The Butterfly Pavilion

We have butterflies that fly around freely here, but not nearly as many as you would find in a warm, tropical location. That being said though, we do have a place close by where butterflies fly freely by the 1000’s. We have The Butterfly Pavilion that’s only about a mile away from our house.

The Butterfly Pavilion was opened as a zoo for invertebrates, but specifically, for butterflies in 1995. It is home to hundreds, if not thousands of different butterflies and insects of all kinds. I’ve been quite a few times, but I went again, on a whim just the other day. Larry was out playing golf, so I decided to spend some time with the butterflies. In a way, I was also spending time with my mother, who absolutely loved butterflies.

The Butterfly Pavilion is situated on 11 acres, and the outside gardens are beautifully maintained. Before entering the Pavilion itself, I roamed around through the outside gardens. It is located at 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020. No reservations needed. Just walk on in. It’s open until 5:00 PM everyday. You can even host parties, weddings and events there too, but for those you definitely need to make reservations.

This gazebo is where our friends Erik and Shannon got married last year.

There were a few friendly bunnies hopping around to welcome me too.

Before entering into the main butterfly gardens, you first enter through the insect room. One of their main attractions is Rosy, the friendly tarantula. Although there are really about 12 or so Rosies, who they rotate throughout the day. I’ve held her before. She tickles as she crawls around on your hand or arm.

Some of the other interesting residents to see before entering into the butterfly gardens. All of these insects are vital to keeping our plants around the world healthy and productive.

Next, you wonder through the “seas” and see some of the underwater invertebrates, many of whom I see all the time while diving. We see plenty of sea stars.

And every now and then we see a few horseshoe crabs too.

But the real stars and the main attractions are of course, all the butterflies and the tropical plants and flowers.

There were so many different butterfly species flitting all around. I had to be very careful where I walked too, because they were everywhere.

This one is camouflaged very well. To its predators, it looks like either a poisonous snake on the back of its wings, or something with very large eyes. But the front of its wings are a very bright, beautiful blue. I tried and tried to get pictures of its blue wings, but was unsuccessful.

Taking a snack break, munching on rotten fruit. They like the rotten fruit because it produces a sweet nectar.

I was there in time to see the release of new butterflies too. It was their first day flying in the big garden.

There was even this big spider who was very pregnant and about to lay her eggs. She was resting on the wall.

Make the most of everyday. There is always something new to see or to learn. Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.