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Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center: A Tropical Paradise

Discover a vibrant world of fluttering beauty at Callaway Gardens' Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, home to over 1,000 butterflies in a tropical paradise.

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Step into a world of vibrant colors and fluttering wings at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, North America's largest glass-enclosed tropical conservatory, located within Callaway Gardens. Home to over 1,000 butterflies from around the globe, this multi-story center offers an immersive experience for nature lovers of all ages [14, 16].

A brief summary to Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the butterflies' most active times, typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. [2].
  • September is Blue Morpho Butterfly Month, offering a spectacular display of these iridescent butterflies [2, 3, 18].
  • Take your time and observe the butterflies closely; you might spot them feeding on fruit or emerging from their chrysalises [2, 3].
  • Be aware that the conservatory is kept at a warm and humid temperature, typical of a tropical environment [17].
  • Combine your visit with other Callaway Gardens attractions for a full day of exploration [5, 20].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Callaway Gardens entrance, follow the main road towards the heart of the gardens. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is centrally located, approximately halfway around Mountain Creek Lake. Look for signs directing you towards the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center; the Butterfly Center is adjacent. Walking from the entrance can take 20-30 minutes, but it allows you to enjoy the surrounding gardens. Alternatively, utilize the internal shuttle service for quicker access. Remember that general admission to Callaway Gardens is required to access the Butterfly Center; Adults (Age 13-64) $24.95, Senior (Age 65+) $21.95, Child (Age 6-12) $14.95 [5].

  • Driving

    Enter Callaway Gardens through the main entrance and follow the one-way road encircling Mountain Creek Lake. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center will be on your right, approximately halfway around the loop. Limited parking is available directly behind the Butterfly Center; additional parking can be found along the main road between the Pioneer Log Cabin and the driveway to the conservatory [17]. Be prepared for potential congestion during peak seasons and special events. General admission to Callaway Gardens is required; Adults (Age 13-64) $24.95, Senior (Age 65+) $21.95, Child (Age 6-12) $14.95 [5].

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Discover more about Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center

The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens is more than just a butterfly exhibit; it's a living, breathing ecosystem that transports visitors to a tropical paradise [16]. Dedicated on September 25, 1988, and named in honor of Cecil B. Day, founder of Days Inn, the center was among the first butterfly centers in the United States [3]. The 7,300-square-foot glass dome soars to 35 feet, creating a sun-drenched haven for a diverse collection of butterflies and tropical plants [3]. Inside, you'll encounter over 1,000 butterflies representing more than 50 species from regions like Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya, and Malaysia [18]. These delicate creatures flutter freely, creating a mesmerizing dance of color and movement [14, 16]. The conservatory's design incorporates a waterfall and lush tropical vegetation, providing a natural habitat for the butterflies and an immersive experience for visitors [16]. The center plays a vital role in butterfly conservation, carefully managing its butterfly population and adhering to strict USDA regulations [3, 17, 18]. Butterflies arrive as pupae (chrysalises) and are placed in a controlled environment where visitors can witness their emergence [3]. The center also features educational exhibits about the butterfly life cycle and the importance of these pollinators [16]. Throughout the year, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center hosts special events, including the popular Blue Morpho Butterfly Month in September, where visitors can witness a stunning display of these iridescent blue butterflies [2, 3, 18]. The center received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in 2004, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability [3].

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