ZooColorado, US

Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion is the first stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the United States, offering a unique immersion into the world of small wonders.

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About

Butterfly Pavilion is the first stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the United States, offering a unique immersion into the world of small wonders. This 30,000-square-foot facility, set on 11 acres in Westminster, Colorado, is dedicated to inspiring conservation of invertebrates and their habitats through engaging exhibits and educational experiences. A visit to the Butterfly Pavilion is an interactive journey into the fascinating lives of insects, spiders, and other segmented creatures. The experience centers around the vibrant Wings of the Tropics conservatory, a humid, warm rainforest environment where over 1,600 free-flying butterflies from around the world captivate guests with their graceful movements and stunning colors. Beyond the main conservatory, visitors can explore the Crawl-A-See-Em, home to a variety of arthropods, where the famous Rosie the Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula often makes an appearance, offering supervised holding opportunities for brave guests. The Pavilion extends its invertebrate exploration to aquatic life at Water's Edge, featuring interactive touch tanks with sea stars, hermit crabs, and horseshoe crabs. The Chrysalis Chamber provides a unique chance to witness butterflies emerging from their cocoons, highlighting the incredible process of metamorphosis. With its combination of immersive habitats, hands-on encounters, and educational programs, the Butterfly Pavilion is a captivating destination that fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the planet's smallest, yet most essential, creatures. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

The Butterfly Pavilion opened its doors on July 15, 1995, marking a significant milestone as the first stand-alone non-profit insect zoo in the United States. Its inception was driven by the Rocky Mountain Butterfly Consortium, a Colorado non-profit founded in 1990, with the vision of creating a public butterfly house. Since its founding, the Butterfly Pavilion has continuously expanded its mission to inspire conservation and educate the public about the importance of invertebrates. In 1997, it launched its "Bugmobile" outreach program, which by 2010 was serving 20,000 students annually. The facility has undergone several expansions and introduced new exhibits, such as Water's Edge in 1998, a tide pool display. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Butterfly Pavilion has evolved into a global leader in invertebrate research and conservation, initiating projects both within Colorado, like restoring dragonfly and firefly populations, and internationally, such as establishing sustainable butterfly farms in places like Indonesia.

What to do here

Walk slowly through the Wings of the Tropics to encourage butterflies to land on you (but do not touch them). Engage with staff at daily animal encounters and consider holding Rosie the tarantula. Explore the outdoor gardens (seasonal) and the nature trail.

Seasonal info

The Outdoor Gardens are most vibrant and active with local insects from May to October. The Butterfly Pavilion also hosts special events like the "Living Lights" experience during mid-December to early January. The Wings of the Tropics conservatory maintains a warm and humid climate year-round.

Accessibility

The facility is fully ADA compliant, offering wheelchair accessibility throughout, with elevators to all levels. Free wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk. For guests with sensory sensitivities, noise-reducing headphones, weighted vests, and a designated quiet area in the Colorado Backyard exhibit are available. Sensory Friendly Afternoons are held on the last Wednesday of each month. Staff can also bring animals to visitors for encounters if access to exhibits is limited. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.

Don't miss

Wings of the Tropics

Immerse yourself in a tropical rainforest filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies.

Crawl-A-See-Em/Survival

Discover a diverse collection of arthropods, and don't miss meeting Rosie the Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula.

Water's Edge

Experience interactive touch tanks with marine invertebrates like sea stars and horseshoe crabs.

Chrysalis Chamber

Witness the incredible transformation of butterflies as they emerge from their chrysalides.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Blue Morpho Butterfly

Owl Butterfly

Tarantula

Sea Star

Horseshoe Crab

Ant

Box Jellyfish

Giant Leaf Insect

Giant African Millipede

Scorpion

Amber

Atlas Moth

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

Wear bright colors

Butterflies are attracted to bright hues like red, yellow, pink, orange, and purple, increasing your chances of a butterfly landing on you in the conservatory.

Book tickets online in advance

Timed entry is often used, and booking online can secure your spot and sometimes offer savings.

Practice patience in the conservatory

Move slowly and stand still to encourage butterflies to land. Remember not to touch them, as it can harm their delicate wings.

Mind your photography

Flash photography is prohibited in all exhibit areas as it can disturb the animals. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are also not permitted inside exhibits.

Plan for parking

Free onsite parking is available, but if the main lot is full, free overflow parking is offered at the Westin Westminster or the Armed Forces Tribute Garden, a short walk away.

Dress in layers

The Wings of the Tropics conservatory is kept warm and humid to replicate a rainforest environment, so dressing in layers allows you to adjust comfortably.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, visitors aged 3 and up can typically hold Rosie the Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula during designated times with staff assistance. Rosie and Goldie have transitioned away from public handling but remain on display. Interpretive specialists are nearby to answer questions and share fun facts about them.
: Yes, the Butterfly Pavilion is fully ADA compliant and designed to accommodate mobility needs, including wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the front desk, and the facility has elevators to all levels.
: The Wings of the Tropics conservatory houses over 1,600 free-flying butterflies representing more than 200 species from around the world. Common sightings include the vibrant Blue Morphos, striking Owl Butterflies, Zebra Longwings, and the Large Postman butterfly.
: For a quieter experience, it's recommended to visit after 1:00 PM on weekdays, especially during spring and fall, to avoid large school groups. Mornings right after opening are also less crowded, particularly on weekdays, and Mondays are generally good for avoiding school trips.