Ask people about the one place to visit when coming to Gainesville, and many will say "the Butterfly Rainforest."
Days Open: Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday
At the Butterfly Rainforest you'll come face-to-face (and wing to hand) with exotic free-flying butterflies within a large screened enclosure. Visitors can stroll down a winding path through subtropical and tropical foliage and flowers to the sound of waterfalls. Between 55 and 65 species reside at any given time in the conservatory with origins from all over the world.
The Wall of Wings exhibit inside the museum showcases thousands of preserved and photographed butterfly and moth specimens along with films from around the world. Science is further brought to life with displays such as "What is a Butterfly?" and the amazing "Monarch Butterfly Migration". Visitors can also get a close-up view of scientists working in the world’s largest butterfly research facility.
Hint: It is best to visit the Butterfly Rainforest when it is warm and the butterflies are more active, so if you are in Gainesville in winter, try to come on the warmest day of your stay and/or in mid-afternoon.
On Saturdays and Sundays at 2, 3, and 4pm you can witness live butterfly releases, weather permitting.
The Butterfly Rainforest is wheelchair accessible. Cameras and camcorders are welcome, but due to the width of paths in the Butterfly Rainforest, tripods, strollers and backpacks are not permitted.
Hours: Open all year except Thanksgiving and Christmas; Monday-Saturday 10a-5p, Sunday 1p-5p Admission: Adults $9.50, with reduced prices for youth, students, seniors and members.
Located at the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida Cultural Plaza, SW 34th Street & Hull Road, Gainesville.
