Founded in 1995, as the first stand-alone non-profit invertebrate zoo in the nation, the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center is a 30,000 square foot facility and situated on an 11-acre campus all provided by Westminster, Colorado.
There are over 1,600 butterflies, insects, plants, flowers and an amazing rainforest environment at the Butterfly Pavilion. There is so much to see and learn. If you are interested in photography, this is the place to go! You can take as many photos as you please and they even have an early morning special photography session where you can catch the butterflies as they are just waking up. What else will you find inside the butterfly pavilion? Let’s get into it.
Invertebrate zoo
The Butterfly Pavilion is home to thousands of animals from all over the world. Experience the indoor tropical conservatory with over 1,600 free-flying butterflies, the zoo’s famous tarantula Rosie and explore adaptations of sea stars, bees, spiders and so much more.
Outdoor gardens and nature trail
Walk the path outside to see the wildlife surrounding the pavilion. This garden has been specifically designed to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects at all stages of their lives. Take a hike and investigate the native habitats surrounding the Pavilion. It’s a great place to watch local invertebrates in action.
Exhibits
- Cral-A-See-Em: Spiders and other small wonders of the insect world live in this exhibit. Learn about dozens of species, observe animals hidden in their natural habitat and go eye-to-eye with tarantulas, leaf insects, scorpions, beetles and giant millipedes.
- Water’s Edge: Watch invertebrates that are live underwater! This exhibit has sea stars, hermit crabs and horseshoe crabs. You will also learn all about the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean tide pools.
- Wings of the Tropics: This lush conservatory is alive with an array of butterflies from rainforests around the world. Explore this 7,200-square-foot rainforest that not only serves as a home to countless butterflies but also displays over 200 plant species, fish and turtles from around the world.
- Invertebrate World: Immerse yourself in an explosion of invertebrate diversity. Gaze upon animals and insects from around the world and from your backyard. There are over 1,000 invertebrate species in this exhibit!
Adult Programs
The Butterfly Pavilion has many kid’s activities, but it has much to offer adults looking to learn more as well. Check out programs on macro photography, tripod photography, beekeeping, science talks and rainforest yoga.
The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center is open daily from 9am-5pm, and is located at 6252 W 104 Ave, Westminster, CO. For more information, call 303-469-5441.
General Admission
Adults: 2
Westminster resident: 0
Seniors: 0
Children:
Under 2 years old: free
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