ZooMissouri, US

Butterfly House, Missouri Botanical Garden

The Sophia M.

About

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House offers an enchanting escape into a world of winged wonders. As a division of the renowned Missouri Botanical Garden, this immersive butterfly zoo in Chesterfield, Missouri, invites visitors year-round into its 8,000-square-foot, climate-controlled Tropical Conservatory. Here, over 1,500 free-flying tropical butterflies, representing 60 to 80 species from around the globe, flutter amidst a lush environment featuring more than 100 species of exotic plants, creating a truly breathtaking experience.

Beyond the mesmerizing flight of butterflies, the Butterfly House offers a rich educational journey. Visitors can marvel at the "Miracle of Metamorphosis" exhibit, observing chrysalides as new butterflies emerge. The Exhibit Hall showcases a diverse array of other invertebrates, including fascinating spiders, roaches, and beetles, highlighting the broader world of insects. Outdoors, the Native Butterfly Garden and Nature T.R.E.K. Trail demonstrate the importance of local pollinators and native plant species.

A visit to the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is a memorable experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation. Whether you're captivated by the vibrant Blue Morphos, the striking Ruby Lacewings, or the impressive Golden Birdwings, the close-up encounters with these delicate creatures, often landing gently on visitors, make for unforgettable moments and stunning photographic opportunities. It's a tranquil oasis where education and beauty converge, proving why it's been recognized as a top butterfly garden in the nation. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House was established in 1995 with the mission to increase public awareness of the natural habitats essential for butterflies to thrive. Groundbreaking occurred in June 1997, and the facility officially opened its doors to the public on September 18, 1998. The venue is named in honor of Sophia M. Sachs, whose spirit of discovery, particularly with children, was celebrated by her son-in-law, Louis S. Sachs, who provided the lead gift for its construction. In July 2001, the Butterfly House became a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, further cementing its role in horticultural display, research, and education. A significant milestone was achieved in 2003 when it became the first dedicated insect facility to receive accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a testament to its high standards of animal care and conservation efforts. The outdoor Butterfly Garden was dedicated in 2000, and the Emerson Lakeside Terrace, a multi-use area, opened in 2002.

What to do here

Walk among thousands of free-flying butterflies, observe the life cycle of butterflies from chrysalis to adult, learn about other fascinating insects, explore native plant habitats, and attend educational programs or special events. You might even have a butterfly land on you!

Seasonal info

The facility closes briefly in January for annual maintenance. The conservatory maintains a warm and humid environment year-round. Special events occur throughout the year, including Morpho Mardi Gras (Feb-Mar), Firefly Festival (June), and Moth Week (July), offering unique seasonal experiences.

Accessibility

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and its pathways are fully wheelchair accessible, with benches provided throughout the facility for resting. A limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted. Strollers are generally discouraged in the Conservatory due to space and USDA requirements; baby slings or carriers are recommended, though small "umbrella" strollers can be accommodated.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most visitors find an hour or so is sufficient to experience the main attractions, though longer visits are possible, especially for those who wish to attend educational programs or enjoy seasonal events.
Best time to visit: The Butterfly House is open year-round, offering a tropical escape regardless of the outside weather. For fewer crowds, consider visiting during midweek afternoons, as mornings in March, April, and May can be busier due to school field trips. Special events like "Morpho Mardi Gras" in February and March feature an abundance of Blue Morpho butterflies.
Location: Missouri, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Young ChildrenNature And Insect EnthusiastsCouples Seeking A Unique And Serene ExperiencePhotography BuffsStudents And Educators

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Tropical Conservatory

The main glass-domed habitat with free-flying butterflies and tropical plants.

Miracle of Metamorphosis

A viewing area where you can witness butterflies emerging from their chrysalides.

Exhibit Hall

Features various live invertebrates such as spiders, roaches, and beetles.

Native Butterfly Garden

An outdoor space showcasing host and nectar plants for native and migrating butterfly species.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Bee

Carpenter Bee

Monarch Butterfly

White Tailed Deer

Asian Lady Beetle

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Visit during off-peak hours

** For a more serene experience and easier navigation, aim for midweek afternoons, avoiding busy school field trip times in spring mornings (March-May).

Opt for a baby carrier

Due to space constraints and USDA requirements, large strollers are not permitted in the Tropical Conservatory. A baby sling or small umbrella stroller is highly recommended for families with infants.

Look for feeding stations

Butterflies are often found congregating on plates of fruit or nectar flowers, offering excellent close-up viewing and photography opportunities.

Explore all exhibits

Don't miss the "Miracle of Metamorphosis" lab to witness butterflies emerging, and the Exhibit Hall to discover a wider world of insects beyond butterflies.

Dress comfortably

The Tropical Conservatory is warm and humid to replicate a rainforest environment, so light clothing is advisable.

Be patient and still

Butterflies may land on you if you stand quietly, offering a magical and memorable interaction. Remember not to touch them.

Frequently asked questions

: The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is home to over 1,500 free-flying tropical butterflies, representing 60 to 80 different species. You can often spot vibrant Blue Morphos, striking Ruby Lacewings, and elegant Golden Birdwings, among many others. The collection changes, offering new species to discover regularly.
: Yes, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is fully wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways and benches throughout the facility. They also have a limited number of wheelchairs available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, and service animals (as defined by the ADA) are welcome.
: In addition to the main Tropical Conservatory, the Butterfly House features an Exhibit Hall (sometimes referred to as an insect zoo) that displays a variety of other invertebrates, including fascinating spiders, roaches, and beetles. There's also the "Miracle of Metamorphosis" exhibit, where visitors can observe chrysalides and emerging butterflies, and an outdoor Native Butterfly Garden showcasing local pollinators.