you time it right. The Meijer Gardens butterflies display is open annually during the months of March and April.
How big is the butterfly exhibit?
The Meijer Gardens butterflies exhibit is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the country and includes over 7000 butterflies.
How much is the butterfly exhibit at Meijer Gardens?
A visit to the Meijer Gardens butterflies exhibit is included with general admission. Daily entrance rates for non-members are $20 for adults (ages 14-64) and $10 for children (ages 3-13). FMG members get in free.
Can I Touch the Butterflies?
Do not reach for the butterflies or touch them. However, if you stand very still, a butterfly may choose to land on you. Wearing bright colors may encourage a butterfly to land and increase your odds!
How long does it take to visit the Meijer Gardens butterflies?
Plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting the Meijer Garden butterflies. This timeframe is dependent on the size of the crowd during your visit. Wait times swell during spring break and diminish on weekdays.
When is the best time to visit the Meijer Gardens butterflies?
Butterflies are most active on sunny days, so if your schedule is flexible, pay attention to the weather. The best bet for small crowds is on a weekday first thing in the morning or during the late afternoon, about an hour before closing. The busiest times are on weekends and over spring break.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair into the butterfly exhibit?
Yes, the Meijer Gardens butterflies exhibit is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, due to the popularity of the event, if you are bringing a baby, it may be preferable to use a baby carrier.
What happens to the butterflies at Frederik Meijer Gardens?
Butterflies are shipped to Meijer Gardens from all around the world for this exhibit. They arrive in their pre-butterfly state as pupae, which are tiny caterpillars. Once at FMG, they eat and grow until they form cocoons. At this point, the cocoons are placed in the conservatory’s see-through Observation Station where you can watch the butterflies emerge. Staff periodically releases the butterflies into the conservatory, where they will live out their natural lifespan of several weeks.
