Butterflies are Blooming: The Beauty of Flight
Get excited, fellow wanderers! Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is throwing their annual, mesmerizing event that is known as the “Butterflies are Blooming” exhibition. Imagine a kaleidoscope of nature featuring over 7,000 butterflies and moths fluttering in a symphony of hues. There are over 60 species of butterflies represented at this exhibit for wanderers to watch as they dance and fly about. This is the perfect activity for nature lovers, families or people who just love to be in awe! Whatever the case, keep reading to learn more about this highly anticipated yearly event.
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Butterflies of Paradise
This exhibition takes flight on March 1 and goes all the way until April 30th and members can go early on Sundays from 9AM-11AM. The entire exhibition is housed within the awe-inspiring five-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. You might feel like you’ve entered a tropical paradise, as the conservatory has to be kept at high temps and humidity to accommodate our colorful flying friends. Make sure to wear layers, as they keep it at a toasty 85 degrees, complemented by a lush 70% humidity.
Diverse Species & Global Origins
Get ready for a charming spectacle as exotic butterflies make themselves at home. Hailing from Central and South America, with a touch of tropical Asia and Africa, these winged wonders create a captivating display. It’s like taking a West Michigan safari into a vibrant world where Michigan embraces global hues in a colorful, fluttering wave.
The different kinds of species you might find include but aren’t limited to: the blue morpho, clearwing, lacewing, zebra mosaic, swallowtail, golden helicon, paper kite, atlas moth, and the African moon moth. The blue morpho, with its iridescent wings stealing the celestial spotlight, is the crowd-pleaser—the showstopper in this captivating carnival of nature.
Witness a Metamorphosis
The one part you might NOT want to miss is the weekly cocoon hatching! Yes you heard right – you get to witness up to 1000 butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, completing their metamorphosis and flying into their new life. You can stand in awe of the beauty and the metaphor!
Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet
Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 am or 12:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 16, 12 or 2:30 pm
$5 members | $10 nonmembers
2 and younger free
Mark your calendar for a thoroughly delightful butterfly ballet. 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—choreographed by Attila Mosolygo and performed by members of the Grand Rapid Ballet Junior Company—provides a unique and memorable experience.
Children’s Activities
Family Drop-In: Butterfly Exploration Stations
Sunday, March 2, 2–3 pm
Meijer Gardens Education Team
Experience butterfly wings from a different perspective in this hands-on exhibition program designed for all ages. Use an array of microscopes to take a closer look at butterfly diversity while investigating questions through careful observation. Unleash your creativity as you design and decorate your very own butterfly wings.
Additional Butterfly Events
Secchia Garden Lecture – Celebrating 30 Years of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Tuesday, March 11, 7 PM
Celebrate three decades of Meijer Gardens with Senior Vice President Steve LaWarre and Senior Horticulture Lead Ian Warnock as they reflect on the journey of designing and maintaining its breathtaking landscapes. Experience their insights into the dedication and innovation that have transformed Meijer Gardens into a world-class destination for art, culture, and nature.
This annual lecture is made possible by the generosity of the Secchia family. Captioning and Spanish translation services will be available. For inquiries, contact Eve Boyer at eboyer@meijergardens.org or 616-975-3145. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Online registration for onsite participation opens Feb. 1 at MeijerGardens.org/lecture.
After the Caterpillar—Cool Chrysalids and Cocoons
Sunday, March 23, 2–3 PM
Dr. Duke Elsner, MSU Extension
Take a fascinating visual journey with Dr. Duke Elsner as he explores the incredible diversity of butterfly and moth pupae. Discover the unique structures and captivating transformations that play a crucial role in the survival of Michigan’s butterflies and moths.
Design for Delight: Butterfly Gardens
Sunday, April 27, 2–3 PM
Amy Heilman, The Living Garden
Learn how to create a butterfly-friendly garden with Amy Heilman as she shares expert tips on incorporating host and nectar plants to attract and support these beautiful pollinators. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, you’ll gain valuable insights to transform your outdoor space into a thriving butterfly haven.
Outdoor Children’s Activities
Wednesday, March 1 – Sunday, April 30 | Daylight hours only
Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
Experience the magic of butterflies in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden with engaging outdoor activities for all ages. Whether self-guided or instructor-led, check the Information Center to see what’s available each day. Activities change daily!
Earth Day – Every Day!
Saturday, April 26, 1–4 PM
Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
Celebrate Earth Day with eco-friendly activities for all ages in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Join in the fun and learn how to care for our planet in creative and engaging ways.
Tuesday Night Lights
Bring a flashlight and explore the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory on Tuesday nights in March and April until 9 PM. Search for butterflies and discover the wonders of the conservatory after dark!
Admission to Meijer Gardens, which includes the butterfly exhibit & children’s garden, is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $10 for children 3-13. Children under 2 get in free. Keep up to date on their website or click here for tickets and details.
Logan Imber
Logan Imber is a self taught Freelance Digital Marketer & Copywriter currently located in Ohio, but works remotely for clients all over the world. She also dabbles in Graphic Design, Web Design and Music. She doesn't like to pin herself down, as there is always something to learn, a culture to take in or new food to eat. In her free time, Logan likes reading, yoga, and spending time with her beloved cat. She also loves playing and sharing music with others. Essentially, most of her time is either spent writing, contemplating, or creating something - and she wouldn't have it any other way.
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